{
  "id": 17415026,
  "title": "Vintage photos show what London looked like 100 years ago",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/vintage-photos-show-what-london-looked-like-100-years-ago",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-31T14:17:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/vintage-photos-london-century-ago-2020-7"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the 1920s, London was a bustling metropolis, much like it is today. The city was renowned for its iconic attractions such as Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and the River Thames. However, a closer look at vintage photographs reveals stark contrasts to modern-day London.\n\nTrafalgar Square, once a cultural hub of the city, maintained its charm with fountains that were built in 1845. Oxford Street, now filled with bustling shops and restaurants, once had no vehicles or buses, having been pedestrianized in October. Piccadilly Circus, a popular destination, had a lively atmosphere with double-decker buses and a crossroads ambiance.\n\nThe London Underground, the world's first subway system, opened in 1863 and offered a refuge from the road traffic. Even during the summer, it was advertised as cooler, providing a welcome respite. Bicycles were also a popular mode of transportation among the city's workforce.\n\nThe River Thames, despite its current reputation as a lively waterfront, was largely underdeveloped at the time. The Houses of Parliament, standing on the Thames since 1837, showcased the fashion of the era, with politicians dressed in suits, hats, and carrying walking sticks. Buckingham Palace, erected in 1705, remained the royal family's official residence, with King George V ruling England.\n\nWhile the cityscape had changed, some landmarks remained constant. The Royal Aero Club, formed in December 1924, saw a significant increase in aviation activity, leading to the establishment of 10 flying clubs by August of the same year. These clubs attracted over 3,000 members and logged more than 12,000 hours of flight time in 1928.\n\nAt the time, King George V reigned over England, making him King Charles' great-grandfather. The royal family's attire was markedly different from modern times, reflecting the elegance of the era. Ten Downing Street, the British prime minister's residence since 1735, had remained untouched.",
  "summary": "A century ago, London was a bustling city, filled with culture and beautiful architecture. Take a look at what life was like in London in the 1920s.",
  "key_points": [
    "Trafalgar Square maintained charm with 1845 fountains",
    "Oxford Street pedestrianized in October, no vehicles",
    "London Underground opened in 1863, cooler refuge"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}