London : Tourist Information For History Lovers
London has a history dating back over 2000 years. Anybody visiting Britain must take in the historical sights of the capital to learn more about Britain as a country and the British as a people.
The Romans named it ‘Londinium’ and brought the town into the civilized world. It’s hard to imagine the Roman face of London, but there are remains from that bygone age. Near Moorgate stands the remnants of an ancient wall built around the City of London and on Cannon Street is the curious London Stone, said to be the marker from which all distances in the city were judged.
As the Romans left and various invasions took place, Edward the Confessor turned Westminster Abbey into a grand Romanesque building. Henry III took the Abbey and gave it a Gothic face lift and is the building that can be seen today.
Medieval London gave birth to the Tower of London. The Tower was built on and extended to become the building we know today. Westminster Hall was started by William II and was the basis for the Houses of Parliament. London’s oldest church, St. Bartholomew’s Priory was founded in 1123 and still stands in West Smithfield.
Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, Richmond Park and St. James’s Park were established and used by the Tudors as royal hunting grounds. Visitors to the parks appreciate the greenery, but it is nice to think back to their original use. The Tudors also built the Globe Theatre, which sadly burned down during the Great Fire. The building as it stands today is a modern replica.
Self-taught architect Inigo Jones designed Covent Garden Piazza and Queen’s Chapel, giving history buffs a glimpse of 17th century London. The Great Fire of 1666 ravaged the city and destroyed St. Paul’s Cathedral. Christopher Wren took to the task of reconstructing the cathedral and many London churches to give the city the magnificent architecture of today.
Georgian London is still in evidence thanks to beautiful houses such as Chiswick House and Syon House. They are well worth a visit. Buckingham Palace took on its role as royal residence for the first time.
John Nash designed Regent’s Street, Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus. The clock tower known as Big Ben was built and the Houses of Parliament were rebuilt in 1834 as Georgian gave way to Victorian.
The Victorians gave London the Victoria and Albert Museum and when the city bustle gets too much it’s a good idea to take in London’s various museums to learn more about the history of this amazing place.
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