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Tower Bridge and the Tower of London in March 1921.

The “Britain from Above” project preserves 95,000 of the oldest and most valuable photographic negatives in the Aerofilms collection, dating from 1919 to 1953. The negatives, which consist of both glass plates and early film negatives, are carefully conserved and scanned into digital format for public view.

According to its curators, English Heritage, this vast, historic collection was created by Aerofilms Ltd, the first commercial aerial photography company in Britain, set up by Frances Lewis Wills and Claude Grahame-White in 1919. The whole Aerofilms oblique collection contains more than 1.2 million negatives and thousands of photograph albums, held in Swindon, Edinburgh and Aberystwyth.

The 95,000 negatives illustrate the dramatically changing face of Britain in the first half of the 20th century. The project launched a new interactive website in June 2012.

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Houses of Parliament and Parliament Square, Westminster, London in June 1926.

Aerofilms Collection / EPA

Saint Paul's Cathedral, London in March 1921.

Aerofilms Collection / EPA

Purves Road, Kensal Green, London in March 1921.

Aerofilms Collection / EPA

The FA Cup Final between Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff City, Wembley Park, London in April 1925.

Aerofilms Collection / EPA

Crystal Palace, Penge, London in April 1925.

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A view from a cable car as London Mayor Boris Johnson takes one of the first rides on the Emirates Air Line cable car across the River Thames prior to its official opening to the public this morning on June 28 in London, England.

Stefan Rousseau / WPA Pool via Getty Images

London Mayor Boris Johnson takes one of the first rides on the Emirates Air Line cable car across the River Thames prior to its official opening to the public this morning on June 28 in London, England.

The Emirates Air Line, a £44 million cable car system spanning the Thames in London, was officially launched by London mayor Boris Johnson. Ahead of the public opening, Mr Johnson rode one of the cable cars which will whisk passengers almost 300ft above the river between Greenwich by the 02 Arena in south London and the Royal Docks by the ExCel exhibition center to the north. Each car provides 360-degree views taking in the City, Canary Wharf, historic Greenwich, the Thames Barrier and the Olympic Park.

See more Olympics related photos on PhotoBlog.

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Back-dropped by the O2, a Transport for London's gondola lift cable car is seen across the River Thames, in London, on June 28. The cable car will make the half-mile crossing between Greenwich and the Royal Docks, allowing visitors to take in the views of Olympic Park, the Canary Wharf financial center and the Thames Barrier. Each of the 34 cars holds 10 people and looks like the gondolas that ferry skiers up the mountains in the Swiss Alps. Travelers can go one way or round-trip, with a one-way ticket costing 3.20 pounds (5 US dollars).

Slideshow: Venues for 2012 London Olympic Games

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From Wimbledon to Wembley Stadium to The Dome, a look at the venues for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Northern Ireland deputy first minister Martin McGuinness at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast on June 27, 2012.

The picture above may not look all that special, but it captures a historic moment in the Northern Ireland peace process.

Since it was announced last week that Queen Elizabeth II would meet Martin McGuinness, formerly a senior commander in the IRA, there had been intense speculation about how the encounter would play out — and how it would be recorded.

'Never thought I'd see this day': Reflecting on Queen's historic meeting with ex-IRA commander

It was only on Wednesday morning that Buckingham Palace confirmed the meeting — or at least a part of it — would be filmed. Cameras were not present for the initial encounter between the Queen and McGuinness, who is now Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, but a small number of media representatives were allowed to witness their farewells. 

Hands of history: Gestures of the Northern Ireland peace process

Even then, the handshake was not permitted to be broadcast live. Rolling news channels in the U.K. were forced to fill the image vacuum with endlessly-looped footage of the Queen looking at an art exhibit, as their correspondents attempted to describe a scene they had not yet been able to see. Finally, after an interminable delay, a handful of still images and 23 seconds of video were released to the world.

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Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson, second left, and the Duke of Edinburgh watch as the Queen shakes hands with Martin McGuinness.

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Armed police block a road leading to the Lyric Theatre in Belfast during the Queen's visit.

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Racegoers hold on to their hats during strong winds on day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot racecourse on June 22, in Ascot, England.

Andrew Winning / Reuters

A race goer struggles to keep her hat on in strong winds on the fourth day at Royal Ascot, southwest of London, on June 22.

