Social history

NOTES: The original gasworks owned by the Gas Light & Coke Co. at Beckton opened in 1870 and covered an area of 540 acres, with its own railway transporting coal from northern England. During its heyday it served 4.5 million customer in the metropolitan area north of the Thames. The gasworks closed in 1969 with the introduction of natural instead of coal-fired gas. Subsequently the buildings became derelict and were earmarked for demolition. In 1985-1986, the area was used as the location for the filming of Stanley Kubrick's 'Full Metal Jacket', with the remaining buildings of the 1920s and 1930 (and possibly 1950s) as seen here, masquerading as the city of Hue in Vietnam. During filming further demolition took place to create the effect of a city under fire and this image was taken after filiming had finished. The buildings were later demolished and replaced by housing.

NOTES: Lombard Street is famous for its hanging signs. The giant grasshopper seen here is the symbol of Sir Thomas Gresham, founder of the Royal Exchange, dated 1563, it is the original sign.

NOTES: Lombard Street is famous for its hanging signs.

NOTES: Lombard Street is famous for its hanging signs.

NOTES: Lombard Street is famous for its hanging signs. The giant grasshopper seen here is the symbol of Sir Thomas Gresham, founder of the Royal Exchange, dated 1563, it is the original sign.

NOTES: These images were taken prior to the restoration of the church and convent. See RIBA155089 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: These images were taken prior to the restoration of the church and convent. See RIBA155090 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: These images were taken prior to the restoration of the church and convent. See RIBA155091 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: These images were taken prior to the restoration of the church and convent. See RIBA155092 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: These images were taken prior to the restoration of the church and convent.

NOTES: These images were taken prior to the restoration of the church and convent. See RIBA146476 for a colour version of this image.