London history

AD43 Romans invade Britain and establish Londinium. They withdraw in 410.

Edward the Confessor becomes king and begins Westminster Abbey.

William the Conqueror defeats King Harold at the Battle of Hastings and builds the Tower of London

Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn, breaks with Rome and becomes head of the Church of England

Great Fire of London. 80% of London was destroyed including 87 churches and 13,200 houses.

1675 Christopher Wren begins St Paul’s Cathedral

London expands from 1 million to 6.5 million inhabitants

Queen Victoria ascends to the throne to start her 63 year reign

World’s First Underground train service opens in London

Blitz bombing destroys 30% of London

1960s The Beatles, Carnaby Street and the King’s Road create the Swinging Sixties

London Docklands begin to be revitalized

First Eurostar train runs from London to Paris

2000 National Millennium exhibition focuses around the unpopular Dome at Greenwich