London History

London has a rich heritage and history. It is a center of world finance and culture. The word London is derived from Lyn-dun, the fortified town on the lake. London was known as Londonium in 1st century AD and was a town of great importance. In 410 the Roman Legions eventually withdrew from Britain after which the next major event was the invasions of the Saxons in 6th century. St. Paul’s Cathedral was built in 604 by the Saxons. In the 9th century, London became the capital of Britain under the rule of King Alfred.

Since the reign of King John in the 13th century, residents of the city have had the right to elect their own Lord Mayor, who resides at Mansion House, the mayor’s official residence since 1753.

Some notable events in London history are the building of London Bridge which was completed in 1209. The royals exchange was opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1566. London was swept by the great plague in 1665.

The great fire which occurred in 1666 started in a bakery in Pudding Lane and destroyed two thirds of the city. St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was rebuilt between 1675 and 1710. In 1873 the queen moved out of St James palace and made Buckingham palace the official residence. London city had to be rebuilt after World War II because of heavy bombing. Most of the repair work was completed by the end of the 1950′s.