Britain Through the Ages

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Britain Through the Ages Britain Through the Ages explores the rich history and culture of the UK.

Discover the landmarks, events, and figures that shaped the nation, celebrating Britain's enduring legacy and timeless heritage.

Times were different i wish i could go back!🥹💙🇬🇧
19/08/2024

Times were different i wish i could go back!🥹💙🇬🇧

The beautiful coastal town of Salcombe, one of the prettiest towns in South Devon, pictured then and now.Salcombe relied...
19/08/2024

The beautiful coastal town of Salcombe, one of the prettiest towns in South Devon, pictured then and now.

Salcombe relied on the estuary and sea for its livelihood, with fishing, seafaring, boat and shipbuilding, along with smuggling and likely some piracy, as its main occupations.

Portobello Road market, North Kensington, london, 1950.In the 1950s, Portobello Road Market was already an iconic part o...
19/08/2024

Portobello Road market, North Kensington, london, 1950.

In the 1950s, Portobello Road Market was already an iconic part of London’s cultural tapestry, having evolved from a humble 19th-century vegetable market into a bustling hub of activity post-World War II. The market was renowned for its eclectic mix of goods, ranging from fresh produce and household items to antiques and second-hand clothing, attracting a diverse crowd of locals and tourists alike.

This decade saw the market become a vibrant meeting point for people from various backgrounds, reflecting the rich multicultural fabric of North Kensington. The market stalls were often family-run businesses, passed down through generations, adding a personal touch to the shopping experience.

The lively atmosphere, with vendors calling out their wares and the scent of fresh food in the air, created a unique charm that still draws people to Portobello Road today.

Living that dream life!🇬🇧English countryside!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧
19/08/2024

Living that dream life!🇬🇧English countryside!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

I wish i could go there.Take a walk that lasts forever!🥹😍🇬🇧
19/08/2024

I wish i could go there.Take a walk that lasts forever!🥹😍🇬🇧

Moretonhampstead, a picturesque town in Dartmoor National Park, pictured then and now.A series of fires in the 20th cent...
19/08/2024

Moretonhampstead, a picturesque town in Dartmoor National Park, pictured then and now.

A series of fires in the 20th century destroyed many of the town's ancient buildings, but some still remain to demonstrate the Saxon and medieval heritage.

Who says perfection can't be reached???We did,we just lost it by the greedy!🥲🥹
19/08/2024

Who says perfection can't be reached???We did,we just lost it by the greedy!🥲🥹

London transport RT356 on route 38 towards Chingford is seen leaving Victoria bus station in the early 1960'sThe RT-type...
19/08/2024

London transport RT356 on route 38 towards Chingford is seen leaving Victoria bus station in the early 1960's

The RT-type buses were an iconic symbol of London's public transport during this period, known for their distinctive red livery and classic design.

Route 38 was a well-travelled route, connecting various key locations across the city, and seeing the RT356 in action provides a glimpse into the bustling, vibrant atmosphere of London during the early 1960s.

The Victoria Bus Station was a major hub, serving as a key departure and arrival point for numerous routes, contributing to the efficient and widespread network of London's public transport system at the time.

This scene captures not only the essence of mid-20th century urban transport but also the everyday lives of Londoners as they navigated the city.

A family in a council estate in the East End of London, 1960s.In the 1960s, the East End of London was a vibrant and dyn...
19/08/2024

A family in a council estate in the East End of London, 1960s.

In the 1960s, the East End of London was a vibrant and dynamic area marked by a rich blend of working-class roots and cultural diversity amidst significant post-war changes. Following the heavy bombings of World War II, the area underwent extensive reconstruction, with new council estates and housing developments emerging to replace the old Victorian slums.

These modern estates provided better living conditions with amenities like indoor plumbing and central heating, a marked improvement from the previous overcrowded and dilapidated housing. The East End was known for its close-knit communities, where neighbours knew each other well and supported one another. Local pubs served as central social hubs, and bustling markets like Brick Lane Market were important community gathering points, offering a lively mix of goods and produce.

This period also saw the East End's cultural landscape enriched by significant immigration, particularly from the Caribbean, South Asia, and other parts of the Commonwealth. This influx of new residents brought diverse traditions, foods, and social practices, contributing to the area’s unique and multicultural character.

