History. Why is London what it is

Sometime before the beginning of our calendar, the Roman empire entered Britain. At the place of the current City of London they built a ford. A bridge and port were built to make London an important tradecenter. Situated as the hub for their road system, London was growing fast.
After the Romans had left, the city had to survive Saxons, Vikings and some other tribes. When William the Conqueror arrived London was the richest and largest city in the English kingdom. William granted the city independence and right to self-government.
Around 1600 the population doubled to 200.000 souls. The city was nearly destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666.
Somehow this didn't stop the city from growing. By 1720 London was the capital of the British Empire and home for 750.000 people.

On the waves of the Industrial Revolution London expanded to 2.7 million residents in 1851, and 6.6 million in 1901. The twentiest century brought more disaster to London. The german blitzkrieg wiped out large parts of the city during World War Two.
Today London is again the largest city in Europe and home for about 12 million residents.

Tourist London: some things to see

Where do you want to go?

Tower of London
Tower Bridge
St. Pauls Cathedral
Westminster Abbey
Buckingham Palace

TOWER OF LONDON

The Tower of London was built in 1078. Today, the tower is a museum. There are Beefeaters (or officialy Yeoman Warders) who serve as tourist guides besides their ceremonial role.
Most biggest attraction of the Tower of London are the Crown Jewels.

TOWER BRIDGE

The Tower Bridge is one of the most recognised bridges in the world.
Inside one of the end towers there is an exhibition about the building of the Tower Bridge. The bridge deck road can open to allow the ships to pass. ST. PAULS CATHEDRAL

St. Pauls is the official cathedral of London. Completed in 1710 by Christopher Wren. It is a very impressive cathedral. Walking in the whispering gallery. It is possible to visit the crypt.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

The royal British family official London residence attracts litteraly hundreds of visitors each day. The palace is mostly impressive by it's size. The building is giant. It is beautifully located with a view over the Queen Vicotria Memorial and St. James's Park.
One of the most important events at Buckingham Palace is of course the changing of the guard.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Perhaps the most famous of churches is Westminster Abbey.The Abbey is the place for Royal weddings, funerals and coronations. Many royals as well as poets and musicians have been buried here.

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