London History
For most of its history, London was the
most important city in Britain (and, many Londoners would maintain,
in the world). With a fortunate location in terms of trade and
climate, it thrived as a Roman settlement (despite being burned by
Boadicea), and grew into a substantial town, with temples, luxury
villas and a forum within defensive walls.
When the Romans pulled their troops out
of Britain, much of their city fell into decay. Less is known about
London in the Dark Ages, but it seems that the principal inhabitated
area moved westwards, towards what is now the Strand. London's strategic importance was never
totally neglected, however, and kings from Alfred the Great onwards
began focussing their attention on the city, and rebuilding some of
its defences. By the time of the Norman Conquest, the city was the
undisputed seat of power, and it was here by the Thames that William
the Conqueror built the fortified Tower of London
Gradually, from its days of
semi-abandonment, London emerged to become the legendary bustling
city of the Middle Ages, noisy, smelly and above all exciting. From
the chaotic City parishes emerged early theatres, printing presses,
radical politics, philosophy and literature.
By the time London was rebuilt
following the Great Fire of 1666, its growth was unstoppable. In the
City itself, new buildings were put up to replace those lost.
Although there was much discussion about redesigning the street
layout, land ownership caused so many problems that most streets were
rebuilt following the medieval plan. Even today the narrow winding
streets with evocative names bear witness to the early city.
As the noble and the rich moved to the
area west of the City – the air was fresher and the Court was
close by - acres of expensive residential development resulted in the
great squares and elegant streets of West London. Many of these areas
still belong to the aristocratic families who have leased out whole
streets for centuries.
On the other side of the City,
manufacturing and other trades – including fishing –
thrived in the East End. And although the centre of London has always
provided a unique melting pot where aristocrats could mix with
orange-sellers, and poets with sailors, the divide between East and
West can still be seen.
The
East End is a traditionally working class area, notorious for crimes
by Jack the Ripper and gangs like the Krays. Despite the recent
trendiness of 'mockney' films feting this violent aspect, the area,
while still poor, has recently gained in respectability as
fashionable young professionals move in. The areas close to the city,
around Brick Lane, Whitechapel, and most of all Shoreditch and
Hoxton, have become immensely fashionable with an arty young set,
with studio spaces fetching inordinately high prices.
Today legacies of all London's past
eras can be found, along with more recent influences. Consecutive
waves of immigration have led to a richly diverse culture, while
regeneration initiatives have cleaned up some of the most deprived
areas. The high-rise futuristic Docklands area has changed London's
skyline. Like most cities, London still has its problems,but it
remains an unmatchable destination, rich in history, architecture,
culture and interest.
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