ABOUT LONDON
London is the place where the historic past and the vibrant
present come alive. A blend of history, avant-garde architecture
and culture has created an amazing and constantly evolving
city.
London has something to offer every type of traveller.
This vibrant metropolis embraces the diverse cultures
of its population, reflected through cuisine, shops, music
and colourful festivals.
London is a very accessible city. It has five international
airports, an efficient road network and extensive underground,
train, bus, and taxi services. Home to Britain’s
national art collections, the Royal family and a host
of major attractions, London’s rich history, striking
architecture and over 200 museums offer a unique cultural
experience.
Despite a population of over seven million, more than
30% of London is made up of parks and green space, greater
than any other city of its size in the world. This space
provides the perfect opportunity for walks, relaxation
or sporting activities. London also offers some of the
best shopping opportunities in the world. From major department
stores to designer boutiques and street markets - the
choice is infinite. London is hard to beat when it comes
to nightlife. There are numerous of restaurants, pubs,
cinemas, theatres and nightclubs plus live music and comedy
venues.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Roman London
The Romans arrived in 43 AD and established ‘Londinium’
as a permanent military camp. In 60 AD, after a failed
uprising by the Iceni tribe under Boudica, Londinium was
burned to the ground, only to emerge as the new commercial
and administrative capital of Britannia.
Georgian London
London’s expansion continued with the accession
of George I (1714-27). The volume of trade had more than
tripled and London was by now the world’s largest
city with a population approaching one million. Although
London was wealthy, it was also experiencing the worst
mortality rates since records began; disease was rife,
but the real killer was gin. At its height, gin consumption
was averaging two pints a week, and the burial rate exceeded
the baptism rate by more than two to one. Policing the
metropolis was also an increasing preoccupation for the
government, who introduced capital punishment for the
most minor misdemeanours. Nevertheless, crime continued
unabated throughout the 18th century so the prison population
swelled and deportation to the colonies began.
The 19th Century
The 19th century witnessed the emergence of London as
the capital of an empire that stretched across the globe.
The city’s population grew from just over one million
in 1801 to nearly seven million by 1901, bringing with
it overcrowding and pollution, especially in the slums
of the East End. The accession of Queen Victoria (1837-1901)
coincided with a period in which the country’s international
standing reached unprecedented heights, and the spirit
of the era was perhaps best embodied by the Great Exhibition
of 1851, which took place in the Crystal Palace in Hyde
Park. While half of London struggled to make ends meet,
the other half enjoyed the fruits of the richest industrialised
nation in the world.