Despite economic challenges and the lingering effects of wartime damage, the East End of the 1960s was a place of resilience, camaraderie, and vibrant urban life.

A crowd of people gather outside a newsagents shop in London's Notting Hill, September 1st 1958.On September 1st, 1958, ...
19/08/2024

A crowd of people gather outside a newsagents shop in London's Notting Hill, September 1st 1958.

On September 1st, 1958, a tense and somber atmosphere enveloped London's Notting Hill as a crowd of people gathered outside a newsagent's shop, reflecting the aftermath of the Notting Hill Race Riots.

This historically significant event was marked by racial tensions and violence between white British residents and newly arrived Caribbean immigrants.

The riots, which occurred in late August 1958, were sparked by a series of racially motivated attacks and tensions exacerbated by economic hardships and social prejudices.

Notting Hill, a diverse and economically mixed area, became a focal point of racial unrest, leading to clashes on the streets and widespread fear and uncertainty among residents.

As the news spread and emotions ran high, the gathering outside the newsagent's shop likely represented a mix of curiosity, concern, and community solidarity.

Residents and passersby sought information and sought solace amidst the turmoil, while media attention and public discourse intensified, reflecting broader societal divisions and calls for social change.

The Notting Hill Race Riots of 1958 were a pivotal moment in British history, prompting soul-searching about racial prejudice and discrimination, and laying the groundwork for future movements towards racial equality and multiculturalism in the United Kingdom.

The scene outside the newsagent's shop on that September day encapsulated the complex and evolving dynamics of race, identity, and community in post-war London.

Birmingham 1976!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
19/08/2024

Birmingham 1976!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Colored photo of london 1967!
19/08/2024

Colored photo of london 1967!

The narrow streets of Robin Hoods Bay on the Yorkshire coast pictured then and now.The village has a long tradition of s...
19/08/2024

The narrow streets of Robin Hoods Bay on the Yorkshire coast pictured then and now.

The village has a long tradition of smuggling and fishing that can still be seen in its architecture.

East London Street Market, 1960Young Boys carry their new pet parrots bought at a street market in East London, March 29...
19/08/2024

East London Street Market, 1960

Young Boys carry their new pet parrots bought at a street market in East London, March 29th 1960

In the 1960s, the East London street markets were vibrant hubs of activity and culture, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the area. One of the most iconic of these was Petticoat Lane Market, situated in the heart of the East End. Established in the early 17th century, by the 1960s, it had grown into a bustling marketplace where vendors sold everything from clothing and textiles to exotic foods and household goods.

The market was a melting pot of different cultures and communities, particularly reflecting the significant influx of immigrants from the Caribbean, South Asia, and other parts of the world. This rich tapestry of cultures brought a unique energy and variety to the stalls, making the market a microcosm of London's evolving social landscape. Shoppers and vendors haggled over prices, shared stories, and formed a close-knit community, with the sounds of bartering and the aromas of diverse cuisines filling the air.

The East London street markets of the 1960s were not just places of commerce but also social gathering spots where people connected, celebrated their heritage, and found a sense of belonging in a rapidly changing city. These markets played a crucial role in shaping the identity of East London, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the area today.

Chester England 1961!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
18/08/2024

Chester England 1961!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Birmingham 1976!
18/08/2024

Birmingham 1976!

Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset pictured then and now.The steep cobbled street, famous from the Hovis advert, is descri...
18/08/2024

Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset pictured then and now.

The steep cobbled street, famous from the Hovis advert, is described as "one of the most romantic sights in England."

High Bridge in Lincoln is the oldest bridge in Britain to still have buildings on it.Here it is pictured 125 years ago. ...
18/08/2024

High Bridge in Lincoln is the oldest bridge in Britain to still have buildings on it.

Here it is pictured 125 years ago. Bridges with buildings on them used to be common in England, but there are only three structures left.

Street market, Portobello Road, Kensington, London, 1963.In 1963, Portobello Road Market in Kensington, London, was a vi...
18/08/2024

Street market, Portobello Road, Kensington, London, 1963.

In 1963, Portobello Road Market in Kensington, London, was a vibrant and bustling hub that captured the eclectic spirit of the era. Known for its rich history and diverse array of goods, the market was a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking unique finds. Stretching over two miles, Portobello Road was lined with stalls selling everything from fresh produce and antiques to vintage clothing and bric-a-brac, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere.

