Then and Now Image Gallery

The streets of Kensington and Chelsea today are familiar to many but how did they look in the past? The images in the Then and Now gallery will show how the Borough has changed from a rural hamlet into a thriving part of the metropolis. Via photographs from the Local Studies collection be transported back to the 20th and 19th century Kensington and Chelsea. You can also see the changes in architecture, fashion and transport.

Chelsea Embankment

The Thames at Chelsea: From riverside idyll to major London thoroughfare

21st century

20th century

19th century

Cremorne Road

From country mansion via a pleasure ground to tower blocks; the history of Cremorne

21st century

19th century

18th century

Thurloe Place

The junction of Thurloe place and Brompton Road where pubs and cars came together

21st century

20th century

19th century

Earls Court Road

How Kensington's first zoo became home to one of England's most famous actress

21st century

20th century

19th century

Old Brompton Road

Cromwellian generals, Russian princesses and Royal brides all lived in Coleherne Court

21st century

20th century

19th century

Cromwell Road

Discover how the dinosaurs came to South Kensington

21st century

20th century

19th century

High Street Kensington Station

The tube comes to the High Street bringing the eager shoppers

21st century

20th century

19th century

Observatory Gardens

Campden Hill, an ideal site for observing the stars

21st century

20th century

19th century

Notting Hill Gate

Roads, tolls and trains at the Gate

21st century

20th century

19th century

Portobello Road

From farm to housing estate, Portobello Road north of Westway

21st century

20th century

19th century

Melbury Road

The tale of two Little Holland Houses and a famous sculptor

21st century

20th century

19th century

Town Hall

Once the home of an American President, now the Civic Centre for the Royal Borough

21st century

20th century

19th century

Tite Street

Country mansion, children's hospital and convent have all had a place in the history of Tite Street

21st century

20th century

19th century