travelgrove Travel Guides
 
 

London History, United Kingdom

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.

 
Ask our travel experts a question about London

Things about London you may be interested in

 
 
 

Read our members' reviews about London


  • adamLondon,United Kingdom
    review by adam posted more then 30 days ago
    London is the most multicultural city in Europe. The british Capital itself is outstanding. It is very big, cosmopolitan with rich history with a sizable economy. The english metropolis is known for it's too diverse architectural style, partly because of their varying ages. It is well known...
  • bicskaTheatres and museums in London
    review by bicska posted more then 30 days ago
    Well, it is my favorite city! It beautiful, it's exciting, it's busy also it can be very calm, with many huge parks in the middle of city. There are many fantastic theatres, where you really should go (tickets from 20 pounds, good places from 45 pounds, but it truthfully worthy). Many museums in...
  • lindamuraThe attractions of London
    review by lindamura posted more then 30 days ago
    Visit London. London, one of the world's greatest cities, offers a bountiful array of attractions and activities. For those intrigue with the royals, to the adventure seeker, to those who want to take in all the major museums and attractions this city can satisfy your every request. For...
view all
 

Read our members' travel tips about London


  • Guinevere1988The Tower
    travel tip by Guinevere1988 posted more then 30 days ago
    The Tower of London is one of the most interesting and the oldest buildings in London. You can get there with the tube, you just have to get off t the Tower Bridge station. You can take a walk around the Tower for free. You can also go...
  • eratoHaunted Theatre
    travel tip by erato posted more then 30 days ago
    Drury Lane Royal Theatre is heaven for those who love theatre. The building is breathtaking from the inside, so elegant and magnificent. You feel special, when you are inside. Drury Lane is also famous for being haunted, the Grey Man...
  • Guinevere1988Free Museums
    travel tip by Guinevere1988 posted more then 30 days ago
    It is fantastic that the museums in London are free. British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History, Victoria and Albert are only a few of those that you can visit free of charge. They are wonderful, but don't forget that the museums...
view all
 
 

Community

Members Who Have Been to London

Community Galleries About London

Browse our members' London galleries to get a better impression of the place
 
show alladd gallery
 
 
the best travel deals provided by TravelZoo...
  • cheapoair.com$463Swiss International Air Lines flightSwiss International Air Lines
    Inbound
    Newark, NJ (EWR)  London, GB (LHR)
    01/21/2025 10:05 pm
    Outbound
    London, GB (LHR)  Newark, NJ (EWR)
    01/28/2025 12:05 pm
  • cheapoair.com$565Swiss International Air Lines flightSwiss International Air Lines
    Inbound
    New York, NY (JFK)  London, GB (LHR)
    01/15/2025 04:25 pm
    Outbound
    London, GB (LHR)  New York, NY (JFK)
    01/28/2025 01:30 pm
  • cheapoair.com$703SAS Scandinavian Airlines flightSAS Scandinavian Airlines
    Inbound
    Milwaukee, WI (MKE)  London, GB (LHR)
    01/28/2025 07:00 am
    Outbound
    London, GB (LHR)  Milwaukee, WI (MKE)
    02/04/2025 06:40 am

London City Ratings

  • Rating88%
    City Rank96
     
  • History & Culture: rated for 93%
  • Night Life & Entertainment: rated for 97%
  • Family & Fun: rated for 83%
  • Outdoors Activities: rated for 77%
  • Food: rated for 89%
  • Sightseeing: rated for 94%
  • Shopping: rated for 75%
  • Public Transportation: rated for 93%
  • Must visit this place: rated for 95%
  
 
 
 
  
 
   Welcome to Travelgrove  register tell a friend bookmark it 
 
 
*