The effective history of London begins with the Romans in the first century AD and the establishment of Londinium. Its population as a Roman settlement reached a peak in about 125 AD and then gradually declined before its abandonment in the fifth century.
Its importance as a key military and commercial centre was reinforced by William the Conqueror’s decision to build the Tower of London in the late eleventh century. London’s status grew rapidly along with that of England. It prospered as a centre of trade, based around the powerful guild system, and was able to recover from the repeated impact of plagues, especially in the fourteenth century and seventeenth centuries.
During the Civil War, London was Parliament’s strongest asset both as a financial centre and as a source of recruitment. In the eighteenth century it became the capital of a burgeoning world empire with all the attendant commercial benefits this brought. Its status as the world’s largest city was enhanced by the improvements wrought by Victorian civic reformers, such as Joseph Bazalgette’s sewer system.
WWII wreaked devastation as German bombs killed over 30,000 Londoners but the city was still able to host the 1948 Olympics and will do so again in 2012.
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Key Study Areas
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Location Click here to view map
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History Excursions
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Our best value sample itinerary from £165
3 Days to London
Day 1:
Morning departure from school, arrive at your accommodation. Depending on the arrival time you be able to include a visit to London Eye and admire the panoramic view of London by night.
Day 2:
Leave your accommodation for the Imperial War Museum, take part in a workshop and focus on a special exhibition or a collection relating to your studies. Enjoy some sight-seeing or a boat cruise to view the historic landmarks. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the theatre, for example Les Misrables.
Day 3:
Spend the morning at the Cabinet War Rooms or choose another museum relationg to your studies before returning home.
Travel throughout London onboard Thames Clippers - A fast and frequent hop on, hop off service on the River Thames. Register your interest when you speak to an advisor or when requesting a quote online.
