THESE pictures give a rare glimpse of views looking out across Old Harwich.

The Standard was given the opportunity to take the images from the top of the Guildhall.

From St Nicholas’ Church to the High Lighthouse, Harwich’s skyline is instantly recognisable and numerous well-known buildings can be picked out in our pictures comparing the present day to the 1950s.

A picture from 1972 shows how the Electric Palace looked before work started to restore it.

Harwich Electric Palace Trust chairman Chris Strachan said: “The picture [showing the Electric Palace] is absolutely fascinating.

“It must be pre 1972 because the Royal flats are still there at the end of Kings Quay Street and there are the fisherman’s cottages on the west side."