WW2 Photos

In the early hours of the May morning, 1941, when the City of London was ravaged by Hitler’s fires, the international headquarters of the Salvation Army in Queen Victoria Street went up swiftly in a roar of flames. This building was destroyed by a fire during the Blitz in May 1941, leaving nothing but a … Read more

If you walk along Cannon Street in the City of London today, you might notice a plaque on the wall of a modern office building. It marks the site of Cordwainers’ Hall, the livery hall of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, the ancient guild of leather workers and shoemakers. The hall was destroyed by German … Read more

The Ring was located on Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London. It was originally called the Surrey Chapel and was one of the first octagonal churches in England. It had a capacity of 1,200 people and was known for its innovative features such as gas lighting, underfloor heating and an organ with thunder and lightning effects. The … Read more

The Three Tuns was a pub that stood in Viscount Street, Bridgewater Square, in the City of London. It was a historic and popular venue that hosted meetings of cabmen and Presbyterians, among others. But its fate was sealed by the devastating Blitz that rained fire and bombs on London during World War Two. First … Read more

The Britannia Theatre in Shoreditch was once one of the most celebrated music halls in London, hosting famous artists such as Marie Lloyd, Dan Leno and Albert Chevalier. It was also a place of historical significance, as it stood on the site of an old tavern that was frequented by poets and playwrights such as … Read more

These photos of WW2 bomb damage in London are from a collection of newspaper and magazine articles published in England during World War Two. My late grandfather gave these to me as he knew I was interested in London history. The History of Conference Hall, West Ham Lane, London in the 1940s Conference Hall was … Read more

In High Street South, East Ham, the White Horse Hotel was a victim twice in four days of Hitler’s flying bombs. The first bomb fell on June 23, 1944, in nearby Flanders Road. Six people were killed, six seriously injured, and many more injured. 2,135 houses were damaged, over 100 of them being either demolished … Read more

Farringdon Road is one of the major roads in London that connects Blackfriars Bridge and King’s Cross. It was built in the Victorian period as part of a plan to improve the traffic and sanitation of Clerkenwell, a densely populated and poorly laid out district. However, Farringdon Road also witnessed some of the most devastating … Read more

Hughes Mansions was a development of block of flats on Vallance Road, Stepney, in the East End of London. It was built in 1929 and named after Mary Hughes, a local councillor and philanthropist who had bought an old pub in the same street and turned it into a social centre. Hughes Mansions, located on … Read more

Saddlers’ Hall is one of the oldest and most prestigious livery halls in London. It is the home of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, a guild that traces its origins back to the 12th century. The hall has witnessed many events in London’s history, but perhaps none more dramatic than the night of December 29th, … Read more

How Fore Street Textile Warehouse Survived WW2. Fore Street Textile Warehouse was one of the oldest and largest textile businesses in London. Founded in 1799, it occupied a vast site that extended from Fore Street to City Greenyard, covering nearly an acre of ground. It supplied fabrics and garments to retailers and wholesalers across the … Read more

Brewers Quay is a wharf on the north bank of the River Thames, near Tower Bridge and Tower of London. It has a long and rich history, dating back to medieval times, when it was known as Clare’s Quay. In this blog post, we will explore some of the fascinating aspects of Brewers Quay, especially … Read more

Cannon Street and The Blitz Cannon Street is one of the oldest and most historic streets in London. It runs from St Paul’s Cathedral to London Bridge, passing through the heart of the City of London. The street has witnessed many events that shaped the history of London and Britain, especially during the 1940s when … Read more

The Manchester Hotel was a prominent landmark on Aldersgate Street, London, for more than six decades. It was built in 1879 by two textile businessmen, Henry Thomas Tubbs and Joseph Lewis, who wanted to provide a comfortable and convenient accommodation for their clients and visitors from the North of England . The hotel had 240 … Read more

All Hallows by the Tower is an ancient church on Byward Street in London, overlooking the Tower of London. It claims to be the oldest church in the City of London, dating back to AD 675. But how did it survive the devastating bombings of World War Two? In this blog post, we will explore … Read more

London City Mission (LCM) is a Christian organization that has been serving the poor and marginalized people of London since 1835. LCM’s mission is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who are least reached, and to demonstrate God’s love and compassion in practical ways. London City Mission: A Witness of Faith and … Read more