The 1960s were a transformative time for the market, as it became a cultural melting pot reflecting the dynamic changes happening in London. The influence of the swinging sixties was palpable, with the market attracting a mix of bohemians, artists, and musicians, all drawn to its bohemian charm and the promise of uncovering hidden treasures. Stalls overflowed with rare vinyl records, retro fashion, and an array of international foods, contributing to the market's reputation as a place where one could find almost anything.

Portobello Road Market was not just a place for shopping; it was a social hub where people from all walks of life mingled and shared stories. The vibrant street scene was enhanced by the sounds of street musicians and the lively chatter of vendors and shoppers. This unique blend of commerce and community spirit made Portobello Road Market an iconic landmark in 1960s London, encapsulating the essence of a city in the midst of cultural revolution.

Lacock is a beautiful medieval village in the Cotswolds.With its central grid of four streets, Lacock today looks much a...
18/08/2024

Lacock is a beautiful medieval village in the Cotswolds.

With its central grid of four streets, Lacock today looks much as it did 200 years ago.

London during 1930-s
18/08/2024

London during 1930-s

A young boy in Birmingham 1960
18/08/2024

A young boy in Birmingham 1960

Trinity Bridge is a unique three-way stone arch bridge in Crowland, Lincolnshire.Built 650 years ago, it's now a schedul...
18/08/2024

Trinity Bridge is a unique three-way stone arch bridge in Crowland, Lincolnshire.

Built 650 years ago, it's now a scheduled monument and there's no other bridge like it in Britain.

The Bargate, Southampton is 'the finest and most complex town gateway in Britain.'The Grade I listed structure was built...
18/08/2024

The Bargate, Southampton is 'the finest and most complex town gateway in Britain.'

The Grade I listed structure was built in 1180 as a main entrance into the town, people still walk through it today 840 years later.

The best royals in one photo!🥹😍💙
18/08/2024

The best royals in one photo!🥹😍💙

The cotswolds Gloucestershire England United kingdom!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧
18/08/2024

The cotswolds Gloucestershire England United kingdom!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

Rye Landgate is incredibly well preserved.Built around 680 years ago, the Grade 1 listed structure is still in use today...
18/08/2024

Rye Landgate is incredibly well preserved.

Built around 680 years ago, the Grade 1 listed structure is still in use today and it's the only surviving fortified entrance to Rye.

Cockington Forge (structure on the left) in Torquay was constructed in the 14th century.Despite its age, it has remarkab...
18/08/2024

Cockington Forge (structure on the left) in Torquay was constructed in the 14th century.

Despite its age, it has remarkably survived for centuries with only a few brick and cement fillings to bolster it up.

Thames televisions 'Love Thy Neighbour' starring Jack Smethurst, Rudolph Walker, Nina Baden-Semper, Kate Williams, Keith...
18/08/2024

Thames televisions 'Love Thy Neighbour' starring Jack Smethurst, Rudolph Walker, Nina Baden-Semper, Kate Williams, Keith Marsh, Tommy Godfrey and Paul Luty was first broadcast on ITV 52 years ago.

"Love Thy Neighbour," a British television sitcom produced by Thames Television, first aired in 1972 and ran until 1976. The show was set in a suburban neighborhood and centered around the comedic and often contentious relationship between two neighboring couples, one black and one white.

Eddie Booth, a white working-class man, and his wife Joan find themselves living next door to Bill and Barbie Reynolds, a black couple. The series explored the racial tensions and prejudices of the time through humor, often highlighting Eddie's bigotry and Bill's witty responses.

Despite its popularity, "Love Thy Neighbour" was controversial for its handling of race and stereotypes. It attempted to address racial issues and promote understanding by showcasing the absurdity of prejudice, but its approach has since been critiqued for perpetuating certain stereotypes and insensitive language.

The show remains a significant piece of British television history, reflecting the social attitudes and complexities of the 1970s. Today, it serves as a reminder of how far societal attitudes towards race and representation have evolved and the ongoing need for sensitivity and progress in media portrayals.

The George Inn, built in 1676, is London's only surviving galleried inn.Saved by the National Trust, the Grade 1 listed ...
18/08/2024

The George Inn, built in 1676, is London's only surviving galleried inn.

Saved by the National Trust, the Grade 1 listed building was once a drinking den for Williams Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.

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