Piccadilly Circus, 1890. Photographer: Charles Wilson (G W Wilson & Co)

This view of Piccadilly Circus conveys a strong sense of London's status in the late 19th century as the capital of 'the largest empire the world had ever known'.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/history/picture-preview-portrait-of-london-6939047.html?action=gallery&ino=8