London's a constantly evolving city and people have been recording it on film, since it was first introduced over a century ago. Listed below are some sample films shot in London from the 1890s to the 1980s. Most of the buildings are easily recognisable and have changed very little. Some clips are from professional film makers, but it's the amateur films of the 1940s, 1950s and 1970s which best capture the spirit. Ordinary street scenes of shoppers, develop over time from prosaic and meaningless, to gripping and emotional (if you were there and remember). Fashions and transport see the greatest changes, but the same whimsical expression from passers by as they spot the camera, has barely altered in 100 years.

If you're interested in old film stock, then I recommend the works of Mitchell and Kenyon. They were filmakers during the late Victorian and early Edwardian period, from Blackburn in the north of the England. A stash of nitrate film (more than 800 reels) was discovered in sealed barrels in the basement of a shop in 2002 and had originally been destined for the rubbish dump. Twenty six hours of film footage survived, which was restored to as near perfect condition, as when it was shot over 100 years ago. The BBC compiled the film into a 3 episode series called 'The Lost World of Mitchell and Kenyon' which is available on DVD.

Many old clips are streamed from the BFI on Youtube. Please check the BFI channel for other quality vintage films.

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