Andrew Winning / Reuters

A racegoer struggles with her umbrella in strong winds on the fourth day at Royal Ascot, southwest of London, on June 22.

Andrew Winning / Reuters

Race goers struggle to keep their hats on in strong winds on the fourth day at Royal Ascot, southwest of London, on June 22.

Reuters reports -- Ladies, forget those flimsy fascinators and get yourself a proper hat: one that has a base of at least 4 inches in diameter.

So says a new dress code coming into force at this year's Royal Ascot, the annual horse-race meeting attended by Britain's Queen Elizabeth and a highlight of high society's summer season.

"Strapless, off-the-shoulder, halter-neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than 1 inch (2.5cm) are not permitted," says the dress code for lady racegoers lucky enough to have tickets for the exclusive Royal Enclosure.

Continue reading.

Slideshow: Hats off for the Ascot races

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Take a look at the craziest, coolest and most out-there outfits at the annual British event, where the horses take a backseat to fashion.

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Gleu Sunpooja stands in front of Stonehenge as solstice revelers celebrate the arrival of the midsummer sunrise at the megalithic monument on June 21, 2012 near Salisbury, England.

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A man playing an accordion beneath a costume of torn fabrics and a child leave Stonehenge during the summer solstice after 4:52 am BST on June 21, 2012.

Rain-sodden crowds welcomed a spectacularly soggy summer solstice at Stonehenge in true British fashion Thursday: With stoicism and wit. But through the wind and rain, drummers inside the ancient stone circle kept up their thumping rhythm, new age pagans continued with their chaotic dance, and visitors didn't lose their sense of humor. 

Stonehenge is a celebrated venue of festivities during the summer solstice - the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere - attracting thousands of revelers, spiritualists and tourists. Druids, a pagan religious order dating back to Celtic Britain, believe Stonehenge was a center of spiritualism more than 2,000 years ago. 

-- Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report

 Previously on PhotoBlog:

• Serenity in the city: Yoga takes over Times Square for summer solstice
• Sun shows up late for 2011 Stonehenge solstice

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People gather during the summer solstice at Stonehenge on June 21, 2012.

Kieran Doherty / Reuters

A reveler prays during the summer solstice at the ancient Stonehenge monument on June 21, 2012.

Lefteris Pitarakis / AP

People gather during the summer solstice at Stonehenge on June 21, 2012.

Slideshow: Summertime living

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Celebrating the warm summer months, as schools let out and the cooling off begins.

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British Prime Minister David Cameron enters the High Court to give evidence at the Leveson Inquiry, in London on June 14, 2012.

ITV News and msnbc.com news services report — British Prime Minister David Cameron, under fire for courting an exclusive media clique led by Rupert Murdoch, appeared before a judicial inquiry on Thursday to try and neuter claims his ministers tailored policy to further Murdoch's interests.

Cameron's once-cozy ties with Murdoch's inner circle mean he is under pressure to pull off a virtuoso performance at the inquiry, which has sharpened the perception that Britain has been run for years by an elite that fawned on the News Corp chairman. Read the full story.

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Journalists stand behind the railings awaiting the arrival of David Cameron at the High Court in London on June 14, 2012.

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The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team fly in formation over Buckingham Palace as The Royal family stand on the balcony on June 5, in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of wellwishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations.

Andrew Winning / Reuters

Britain's Queen Elizabeth smiles as she leaves St Paul's Cathedral with its Dean, David Ison and the Canon Pastor, Michael Colclough (right) following a thanksgiving service to mark her Diamond Jubilee in central London on June 5.

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Metropolitan police officers encourage Royal supporters to cheer before Britain's Queen Elizabeth II Carriage Procession from Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, on June 5. The British Royal Family's procession followed a national service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, a reception at Guildhall and a lunch at Westminster Hall. This is the final day of the Diamond Jubilee weekend celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne.

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The crowd wait to see the Queen after the Carriage Procession from Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, on June 5.

Kevin Coombs / Reuters

A man holding a girl waving a Union flag stands among other spectators near Parliament Square for a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth, in London on June 5.

NBC News and msnbc.com staff -- Crowds chanting "God save the queen" and a fanfare of trumpets welcomed the British monarch on Tuesday as she arrived at a church service on the fourth day of celebrations marking her 60 years on the throne.

