Little was known of the early inhabitants and of the site that was to become London (Latin, Londinium) since there never has been that much strong evidence obtained to support early claims and theories. The events surrounding the founding of the city were only documented in A.D 43, during the reign of Claudius, when the Romans once again invaded Britain. The victorious battle by the invaders led to the founding of a north bank settlement of the Thames, where strategically the spot could be suitably treaded and bridged. However, the settlement had a short life when Britons under Queen Boudicca’s retaliated, infested and destroyed it in A.D. 60. However, remaining unbendable, the Romans claimed the city once more, restored and built walls around it to become one of the most important outposts of the Roman Empire in north of the Alps, and in the next three centuries saw London’s prosper. The population proliferated to about 30,000 as with also the installation of a fort, an amphitheatre, basilica, forum, temples and public baths – all of which were documented in later archaeological finds, demonstrating the lavishness of lifestyles of leading citizens. Since London was also situated in Britain’s chief river, it served as conduit, a focal point for the road system of the Roman military, and also a port extensively used for trading activities with other countries and neighbouring places.

Map of Roman London, Larger map on click

In the following centuries, London became irresistible to other invaders and was subjected to many barbaric assaults, the town’s thriving economy and strategic location both in battle and trade were hard to miss. Eventually the pressure from these offensives led the Romans to abandon the town in the 4^th century. For a time, London was once again stripped bare until the Anglo-Saxons took root and revived the site, trading prospered again in the 8^th century across the English Channel and the North Sea. London became more important than ever for the continued existence of the Anglo Saxon kingdoms at the time when the Vikings were invading England. In the efforts to maintain a stronghold on London, the need for defence brought about the aldermen— military defenders and chief men of the precincts (or wards) of the city, also a beginning for London’s later local government system.

In the Middle Ages, London saw the building of major programmes and extended to the West. However, the city also suffered great loss and devastation in the Great Plague (1665) and the Great Fire (1666), yet this did not hinder major reconstructions, many squares were laid out in the later years and London was once again developed into a major trading centre.

Great Fire of London 1666

During World War II, massive and severe damages were sustained especially to the City and the East End of London and yet subsequent rebuilding was once again done in the years after. From 1888 to 1963 the London County Council administered London and later charge was transferred to the Greater London Council until 1986 where functions were then transferred to the boroughs and other bodies.

London being bombed during World War 2, St Pauls Cathedral in the Background

Restoration efforts were commenced in the post-war days, and decisive actions were implemented to move the industry buzz to the outskirts and beyond of the city where museums, galleries and shops grew into illustrious businesses. By 1950 the economy was back to booming and factories produced automobiles at record pace alongside also with the successful construction of aircrafts and other equally valuable industries. While the dissolution of the British Empire was at first thought of to bring negative consequence for the London economy, the newly independent colonies however began trading with other countries and so international trade reductions effected the formerly successful dock area and thus in 1973 Britain joined the EEC and secured the London’s Docklands. Tourism stimulated Britain’s economy as well as London’s after the recession and provided employment for a lot of people. Today, London enjoys economic stability and still remains as one of the world’s best tourist destinations sought after.