Images Dated 21st November 2017

Repairing bomb damage to the Royal College of Physicians

Page from The Sphere showing repair work being carried out to the bomb-damaged Royal College of Physicians in their building on Pall Mall East on the north west corner of Trafalgar Square. One hundred and fifteen years after its opening, in June 1940, a bomb pierce the iron roof and the building was badly damaged. Photographs below the sketch by W.P. Robins show the lecture hall, main salon and entrance hall, all undergoing repairs. Date: 1947

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Duchess of York - Toc H League of Helpers - lighting lamps

Elizabeth the Duchess of York (later Elizabeth the Queen Mother 1900-2002) lighting lamps at the Toc H League of Helpers Festival and lamplighting Ceremonial at the Royal Albert Hall, London - October 27th 1934. The Duchess lit lamps of 28 new branches including Auckland, Bulawayo and Vancouver. Toc H is an international Christian movement. The name is an abbreviation for Talbot House, Toc signifying the letter T in the signals spelling alphabet used by the British Army in World War I. Date: 1934

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Opening of Corams Field and Harmsworth Memorial Playground

On first day of the court moving from full to half-mourning, Elizabeth, Duchess of York (later the Queen Mother 1900-2002), opens Corams Field and Harmsworth Memorial Playground, saving the old Foundling Hospital site as playgrounds for the children. The Duchess is here talking to children playing in the sandpit. Date: 1936

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection