London, political and economic capital of the UK, is one of the most visited cities in the world due to its special character and cosmopolitan. Impossible to describe through text, it is necessary to explore London visit and live, letting the special touch of the city and its people seduce us through their cozy vastness.
Why Visit London?
London, Houses of Parliament
Tower Bridge
London has something like hooks and all, London is fun, culture, light and color. A city can surprise both those who visit for the first time, and those who fell in love with her and can not help but visit regularly.
In London you can feel small next to the impressive Big Ben, looking at the world at your feet from the London Eye or witness the world famous Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace.
History of London
London is located in the south of England and is the political and economic capital of the UK. The city center is located 60 km from the mouth of the Thames River, which runs through the city. Its privileged location in the heart of southwestern England benefited because, for a long time, was the most populous and richest region in the country.
The origins of the city
The city does not appear until after the Roman conquest. Roman rule lasted from the first century AD to the V century, when the empire fell. In the third century, Londinium, with its port, was a major population center, with about 50,000 inhabitants.
London Eye - The wheel of London
Ruined by the V century Anglo-Saxon invasions, in the seventh century it became the capital of the small kingdom and was episcopal Essex.
While in the ninth century Scandinavian suffered incursions, the implementation of Danish settlers in the neighborhood fostered entrepreneurship and the pursuit of trade, which made it the first urban center in the country. His wealth attracted Scandinavian and Danish kings who besieged the city and forced to pay tribute.
Since 1067 the city had the same rights as a county and only depended on royal authority. From this period dates the Tower of London.
In 1191 the town was incorporated as a "town" (corporation) to replace a mayor portreeve. In 1215, London had the privilege of choosing their mayor each year.
For a long time, England lacked fixed capital. From the thirteenth century, Westminster, place near London, became one of the main government offices. Moreover, the rise of European trade was another stimulant to make London the capital of the kingdom.
A growing city
During the fourteenth century the port of London became goods distribution center. This activity was enhanced in the fifteenth century by a powerful textile industry.
From the sixteenth century to the mid-eighteenth century, London benefited from political centralization and expansion of maritime trade developed by the Tudors and the Stuarts continued by. During the reign of Henry VIII the city had about 100,000 inhabitants. A mid-seventeenth century amounted to 500,000.
In 1665, although large urban planning had already begun, most of the city was enclosed within the old wall which caused a severe epidemic of plague that caused 70,000 casualties. The following year, a huge fire destroyed four fifths of the city. The reconstruction of the city, base of the area known today as the City, took into account the urban needs, and the masterpieces of architect Wren embellished New London. The city became the center of English social life, with its palaces and halls, theaters, their cultural societies (Royal Society, 1662) and museums (British Museum, 1753).
The growth of London was driven with the founding, in 1694, the Bank of England.
Much of the current London belongs to the Victorian era. Until the early nineteenth century, the capital was reduced to the limits of the original Roman city, over Westminster and Mayfair, surrounded by fields. Industrialization attracted a growing number of people who filled these green spaces. This rapid expansion caused serious problems as the cholera epidemic of 1932, or the "great stink", in 1858, caused by the stench of the Thames forced to suspend parliamentary sessions.
The new area of London
Since 1750 the population grew from 700,000 to over 4.5 million in 1901 (6.6 million in the suburban area). In the late nineteenth century London had become the capital of finance and international trade.
Administrative needs such a center of commercial activity in 1888 prompted to create a new autonomous territorial unit, the County of London, ruled by the "London County Council". This county was divided into twenty-nine electoral units (the city and 28 metropolitan boroughs), but soon overflowed progressive expansion outside the county boundaries to form a very rapid suburban development. After a steady period, the population of the capital began to decline at the end of the First World War and fell below 3.5 million by 1950. In return, the suburban area has grown steadily.
In 1963 he undertook a new division of the London conurbation, which included the old town and 32 metropolitan boroughs
Attractions in London
Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is a Victorian Gothic building that houses the chambers of the British Parliament.Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is the oldest and most famous temple in London. Built over several centuries has hosted famous events.Tower of London
Although for more than 900 years the Tower of London was synonymous with terror, today has become the most popular tourist attraction of the city. It houses the Crown Jewels.Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British Royal Family. Currently he resides in Queen Elizabeth II.St Paul's Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Paul is the second largest in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.Visits interesting and curious
Big Ben
The Big Ben has become the symbol of London, but very few people know what it is.Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is the most famous bridge in London thanks to its beauty and, most importantly, its history.London Eye
Built in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium, the London Eye has become one of the most famous icons of the city.Kensington Palace
Located in Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace has been the residence of the British monarchy for more than 300 years.
Picadilly Circus
Picadilly Circus is the most famous square in London as well as a meeting place for Londoners and tourists.Trafalgar Square
Created in 1830 to commemorate the victory of the British army on the French and Spanish fleet, Trafalgar Square is one of London's most famous squares.Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the most charming districts of London. Your market is a must visit in the city.Chinatown
Chinatown is the Chinatown of London, the first businesses emerged in the middle of the last century.The Old Operating Theatre
Located in St. Thomas Church, The Old Operating Theatre exposes the horrors of experimental surgery that took place in the country's oldest operating theater.The Monument
The Monument to the Great Fire of London was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of the city.Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Although it is only a replica of the original theater, the theater of Shakespeare's company is one of the world's most famous theaters. Still works are still represented.Other places to see in London
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of the attractions in London attracts more visitors. Enjoy free 45 minutes long event.Apsley House
Located in the southeast corner of Hyde Park, Apsley House is a mansion built in 1778 that belonged to the Duke of Wellington.City of London
Inspiration of the architect Norman Foster, the London City Hall is a unique building 45 meters high which determines the London scene.
