Keep an eye out above and  around you and you never know what you will spot on a street in London, with signs dating back to the Second World war – or even longer. The oldest street marker is ‘Yorke Street 1636’(see below) in what is now Tavistock Street, Covent Garden.

Cowley Street

Bearing the date 1722, this is one of the oldest street name markers in London.

Cowley Street SW1
Tube: Westminster

Smith’s Square

The date is 1726, the year Isaac Newton developed his theory of gravity.

Smith Square SW1
Tube: Westminster

Bomb Shelter

Dating to 1940, this is one of the last survivors of a common sight during WWII.

Smith Square SW1
Tube: Westminster

Walk Your Horse

A low archway - and all drivers of vehicles are directed to walk their horses.

Cheyne Walk SW3

Tube: Sloane Square

Commit No Nuisance

A lovely turn of phrase in a quaint, Dickensian street in Southwark.

Doyce Street SE1
Tube: Borough

In Case Of Fire...

Apply For The Key Of The Engine Shed... Hopefully, the fire was going to wait for you.

Christ Church E1
Tube: Aldgate East

Bankside

You have to go onto the beach under the Millennium Bridge to see this. Exciting.

Bankside SE1
Tube: Blackfriars

Stick No BIlls

Almost impossible to see in the gloom under the railway arches of London Bridge.

Weston Street SE1
Tube: London Bridge

This Wall

‘THIS WALL the Property of
T CHANCELLOR Built 1824.’ So don’t try stealing it...

Ansdell Street W8
Tube: High Street Kensington

Less Noise Please

‘Consider Offices Above’, full of people who think you are already making a noise.

Thames Path, London Bridge
Tube: London Bridge

The Porters Have Orders

Make a noise and the Porters and Police will remove all Persons disturbing the peace.

Lincoln’s Inn
Tube: Chancery Lane