Difference between revisions of "London"
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| + | [[Archaeology|Archaeologists]]have found evidence that the area that would become London had been populated since the [[Ice Age]]]], the broad Thames Valley with its shallow river, lush meadows and broad-leafed woodlands providing an ideal location in which early [[farming|farmers]] settled. | ||
| − | In the [[Renaissance]], London became a centre of learning and culture, though the rise of [[Puritans|Puritanism]] in the late 16th century temporarily stifled much art and culture within the city centre. A lot of what Puritans deemed 'unacceptable' moved to the South Bank (the land lying on the south-side of the River Thames). [[Shakespeare's Globe theatre]] was located in this area | + | [[Julius Caesar]] reported in 54 B.C. that, when passing through the area to engage [[Cassivellaunus]] in battle, the area was home to many settlements, and in A.D. 43 the Roman invasion force under [[Claudius]] estimated that there around 5000 inhabitants. The first Roman settlement, called Londinium, was founded in A.D. 50, but was razed to the ground by [[Boudicca]] in A.D. 60. The Roman's second settlement on the site flourished, however, becoming a key port and centre for trade and commerce. By A.D. 100, its population had reached around 45,000 and it replaced Camulodunum (modern day [[Colchester]]) as the capital. |
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| + | As the Roman occupation began to draw to a close in the 5th century, the Roman population fell untill by 410 it was abandoned completely. The [[Angle]]s, [[Saxon]]s and [[Jute]]s were quick to take advantage of the now undefended Britain, and the Saxons won their first major victory in [[Kent]] in 457, giving them control over Londinium and the surrounding region. Renamed Lundenwic, the settlemt once again became a thriving population centre and by 600 had become the base of political power in Saxon-occupied Britain, which accounted for around half of the country. Lundenwic changed hands again in the 9th century, when feuding between Saxon leaders allowed the [[Dane]]s to take control. | ||
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| + | In 871, the English king of [[Wessex]], Alfred, fought the Danes for control and regained most of the city, although the Danes retained the eastern-most section, which today corresponds to the East End. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In the [[Renaissance]], London became a centre of learning and culture, though the rise of [[Puritans|Puritanism]] in the late 16th century temporarily stifled much art and culture within the city centre. A lot of what Puritans deemed 'unacceptable' moved to the South Bank (the land lying on the south-side of the River Thames). [[Shakespeare's Globe theatre]] was located in this area. | ||
During the period of the [[British Empire]], London was a key transhipment point for various cargoes, including [[tea]], [[slaves]], [[molasses]], [[jute]], and [[silver]], indeed, anything traded in by the [[East India Company]]. | During the period of the [[British Empire]], London was a key transhipment point for various cargoes, including [[tea]], [[slaves]], [[molasses]], [[jute]], and [[silver]], indeed, anything traded in by the [[East India Company]]. | ||
Revision as of 08:59, July 28, 2008
London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom and is the second largest city in Europe after Moscow. It includes both the City of London (the Square Mile) and Greater London.
History
History
Archaeologistshave found evidence that the area that would become London had been populated since the Ice Age]], the broad Thames Valley with its shallow river, lush meadows and broad-leafed woodlands providing an ideal location in which early farmers settled.
Julius Caesar reported in 54 B.C. that, when passing through the area to engage Cassivellaunus in battle, the area was home to many settlements, and in A.D. 43 the Roman invasion force under Claudius estimated that there around 5000 inhabitants. The first Roman settlement, called Londinium, was founded in A.D. 50, but was razed to the ground by Boudicca in A.D. 60. The Roman's second settlement on the site flourished, however, becoming a key port and centre for trade and commerce. By A.D. 100, its population had reached around 45,000 and it replaced Camulodunum (modern day Colchester) as the capital.
As the Roman occupation began to draw to a close in the 5th century, the Roman population fell untill by 410 it was abandoned completely. The Angles, Saxons and Jutes were quick to take advantage of the now undefended Britain, and the Saxons won their first major victory in Kent in 457, giving them control over Londinium and the surrounding region. Renamed Lundenwic, the settlemt once again became a thriving population centre and by 600 had become the base of political power in Saxon-occupied Britain, which accounted for around half of the country. Lundenwic changed hands again in the 9th century, when feuding between Saxon leaders allowed the Danes to take control.
In 871, the English king of Wessex, Alfred, fought the Danes for control and regained most of the city, although the Danes retained the eastern-most section, which today corresponds to the East End.
In the Renaissance, London became a centre of learning and culture, though the rise of Puritanism in the late 16th century temporarily stifled much art and culture within the city centre. A lot of what Puritans deemed 'unacceptable' moved to the South Bank (the land lying on the south-side of the River Thames). Shakespeare's Globe theatre was located in this area.
During the period of the British Empire, London was a key transhipment point for various cargoes, including tea, slaves, molasses, jute, and silver, indeed, anything traded in by the East India Company.
During World War II, London was heavily bombed by Germany's air force in the Blitz of 1940-41 and in 1944-45 was attacked by V-1 'flying bombs' and V-2 missiles.
Government of London
London is governed by the Mayor of London (currently Boris Johnson), a post not to be confused with that of Lord Mayor of London, which relates solely to the small City of London district. The mayor's executive is subject to scrutiny by the Greater London Assembly[1]. Most matters relating to local government - local planning control, housing, education, libraries and arts, refuse collection, etc. - are controlled by London's 33 local authorities: 32 London Boroughs, and the City of London Corporation[2].
Popular Perception
Although London is frequently depicted in the American media as a quaint and historic city perpetually shrouded in fog, the reality is that London is a modern city at the cutting edge of developments in architecture, transport, commerce, industry and entertainment, and fog is a rare occurrence. In fact, London is considered by many to be the financial capital of the world as well as the theatre capital of the world, and one of the world's premier cities[3][4].
Notable landmarks include the Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. The London Underground (London's subway system, also known as the Tube) is the oldest in the world.
References
- ↑ http://www.london.gov.uk/
- ↑ http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/doc.asp?doc=8788&cat=989
- ↑ Z/Yen Limited (November 2005). The Competitive Position of London as a Global Financial Centre (PDF). CityOfLondon.gov.uk. Retrieved on 2006-09-17.
- ↑ The World According to GaWC, GaWC, Loughborough University
