Overview
This lecture covers the 2,000-year evolution of London from a small Roman settlement to a diverse, global metropolis, highlighting key historical periods, demographic changes, and major events that shaped the city.
Roman and Early Medieval London
- London was founded as Londinium by Romans in 43 AD at a strategic crossing of the River Thames.
- Londinium was destroyed in Boudica’s revolt (60 AD) but later rebuilt with major public buildings and a defensive wall.
- The Roman city was abandoned after 410 AD when the Romans left Britain.
- Anglo-Saxons established a new settlement, Lundenwic, west of Roman walls, later moving back inside the walls as Lundenburg under Alfred the Great in 886.
Viking, Norman, and Medieval Era
- London suffered frequent Viking raids and was briefly occupied by the “Great Heathen Army” in 871.
- Edward the Confessor established Westminster Abbey, making London a royal religious center.
- The Norman conquest in 1066 brought new fortifications, notably the Tower of London.
- London became the nation’s de facto capital after Winchester’s destruction and royal offices relocated.
- Medieval population grew, with influential merchant guilds and foreign communities.
- The Black Death (1348) and the Peasants’ Revolt (1381) brought significant turmoil.
Tudor, Stuart, and Early Modern London
- Population boomed from 50,000 in 1530 to over 200,000 by 1600, fueled by trade expansion.
- Theatres like the Globe emerged; London became a cultural hub.
- Major events included the Gunpowder Plot (1605), English Civil War (1642–49), the Plague (1665), and the Great Fire (1666).
- Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt St Paul's Cathedral and other landmarks post-fire.
- Distinct upper-class West End and commercial City areas developed.
Industrial Era and Victorian London
- Population reached 1 million by 1800 and 6.7 million by 1900.
- The Industrial Revolution caused rapid growth and urban poverty.
- Metropolitan Police was established in 1829 to counter rising crime.
- Railways and the Underground enabled suburban expansion.
- Major public works included modern sewers by Joseph Bazalgette, improving public health.
20th Century to Present
- London endured bombing in both World Wars, with significant destruction during the Blitz.
- Postwar reconstruction led to new housing and increased immigration, making London more multicultural.
- The “Swinging 60s” marked London as a cultural trendsetter.
- Today, London is a global city with unmatched diversity, shaped by centuries of migration and innovation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Londinium — The original Roman name for London.
- Boudica — Celtic queen who led a revolt against Roman rule.
- Westminster Abbey — Historic church and royal ceremonial site.
- Tower of London — Norman fortress and royal symbol.
- Black Death — Bubonic plague pandemic of the 14th century.
- Great Fire of London — Massive 1666 fire that reshaped the city.
- Metropolitan Police — London’s citywide police force, founded in 1829.
- The Blitz — WWII bombing campaign against London by Germany.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review timeline of key events in London’s growth for exam preparation.
- Read about the impact of immigration on modern London’s culture.