London history

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Visitors from around the world are magnetized by the city’s magnificent architectural structure and rich history.  Being a major financial capital and center of commerce, music, fashion trends, entertainment and music is what makes London an all-year tourist destination.  In visiting London, you’ll see the world’s distinguished Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, British Airways London Eye and double-decker buses. 

 Let’s try to have a glimpse of the City’s history to better understand what makes it so fascinating and interesting.

This 2,000-year old city was once a small Roman settlement on the banks of Thames.  Many Paleolithic flints and Mesolithic axes were found by Archaeologists in various parts of London.

Thames being a multicultural city of over seven million inhabitants is a result of the many invaders who came to the Thames.  The Romans were the first group who established the first permanent settlement, a city they called Londinium, in 43 A.D.  Londinium was soon burnt to the ground because of the uprisings led by Queen Boudicca in 60 or 61 A.D.  London's position lead to more invasions. 

 Christianity, which was introduced by the Romans, shaped so much of London’s history.  In fact, the first St. Paul’s Cathedral was built in 604 A.D. in London.  King Edward the Confessor moved his court to Westminster Abbey, thus enhancing the city’s importance. King William was crowned in Westminster Abbey in 1066.  He made the Tower of London which he used as his home and fortress.  London Bridge, made of stone, was built in 1476.

Medieval London was so brutal because of the Black Plague or the Black Death.  It appeared in 1348, and repeated its outbreak in 1665.  Not all of London’s mishaps lead futile.  The Great Fire of 1666 was the start of London’s healing and reconstruction. 

From 1837-1901, Queen Victoria reigned.  For some, it was a city of wealth yet at the same time a city of colossal poverty because of its growing population from 1 to 6 million in 100 years.

London was shaped by two world wars in the 20th Century.  Many monuments were then built as remembrance of the many people who perished in the Great War from 1914-1918.  These wars led to many immigrants coming in from different countries and together with European Jews they found shelter in London during the 30s, thus contributing to the city’s multi-ethnic makeup. 

This is how London came to be a multicultural community.  These people made a huge contribution to the city’s development and technological advancement.