Where did the Dome go? Greenwich in 1917 Alan Richardson

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THIS is how London looked from the air in 1917.

These incredible photographs, taken during the First World War, are thought to be one of the first aerial surveys of the capital and reveal the changing face of the city.

The images, which include shots of landmarks such as the Tower of London , were discovered by retired RAF helicopter pilot Alan Richardson.

His grandfather Albert, an Army Fusilier, who was attached to the Royal Flying Corps, compiled the collection of 49 photographs and is thought to have taken some of them himself during a flight in 1917.

The series follow the path of the Thames, and one shot features the Crystal Palace, which burned down in 1936.

"They were at the back of an album which has been in my family for years,” Richardson, of Lowestoft in Suffolk, told the Evening Standard.

“On the side of the image is where and when they were taken.

"When I began thinking about the historical significance of them I began to do some research, but could not find any pictures of London before 1917."

“When I began thinking about the historical significance of them I began to do some research, but could not find any pictures of London before 1917.

“I was quite surprised and thought they should be archived to preserve them.

“You can see the difference in the use of the Thames, with barges and docks - it’s an amazing record.”

Richardson received the collection of photographs about 30 years ago, after his grandfather died.

But they were kept in storage while he was stationed around the world.

They can be viewed on the website www.oldaerialphotos.com.

David Drabble from aerial mapping company Bluesky, which runs the site, said: “Despite extensive research, we can find no evidence to dispute the fact that this is the earliest ever aerial survey of London and as such it offers a valuable record of the capital towards the end of the First World War.”