A century ago: glimpses of 1920s London through vintage photographs

An aerial view of Trafalgar Square reveals a structural consistency across the decades. Originally conceived as a cultural hub in the early 1800s and formally named in 1830, the square was once a popular spot for children to play in its fountains, which were constructed in 1845.

Oxford Street, now largely pedestrianized with vehicle restrictions in place between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street since October, was once a bustling thoroughfare with cars and buses. Piccadilly Circus, established in 1819 and becoming a major crossroads by 1920, remains a popular destination and a must-see for tourists.

Even the bridges spanning the River Thames, now numbering 35, experienced traffic congestion a century ago. Pedestrian bridges were often crowded, with people navigating windy conditions.

The London Underground, the world’s first subway system launched in 1863, was marketed as a cool escape from summer heat. Bicycles were also a common mode of transportation, notably used by employees at Somerset House.

The 1920s witnessed the early development of civil aviation, spurred by the light-aircraft movement. By 1928, 21 flying clubs were operating, with over 3,000 members and more than 12,000 hours of flight time logged.

The River Thames waterfront looked significantly different, lacking the modern developments we see today, such as the London Eye, built in 1999. The Houses of Parliament, however, stood prominently along the river, construction having begun in 1837.

Political figures also presented a different image, often seen in formal suits, hats, and with walking sticks. Buckingham Palace, completed in 1705 and undergoing renovations since, retained its appearance, serving as the official residence of the royal family. King George V, great-grandfather to King Charles, reigned at the time.

10 Downing Street, the home and office of the British prime minister since 1735, was then occupied by Stanley Baldwin, who led the Conservative Party across three separate terms: 1923-1924, 1924-1929, and 1935-1937.

Fashion underwent a dramatic transformation, with the flapper symbolizing the spirit of the 1920s, representing newfound freedoms for women who had entered the workforce during World War I. Both men’s and women’s clothing trends shifted towards casual simplicity.

Suffragists continued their fight for equal voting rights, which were finally granted to women over 21 in 1928, enfranchising 15 million voters. Technological advancements, such as the automatic telephone, also impacted the workforce, leading to the decline of the “hello girls,” the female switchboard operators who had previously dominated the telephone industry.