London

By the end of the war, the economy of the United Kingdom was one of severe privation. More than a quarter of its national wealth had been consumed. Until the introduction in 1941 of Lend-Lease aid from the US, the UK had been spending its assets to purchase American equipment including aircraft and ships—over £437 million on aircraft alone. Lend-Lease came just before its reserves were exhausted. Britain had placed 55% of its total labour force into war production.

Kensington

1952: Workers clear rubble from Holland House in North London. The destruction was caused by bombs during World War II. Original Publication: Picture Post – 6290 – Holland House – unpub. (Photo by Daniel Farson/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Holland House in Kensington was severely damaged during the war.

Kensington

Fulham