England Then and Now is all about showing how this country has really changed – and how much of it hasn’t. From industrial skylines and cobbled streets to retail parks, tower blocks and commuter belts, each story on this site looks at England through a simple lens: what was it like then, and what is it like now?

Here you’ll find deep‑dive features on English towns and cities then and now, side‑by‑side photos, and clear, down‑to‑earth history that connects old streets, buildings and industries to the way we live today. Whether it’s London, Manchester, a seaside resort or a market town, the aim is to show the real story behind the changes – not just pretty pictures.

You’ll also see articles on everyday life – work, pubs, housing, family life and politics – comparing past and present England in a way that’s honest, opinionated and easy to read. If you’re curious about how we got from mills and shipyards to serviced offices and Deliveroo, or from back‑to‑back terraces to new‑build estates, you’re in the right place.

Use the sections above to jump into the towns and cities hub, explore everyday England then and now, or browse the latest stories. And if your own town isn’t here yet, check out the “Suggest your town” section and let it be next on the list.