Arriving at the Great Metropolis, whether by steam railway or the new fangled horseless carriage, the errant traveller at the turn of the century required guidance to the best that the city had to offer. These early guides give a nostalgic glimpse of a world of 5 shillings-a-night temperance hotels boasting of their electric light, meat teas and lifts.

The Image above, from the 1905 Guide is an advertisement for the Bedford Hotel, Southampton Row, where Room, Table d'Hote Breakfast, and attendance was advertsed at five shillings a night.

Long before the days of Political Correctness, our 19th Century forbears were flocking to the theatre to see such delights as Marion, the Giant Amazon Queen, midgets, performing elephants and King Cole and his Funny Folk. This two CD-ROM collection of Playbills from London theatres gives a fascinating glimpse of the days of Music Hall and the mixture of acts which made up an evening's entertainment.

The Image to the left is from 19th Century Playbills volume 1. An 1849 playbill for Astley's Royal Amphitheatre, advertising Performing Elepants, and a Train of Camels.