But even though she was surrounded by family and greeted by thousands of her subjects, without her husband Prince Philip at her side Queen Elizabeth II cut a lonely figure on the last day of her jubilee celebrations.

Read the full story: Queen cuts a lonely figure at church service.

Tal Cohen / EPA

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles are seen in the State Landau carriage when they pass The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben during the Carriage Procession from Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, on June 5.

Cathal McNaughton / Reuters

Guards arrive at Buckingham Palace ahead of a horse-drawn carriage procession carrying Queen Elizabeth and the royal family in London on June 5. Cheering crowds thronged the streets of London on Tuesday for the grand finale to four days of festivities marking Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee attended by millions across Britain.

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Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Price Harry wave to the crowds from Buckingham Palace during the Diamond Jubilee carriage procession after the service of thanksgiving at St.Paul's Cathedral on the Mall on June 5, in London, England.

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The crowd is escorted down The Mall during the Diamond Jubilee carriage procession after the service of thanksgiving at St.Paul's Cathedral on the Mall on June 5, in London, England.

Slideshow: Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee

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Her Royal Highness celebrates 60 years on the throne.

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A large crowd fills The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace to watch The Diamond Jubilee Concert on Monday in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames.

Slideshow: Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee

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See more celebrities and partying as her Royal Highness celebrates 60 years on the throne.

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Msnbc.com's Alastair Jamieson reports in the World News blog about the queen's idea of good music:

Will the queen enjoy it? Her musical tastes are a mystery, and the Press Association news agency reported that she brought a pair of earplugs with her to a similar concert a decade ago. According to The Guardian newspaper, the only song the queen has ever been known to request is "Some Enchanted Evening" from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "South Pacific."

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Reuters photographer Stefan Wermuth set out this month to talk to a cross-section of Londoners to gauge their feelings about the Olympic Games coming to their city this summer.

Wandering the streets of Balham, Westminster, The City, Brixton, Wandsworth, Shoreditch, Battersea, Lambeth and Chelsea with his camera and a basic voice recorder, he met all kinds of different people and encountered a diverse range of opinions.

Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

Charley Osborne, a 75 year-old ex-serviceman who has lived in London for fifteen years, stands outside a pub in central London. When asked what he felt about London hosting the Olympics, Osborne said "It's good for London and good for Londoners. I'm not worried about security. We have the best security in the world." 

Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

Deborah Blackstock, a 34 year-old mother who has lived all her life in London, poses for a picture in Shoreditch. Asked about the city hosting the Games, Blackstock said "It's a brilliant idea but I'm worried about the traffic." 

Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

"It's very nice. Business will be up," said Sadiq Mohammad, a 69 year-old stallholder in Brixton who has lived in the city for eight years. 

Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

Karina Zamarska, a 23 year-old actress who has lived in London for five years, was more skeptical. "For London it's obviously not good because so many people will be here" she said. "The tourists will be asking me questions all the time." 

Related content:

• See more of Stefan Wermuth's pictures on the Reuters Photographers Blog
• Brits revel in gloom ahead of Olympics, but don't believe the gripe
• Video: Countdown to the Olympic Games
• Slideshow: When the Olympics is your neighbor
• Full Olympic coverage on NBCOlympics.com

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A protester (in white shirt) is tackled by security staff as he calls former British Prime Minister Tony Blair (seated at left) a "war criminal" during Blair's testimony to the Leveson Inquiry in London, England on May 28, 2012. Lord Leveson is seen standing at top right.

Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrives to give evidence before the Leveson Inquiry on May 28, 2012.

By Alastair Jamieson, msnbc.com and NBC News — Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was accused of being "a war criminal" by a heckler who burst into a court room during his testimony at a UK inquiry into media ethics Monday. 

The protester shouted for Blair to be arrested - shortly before he was himself bundled away by security staff.

Blair, who served as prime minister between 1997 and 2007, was the latest senior politican to appear at the investigation set up last year in the wake of a phone-hacking scandal when it emerged that reporters at the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of the World tabloid had routinely hacked into the phones of public figures. Read the full story.

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Tony Blair is seen during the 1997 General Election campaign, when Rupert Murdoch's influential newspaper The Sun switched allegiances to back Blair's Labour party.

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Anti-war protesters gather outside The Royal Courts of Justice as former Prime Minister Tony Blair started to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry on May 28, 2012 in London, England.