From the Romans to the Tudors

London's history begins with the Romans. In 43 AD, they founded Londinium as a trading post on the Thames — the bridge they built stood approximately where London Bridge stands today. Londinium quickly grew into the largest city in Britannia (30,000 inhabitants), was burned down by Queen Boudicca in 60 AD (a red layer of ash is still visible in excavations today), and was rebuilt.

Norman Conquest (1066)

William the Conqueror defeated the Anglo-Saxon King Harold at Hastings and marched on London. To secure control, he had the Tower of London built — originally a wooden tower, soon a massive stone structure (White Tower), which still dominates the city today. Westminster Abbey became the coronation church, and London was finally established as the capital of England.

Middle Ages & Tudors

In the Middle Ages, London grew into the largest city in Europe — and suffered from corresponding problems: the Plague (Black Death, 1348–49) killed a third of the population. The Tudor era (1485–1603) brought splendor and cruelty: Henry VIII broke with Rome and founded the Church of England (because the Pope would not grant his divorce), had two of his six wives beheaded in the Tower, and dissolved the monasteries. His daughter Elizabeth I reigned for 45 years, defeated the Spanish Armada (1588), and made England a naval power. During her time, Shakespeare wrote his plays at the Globe Theatre.