The London of 30 years ago was both a different world and remarkably familiar as we look back from this millennium.
In 1993 John Major was prime minister, but the popular John Smith was making headway for Labour. His death the following year would leave the way open for a young Tony Blair.
It was a year of terrorist attacks, with IRA bombings in Camden, Bishopsgate, Finchley Road, and at Harrods.
Stephen Lawrence was murdered in southeast London, highlighting racism in society and its institutions.
In popular music, the first rumblings of Britpop were emerging, while rave, pop, and grunge still dominated the charts.
Manchester United became the first champions of football’s new Premier League. London wouldn’t find a winner until Arsenal in 1998.
At Wimbledon, Pete Sampras and Steffi Graf were the winners.
Younger Londoners were playing on their Sega Mega Drives and Super Nintendo Entertainment Systems (SNES), with PlayStations and Nintendo 64s still to be released.
At the Oscars, London’s Emma Thompson picked up the best female actor gong for her performance in Howards End, while Clint Eastwood won the director and best picture awards for Unforgiven. Al Pacino was named best actor for Scent Of a Woman.
Get the day’s biggest headlines, straight to your inbox, with London World’s free email newsletters.
1. Princess Diana
Diana, Princess of Wales, talks with members of a disabled soccer team on February 25, 1993. (Picture: Johnny Eggitt/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
2. Down and out in London
Nigel Benn looks down at Louis Gent on June 26, 1993. Benn won in the fourth round. (Picture: Getty) | Getty Images
3. Notting Hill Carnival
Participants at the 1993 Notting Hill Carnival. (Picture: Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images
4. Easter
A mock crucifixion outside Westminster Abbey, London, at Easter, on April 9, 1993. (Picture: Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images