The Colourful History of London

“History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” - David C. McCullough

London is not what it is today without its past. The City, which has been in existence for over 2000 years, has seen millions of stories and lives unfold. If it is a person, the City would be like a great man with an exceptional achievement and extraordinary life experience. It has endured the savaged of war and battles, standing proud in every victory it achieves. It is more than just a business, financial and cultural centre. The old buildings and churches you see in the City are evidences of its rich past that every tourist should know. Learning the history of this great City can make your visit in London more meaningful and memorable. So, before you book for an airline ticket, give your self a crash lesson on London’s past. You can begin it here because we offer you here an insight on the City’s later history starting the Georgian era.

Georgian London

Georgian

The 18th century Georgian London (1714-1830), is characterised by immense social change and resurgence of interest in art. However, it was also plagued by political uncertainty, economic depression and social unrest. There was the 1780 Gordon Riot, a religious strife between the Protestants and the Roman Catholic, which caused severe damaged to Catholic churches and homes and killed hundreds of rioters. Crime dogged the City during the entire eighteenth century that death penalty was applied for even fairly minor crimes. On the positive side, the Georgian period saw infrastructural development grew at an accelerating pace. New buildings, bridges and districts such as the expensive and famous Mayfair district were built. It is also in this period that the British Museum was established. Another remarkable, yet silent phenomenal revolution that happened during the Georgian London were the coffee houses. These establishments have been a popular place for forum, debate, business and other social activity across the City. They are generally recognized to have played a pivotal role in news gathering and dissemination that finally led to the birth of newspapers and the printing presses, which crawled along the Fleet Street. The late 18th century also brought great change throughout the City. It was able to breakaway from the American colonies and many other unfortunate events, entering a period of Enlightenment beginning the 19th century.

Piccadilly Circus Victorian And Neon London

Victorian

The mid-nineteen-century London, which seen Queen Victoria’s rule from 1937 to 1907, brings a period of prosperity and peace for the British people. Technological and industrial revolutions took place, paving the way for The Great Exhibition of 1951, which showcased the world’s greatest innovation of the century. Other developments that happened during the period include the introduction of maximum 10-hour working day, compulsory school attendance for children, and construction of electric street lighting. On the other hand, the affluent developments that occurred during the Victorian London came with a starling contrasts to poverty. Slum areas were overcrowded with people who are living in poor condition. The population has also almost doubled, exceeding the City’s ability to look after the basic needs of its citizens.

Piccadilly Circus Victorian And Neon London

20th Century London

London entered the 20th century with a terrific population growth. But despite this, it is at the height of its affluence as the capital of the world’s largest empire. Public transportation was expanded, and improvements to the City’s rail network was carried out. New luxury hotels, department stores, theatres and shopping districts also sprang up. Developments continued until the Great Depression and the two World Wars ravaged the City. The British people experienced more terror and savage bombing during both wars. The bombing left thousands of buildings and people destroyed, and hundred thousands of homeless and unemployed people. The years following the second World War saw dramatic infrastructural developments and restoration. High-rise residential flats were built to address the demand for public housing. The City also expanded outwardly both in geographic and economic terms. Political and social issues were address, cementing its reputation as a global City.