London street scenes in the 1960s were vibrant and dynamic, reflecting a time of cultural change and social upheaval. The streets were filled with a mix of traditional and modern influences, showcasing a variety of architectural styles—from Victorian and Edwardian buildings to the emerging Brutalist structures.
Fashion was a key feature, with young people embracing bold styles, such as mini skirts, bell-bottoms, and colorful psychedelic patterns. The “Swinging Sixties” vibe brought about a youthful energy, particularly in areas like Carnaby Street and the King’s Road, where boutiques and shops catered to the latest trends.
The streets were bustling with classic red double-decker buses and black cabs, while the sound of rock ‘n’ roll and pop music wafted through the air. Markets like Portobello Road and Camden were alive with vendors selling everything from antiques to vintage clothing.
Street art was beginning to emerge, and public spaces often featured graffiti and posters promoting concerts or political messages. The mix of cultures was evident as immigrants contributed to the diversity of the city, adding to the rich tapestry of life in London during that era.
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Overall, the streets of London in the 1960s were a lively collage of fashion, music, and cultural expression, capturing the essence of a transformative decade. Take a look at these fascinating to see what street scenes of London looked like in the 1960s.
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| Horse Guards Avenue looking toward Whitehall with the Horse Guards building in the background, London, 1960 |
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| Horse Guards Parade, London, 1960 |
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| London, 1960 |
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| Nelson’s Column, London, circa 1960 |
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| The Mall, London, looking towards Admiralty Arch, 1960 |
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| Trafalgar Square, London, circa 1960 |
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| St. Margaret’s Church, London, 1961 |
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| Trafalgar Square, London, 1962 |
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| The Sheffield-registered Mk1 Cortina on Highgate Hill, London, circa 1963 |
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| Horseguards Parade, Westminster, London, 1964 |
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| News van 11th march 1964 on a London street. Born – Prince Edward, the fourth (and youngest) child of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Buckingham Palace, 1964 |
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| South end of Park Lane, the tower is now the Hilton, London, 1964 |
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| Trafalgar Square, London, 1964 |
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| Trafalgar Square, London, 1964 |
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| Big Ben, London, 1965 |
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| Great Tower Street, London, circa 1965 |
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| Oxford Street, London, December 1965 |
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| Trafalgar Square, London, 1965 |
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| Trafalgar Square, London, 1965 |
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| Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, 1968 |
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| Carnaby Street, London, 1968 |
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| Carnaby Street, London, 1968 |
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| Looking down King William Street towards Bank, from The Monument, London, 1968 |
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| Looking up Monument Street from the Lovat Lane and Lower Thames Street junction, London, 1968 |
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| Pool of London and Billingsgate Market, London, 1968 |
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| The US Embassy in London, 1968 |
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| The US Embassy in London, 1968 |
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| Bank of England, London, 1969 |
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| Buckingham Palace, London, 1969 |
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| Commonwealth Institute, Kensington High Street, London, 1969 |
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| London, 1969 |
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| Parliament Square, London, 1969 |
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| Piccadilly Circus, London, 1969 |
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| Royal Albert Hall, London, 1969 |
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| St. Paul’s, London, 1969 |
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| St. Paul’s, London, 1969 |
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| St. Paul’s, Ludgate Hill, London, 1969 |
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| St. Paul’s, Ludgate Hill, London, 1969 |
