Their joint project is entitled ‘Breaking New Ground’ and will see 10,000 images digitised over the next 21 months and made public through the Historic England website.

Former employees from Laing will also be sharing their experiences from site with school children at a series of workshops around the country.

The firm was established in 1848 in Carlisle and worked on major projects including building of the M1. It ceased its construction work in 2002.

The images were captured by photographers employed by the company to document its work and as many as 230,000 were taken.

“We are delighted to bring to the public the fascinating John Laing Photographic Collection,” said Historic England’s chief executive Duncan Wilson. “The collection offers unparalleled insight into the construction of 20th century Britain – covering everything from cathedrals, mosques and housing to bus stations, bridges and motorways.

“We hope our Breaking New Ground project will shine a light on prominent and everyday British landmarks and inspire the next generation to enjoy and engage in the built heritage all around us.”

John Laing Charitable Trust chairman Sir Martin Laing added: “I am delighted that this unique record of the construction industry is being made available to a wide audience and demonstrates the evolving nature and contribution of an industry that impacts us all.”

You can the photographs by clicking here.

(Photograph: Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection)