Then and now

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England Then and Now

Explore 441 historic and modern photo comparisons from England. Drag the interactive sliders to see how these places have changed over time.

Explore England then and now through historical and modern photographs of its streets, landmarks, towns and cities. Compare familiar places across the years.

  • Beauchief Abbey 1906 – 2026

    Beauchief Abbey, established in the late 12th century, was initially a flourishing religious site for the Premonstratensian order, contributing to both spiritual and industrial life until its dissolution in the 16th century. The abbey suffered significant decline in the following centuries, with much of its stone repurposed for nearby Beauchief Hall.

    Adjacent to the abbey, a quaint cottage was constructed around 1750, serving as an estate lodge. This building, along with the abbey’s restored west tower and chapel added in the 1670s by Edward Pegge, stands as a testament to the area’s historical significance and architectural evolution over the centuries.

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  • Church Street, Wherwell 1890 – 2026

    Church Street in Wherwell showcases a remarkable continuity in its architectural charm and historical significance. This picturesque street, which connects to the parish church of St Peter and the Holy Cross, features an array of thatched, timber-framed cottages dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Many of these homes were constructed using oak beams and stone repurposed from the nearby Wherwell Abbey, a Benedictine nunnery established in AD 986 by Queen Elfrida and dissolved in 1539 during the reign of Henry VIII. The enduring character of Church Street highlights the area’s rich heritage, reflecting a sense of place that remains largely unchanged over centuries.

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  • Wells Cathedral 1900 – 2025

    Vicars’ Close in Wells, Somerset, is notable for its historical significance as the residence for the Vicars Choral, established in 1348 to serve Wells Cathedral. This unique street was designed as a self-sufficient medieval community, featuring essential amenities such as a chapel, library, and hall, all connected to the cathedral by a covered bridge known as Vicars’ Hall.

    While the street has undergone some modifications over the centuries, including the addition of tall chimneys in the 15th century for improved ventilation, it remarkably preserves much of its original 14th-century architecture. Today, Vicars’ Close continues its long-standing tradition of housing cathedral vicars, organists, and choir members, making it a living testament to its medieval roots.

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  • The Old Coastguard Station, Robin Hoods Bay 1900 – 2026

    The Old Coastguard Station, located in the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire, has remained largely unchanged since its construction around 1825. Initially established to oversee the local smuggling activities and ensure the safety of the coastline, this historic structure was strategically positioned above the slipway, allowing for effective surveillance and prompt rescue operations.

    After serving its purpose for over a century, the station was decommissioned in 1988. In 1998, it found new life when the National Trust took ownership, transforming it into a visitor centre that educates the public about the area’s rich maritime history and its significance in local heritage.

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  • Last Inn, Sennen 1900 – 2024

    The Last Inn in Sennen, established in the early 17th century, holds the distinction of being the last pub on the British mainland. Its historical significance extends beyond its age; it was also a hub of smuggling activity during the 18th century. The inn’s landlady, Annie George, cleverly utilized concealed cellars and hidden passages beneath the bar to store illicit goods arriving from the nearby Cornish coastline. This intriguing past adds a layer of character to the establishment, which continues to attract visitors today, blending its rich history with a modern welcoming atmosphere.

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  • Barbican Gate, Sandwich 1900 – 2026

    The Barbican Gate, located in Sandwich, Kent, dates back to the late 14th century and was initially constructed as a defensive structure to protect the crossing over the River Stour. This imposing gateway served a significant role in the town’s history, acting as a fortification during its early years.

    Over the centuries, the Barbican Gate transitioned from a military function to a civic one, operating as the official tollgate for vehicles crossing the town’s bridge. This role continued until the abolition of road tolls in September 1974, marking a significant change in the gate’s function and the town’s transport dynamics. Today, it stands as a historical landmark, reflecting the rich heritage of Sandwich.

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  • George Inn, Norton St Philip 1852 – 2025

    The George Inn in Norton St Philip, established in 1397, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously licensed pubs in the UK. Originally serving as a wool store for the nearby Hinton Priory, the inn also played a significant role during the 1685 Monmouth Rebellion, acting as a strategic headquarters for the Duke of Monmouth.

    This comparison highlights the remarkable preservation of the inn’s character over the centuries. Despite the passage of time, the building retains much of its historical charm, with structural elements and architectural features that echo its storied past. The recent photograph, taken in January last year, showcases the enduring legacy of this iconic establishment.

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  • Parham House, Sussex 1904 – 2024

    Parham House, located in Sussex, stands as a notable example of Elizabethan architecture, having been constructed in 1557. Its impressive preservation is a testament to the care it has received over the centuries, remaining within the ownership of only three families since its inception. The historical significance of Parham House is highlighted by its enduring presence in the landscape, which has seen various changes over the years. The juxtaposition of a photograph from 1904 with a contemporary view captures the essence of this remarkable estate and its surrounding grounds, showcasing the continuity of its architectural heritage amidst the passage of time.

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  • Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire 1865 – 2024

    Kenilworth Castle, situated in Warwickshire, has a rich history dating back to its founding in the 1120s. Originally built as a stronghold, the castle gained significant prominence during the 13th century when it was famously besieged for six months in 1266. Over the years, it evolved into a luxurious residence under notable figures such as John of Gaunt and Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who enhanced its stature.

    The castle’s military significance diminished following the English Civil War, culminating in the dismantling of its fortifications by Parliamentary forces in 1649. Today, the impressive red sandstone ruins, maintained by English Heritage, offer a glimpse into the castle’s storied past and its architectural evolution from a defensive structure to an opulent home.

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  • The Mermaid Inn, Rye 1913 – 2024

    The Mermaid Inn, located in Rye, East Sussex, boasts a history that stretches back to 1156. The present edifice was primarily reconstructed in 1420 following destruction during a French raid in 1377. Characterised by its Tudor timber framing, the inn features low-beamed ceilings and expansive hearths, reflecting its medieval origins.

    In the 18th century, the inn gained notoriety as a hub for smuggling activities, particularly associated with the infamous Hawkhurst Gang, who utilised its hidden cellars and secretive passages for transporting illicit goods. Today, the Mermaid Inn stands as a celebrated example of Britain’s historic hospitality, maintaining its charm and allure for visitors.

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