London History
London is a city with a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. The first known settlement was founded by the Romans in 43 AD, and since then, London has been through a lot of changes.
In the centuries following the Roman period, London became an important center for trade and commerce. It was also the site of many battles during the Anglo-Saxon and Viking invasions. By the 11th century, London was the largest and most prosperous city in England.
The medieval period was marked by great growth and development for London. The first Gothic cathedral, Westminster Abbey, was built in this era. London also became an important cultural center, with famed writers like Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare callings its streets home.
The Tudor period saw even more growth for London, as it became a leading European center for finance and politics.
Roman London
When the Romans arrived in England in 43 AD, they found a small village on the Thames River called Londinium. The Roman emperor Claudius decided to make Londinium the capital of Britannia, and soon a thriving city grew up with temples, baths, and a large marketplace. The Romans built walls around the city for protection, and London became an important center of trade and government.
In 410 AD, the Romans left Britain, and London was attacked by Saxon invaders. The Saxons destroyed much of the city, but some of the Roman buildings remained standing. Over time, the Saxons built their own houses and churches in London, and it became the capital of their kingdom of Wessex.
London continued to grow during the Middle Ages as a center of trade and government.
Medieval London
London has a long and rich history, dating back to the Roman times. In the Middle Ages, London was an important trade center and the capital of England. The city was often attacked by Viking raiders, but it was also a thriving center of commerce and culture. London became an important political center in the 13th century, when it was made the capital of England. The city continued to grow and prosper during the Renaissance period. Today, London is one of the most populous cities in the world and is a major global city.
The Great Fire of London
On Sunday, 2 September 1666, a fire broke out in the King’s bakery on Pudding Lane in the City of London. The fire spread quickly and soon engulfed much of the medieval city. For four days the fire raged, destroying more than 13,000 houses and 87 churches, including St Paul’s Cathedral.
It is estimated that only six people died in the fire itself, but many more perished in the subsequent weeks and months from injuries or diseases contracted while fighting the blaze or living in its aftermath.
The Great Fire of London was one of the most catastrophic events in British history and had a profound impact on the city.
The 20th century
The 20th century was a time of great change for London. The city underwent a massive expansion, with new neighborhoods and suburbs popping up all over the place. The population also exploded, reaching an all-time high of 8.6 million by the end of the century. This growth was fueled by a number of factors, including the Industrial Revolution, which brought many new jobs to London, and an influx of immigrants from all over the world.
As London grew, so did its importance as a political and cultural center. The city played host to a number of important events, including two World Wars and the 2012 Summer Olympics. It also became home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
Today, London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Present day London
London’s history is long and varied, dating back over two thousand years. The city has been a major settlement for much of that time, playing host to a succession of different peoples and cultures. As a result, London has a rich and varied history which is reflected in its architecture, culture and people.
