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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.

 
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  • 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...
  • bicskaLondon is the best place to visit
    review by bicska posted more then 30 days ago
    I am sure I am not alone with the feeling that London is the best city ever and anywhere... Well I really love that capital city and only because I spent there one of the best weeks in my life, but because that city is alive and you can feel that on your own. The first thing is to go too see the...
  • cipristbWhat to know about the Westminster Abbey
    review by cipristb posted more then 30 days ago
    Westminster Cathedral is the most famous, and beautiful old Gothic cathedral in London.For UK has a great spiritual value in it because here are buried most of the english kings and queens, heroes, poets and other famous people: Elizabeth I, Henry VII, Isac Newton, Princess Diana, etc.. The real...
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Read our members' travel tips about London


  • Guinevere1988The Dali Universe
    travel tip by Guinevere1988 posted more then 30 days ago
    The Dali Universe is advertised with the headline 'Enter in the mind of the genius'. You can view the Dali exhibition at County Hall in London. It is a wonderful exhibition, but unfortunately cameras and picture taking is forbidden....
  • Guinevere1988Buckingham Palace - Changing of the Guards
    travel tip by Guinevere1988 posted more then 30 days ago
    The Buckingham Palace is one of the gems of London. Between May and the end of September the changing of the guards is made a big deal of, it is a big ceremony. It starts around half past eleven and it is a one hour program. There are...
  • Sayuri87Museum of Childhood
    travel tip by Sayuri87 posted more then 30 days ago
    My favorite of all the museums of London is the V & A Museum of Childhood. They have a collection of 8,000 dolls, Britain's biggest doll house collection with very old pieces and many other interesting exhibitions about games, the...
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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%
  
 
 
 
  
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