WHITE HALL
This remarkable daguerreotype, taken in 1839, captures Whitehall in one of the earliest known photographs of London. Dominating the scene is the equestrian statue of Charles I, a historic landmark that still stands today at the junction with Trafalgar Square. The street, veiled in an early industrial haze, echoes the dawn of the Victorian era — an age of empire, invention and profound transformation.
1839 is a landmark year in British history: it was the year Sir Rowland Hill introduced the Penny Post, revolutionising communication across the UK and laying the foundations for the modern postal system.
Whitehall has always been the heart of British power, home to ministries and palaces, and a silent witness to centuries of political drama and royal processions. This photograph reminds us how much the city has changed — and how much still remains.
🕰️ Do you have old photos of London or your local area? Help preserve our shared heritage by uploading them to Oldpik.com — every image tells a story worth remembering.
1839 is a landmark year in British history: it was the year Sir Rowland Hill introduced the Penny Post, revolutionising communication across the UK and laying the foundations for the modern postal system.
Whitehall has always been the heart of British power, home to ministries and palaces, and a silent witness to centuries of political drama and royal processions. This photograph reminds us how much the city has changed — and how much still remains.
🕰️ Do you have old photos of London or your local area? Help preserve our shared heritage by uploading them to Oldpik.com — every image tells a story worth remembering.
Contributed by OldPik on January 7, 2024
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