Glimpse history through old images of Barnes, which became a Borough of London in 1932.
Old Pictures of Barnes
Engravings from the eighteenth and nineteenth century show how much the area was transformed over little more than a century. Windmills, fields and orchards gave way to industrial progress and the railway.



Old Photos of Barnes
By the beginning of the twentieth century, the area was populated with residential streets and smart stores. But the village feel was still evident.


Barnes Becomes a Borough (1932)
In 1932, Lord Ashcombe, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, handed over His Majesty’s Charter of Incorporation to the Lord Mayor, marking the creation of Barnes, London’s latest borough.
It all took place with great fanfare and a procession of horse drawn floats, watched by great crowds of local people.
Despite it being filmed in 1932, the sound is very clear, so you can hear what Lord Ashcombe says to the Lord Mayor, the Mayor’s reply, and the music played by the marching band.
Barnes … London’s Latest Borough (1932) – British Pathé on YouTube
Retiring Milkman (1988)
In 21st January 1988, Alan Smith enjoyed a trip on Corcorde, which had been kindly given to him by friends and customers as he retired from his work as a milkman delivering milk to people’s doorsteps.
RETIREMENTS: Milkman,SMITH,Alan. – Thames News on YouTube
More Greater London
- Old Images of Bromley, London
- Old Images of Wandsworth, London
- Old Images of Southwark, London
- Old Images of Richmond upon Thames, London
- Old Images of Purley, London
- Old Images of Merton, London
- Old Images of Lewisham, Southeast London
- Old Images of Lambeth, London
- Old Images of Kingston Upon Thames, London
- Old Images of Kensington Palace, London
- Old Images of Kensington Gardens, London
- Old Images of Kensington, London
- Old Images of Islington, London
- Old Images of Hounslow, London
- Old Images of Hillingdon, London
- Old Images of Harrow School
- Old Images of Harrow, London
- Old Images of Harrow & Wealdstone Railway Station, London
- Old Images of Harringay
- Old Images of Hammersmith, London