London history

London began as a Roman settlement in AD 43 at the spot where a road crossed the stream (Londinium).

The most visible legacy from this era is the straight roads that led out of Londinium (Oxford Street, Edgware Road, Kingsland Road).

After the Romans left in AD 410, the town declined. The Anglo-Saxons who settled in the region were farmers living in small rural communities. But, by AD 800, London was a busy trade centre again.

The town's strategic and commercial importance grew. Under the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603) London became a theatreland where the Globe Theatre stood.

Medieval London ceased to exist on 2 September 1666 when ' a fire which started in Pudding Lane destroyed three-quarters of the city. A new law required new structures to be stone, and the entire character of the City was changed.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, London mushroomed as a commercial centre; docks, bridges and canals were built and, in 1836, the first railway opened, forming the infrastructure that allowed England's industrial revolution to gather pace. Reacting against such progress, architects sought refuge in England's medieval past and many public buildings (the new Houses of Parliament) were done in gothic style.

By the start of the 20th century, London was a huge metropolis, but depression and wartime devastations took their toll. Development since then has seen the re-emergence of the South Bank as a centre for the arts and regeneration of the Covent Garden (once home to the fruitsellers) into a shopping area with piazzas, street cafes and boutiques.

Travelling in london

The wide choice of public transport includes bus, underground (subway), train (BR) and Docklands light Railway (DLR). Most of South London relies on British Rail overground services, while the redeveloped Eastern part of the city — known as Docklands —is served by the DLR.

The main London airports are Heathrow, Gatwick, London City Airport and Stanstead.

Heathrow is 15 miles west of London. Central London is a 45 minute journey on the tube.

Gatwick, 30 miles from London, is served by the Gatwick Express train, taking 30 minutes to Victoria.

London City Airport is only 6 miles east of the City.

Stanstead. A rail service connects this airport, 32 miles NE of London with the City's Liverpool Street station, taking about 40 min (£10.80).

There are over 20,000 licensed Black Cabs in London. Every driver has undergone a stringent test of London's geography called The Knowledge. Black Cabs can be hailed in the street when their "For Hire" sign is illuminated.

The underground

The famous London Underground (Tube, as most call it) is not only the oldest 1883 and the biggest in the world, it is one of the most modern and efficient. It comprises 11 lines covering most of London. Some have more than one branch, each line has a name and a different colour.

Tubes begin running about 5.30 am and leave London on their last outward journey between 12.30 am and 1 am. Some routes start later and finish earlier, particularly on Sundays.