21 vintage photos show what life was like in London 100 years ago

Frank OlitoJul 18, 2020, 04:36 IST

Big Ben in 1920.Universal History Archive / Getty

A century ago, London was a bustling city, filled with culture and beautiful architecture.
In 1920, visitors and locals enjoyed its famous attractions like Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and the River Thames.
The fashion in London 100 years ago was different, but people still enjoyed relaxing and watching a game of football.

Today, London is a bustling, metropolitan city, and the same could be said about the city 100 years ago.

In 1920, like today, London was known for attractions such as Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and the River Thames, but there were also differences between today's London and the city a century ago.

Take a look at these photos from 1920s London to see how much life has changed.

An aerial shot of Trafalgar Square in London shows how parts of the city are still the same structurally, 100 years later.

Trafalgar Square. DE AGOSTINI PICTURE LIBRARY / Getty

At the time, Trafalgar Square was the perfect place for children to frolic in fountains.

Trafalgar Square. Mirrorpix / Getty

Likewise, Oxford Street hasn't changed much except for the types of cars and buses that fill the street.

Oxford Street. Getty

Piccadilly Circus had a similar scene of hustle and bustle 100 years ago.

Piccadilly Circus. Getty

Piccadilly Circus has always been a popular destination in London.

Piccadilly Circus in 1920. Universal History Archive / Getty

There were even traffic jams on the bridges that stretched across the River Thames back in 1920.

A bridge in London. Getty

Even the pedestrian bridges got crowded.

A pedestrian bridge in London. Getty

For those who wanted to avoid the road traffic, the London Underground was always an option.

The London Tube. Getty

Bicycles were also a popular way to get around London.

Bicycles in London. Getty

At the time, the River Thames had a largely underdeveloped waterfront.

Thames River. Getty

The Houses of Parliament did, however, stand on the Thames at the time.

Houses of Parliament. Science & Society Picture Library / Getty

The party leaders certainly look different 100 years ago, though.

Party leaders in 1920. Central Press / Getty

In 100 years, women's clothing has changed dramatically — back then, the flapper became a symbol of the '20s.

A flapper in London. George Rinhart / Getty

Of course, Buckingham Palace was standing a century ago and looked largely similar to how it does today.

Buckingham Palace in 1920. Print Collector / Getty

But the royal family inside the palace looked very different.

King George V. DEA / ICAS94 / Getty

Likewise, 10 Downing Street hasn't changed much over the last 100 years.

10 Downing Street in 1920. Mirrorpix / Getty

But at the time, David Lloyd George was calling the famous residence home.

David Lloyd George. Popperfoto/ Getty

Families in London that weren't royal or involved in politics had their own distinct culture.

A family in London in 1920. PA Images / Getty

Outside of family life, people enjoyed relaxing at the Chiswick Baths in London.

Chiswick Baths in London. Topical Press Agency / Getty

Most people also loved a game of amateur football.

A football game in 1920. Popperfoto / Getty

Some children entertained themselves by taking to the streets of London to play fight.

Children in London. Firmin/ Getty

A photographer's side-by-side photos show how simple changes can make you look better in pictures

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