What’s on in the city of London

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For centuries, the City of London has been a place where people come together to shape new ideas that spread across the world. Its inventive spirit is forever evolving.

The City is the birthplace of London, with 2000 years of history and tradition - from the Romans to modern day. It is the ancient core from which the rest of London developed. Its unique history and significance have developed from it being a centre for settlement, trade, commerce and ceremony.

In fact, the City of London has its own government (the oldest in the country with origins pre-dating the UK Parliament), its own Lord Mayor, as well as an independent police force. Today, the City is home to world-class arts and culture, as well as some of London’s most outstanding restaurants, cafes, hotels, pubs, and bars.

Take a look at the timeline near the end of the page to discover some of the key events in the City’s fascinating history.

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CITY OF LONDON TIMELINE

AD
AD43
AD50
AD125
AD200
AD290
AD604
AD878
1123
1155
1176
1189
1365
1381
1397
1550
1569
1652
1659
1666
1684
1701
1710
1722
1755
1764
1773
1828
1855
1894
1956
2000
2017
2017
2023

AD43

Romans invaded Britain

Following the footsteps of Julius Caesar, the Emperor Claudius ordered the invasion of Britain, with an army of 40,000.

AD50

Founding of London (Londinium)

The Roman Governor of Britain, Ostorius Scapula, calls for the establishment of a permanent base on the north side of the Thames. The city is originally called Londinium.

AD125

Londinium destroyed by fire

A fifth of the City is destroyed by flames. Though never discovered, the fire is thought to be accidental.

AD200

City wall and gates built

Stretching almost two miles and constructed from 85 thousand tonnes of ragstone, the London Wall is built. Surrounding what would become modern-day City of London, the boundary wall features several important landmarks: Aldgate, Newgate and Ludgate. Cripplegate already leads into a ready established fort in the northwest corner, while Aldersgate isn’t constructed until the fourth century.

AD290

London Mint established

Furthering the city’s independence from Roman rule, the Emperor of Britain, Carausius, opens the London Mint. Gold, silver and copper coins washed in silver are issued. The mint is believed to have closed in 326AD.

AD604

St Paul’s Cathedral built

Founded during the reign of St. Ethelbert, King of Kent, the original St. Paul’s Cathedral is built by Mellitus, a monk who had accompanied St. Augustine to Britain. The cathedral is destroyed by fire in 675 and again by Danish invaders in 961.

AD878

King Alfred recaptures London from the Danes

Alfred, King of Wessex (871-899), faces a notorious Danish army that has already destroyed several kingdoms across England. Following earlier attempts, London is again threatened in 878. The English military repels the Danes through a series of skilful manoeuvres.

1123

Foundation of St Bartholomew’s Hospital

London’s oldest hospital, St. Bartholomew’s, is founded by an Augustinian monk. The monk, Rahere, vows to build a hospital upon his return to London after contracting malaria whilst on a pilgrimage to Rome.

1155

The Weavers’ Company receives its charter

The Weaver’s Company becomes the first chartered craft guild in the City. Still operating today, the guild is one of 112 still active in London.

1176

New London Bridge begun

The construction of the first stone bridge across the Thames begins. Replacing an earlier wooden bridge, the design takes over three decades to complete but lasts until the 19th century.

1189

Incorporation of the City of London Corporation

Around 1189, the City gained the right to have its own mayor, later being advanced to the degree and style of Lord Mayor of London.

1365

Football banned in the City

Following direct orders from the King, City sheriffs enforce a ban on football. People are instead encouraged to practice archery.

1381

Peasants’ Revolt

Incensed by unjust changes to taxation, peasants from Kent and Essex ransack buildings in the City before beheading the Archbishop of Canterbury. The revolt comes to a bloody end when rebel leader Wat Tyler is slashed by Lord Mayor William Walworth before being stabbed by an esquire of King Richard II.

1397

Dick Whittington becomes Mayor

The wealthy London mercer, Richard Whittington, is appointed Mayor for the first of four occasions. With no heirs, he uses his money to establish several charitable organisations while offering funds to repair Newgate and construct a new library at Guildhall.

1550

Earliest map of London

Flemish artist George Hoefnagel surveys the city for what is to become the earliest printed map of London. The map indicates how far the city has spread beyond the City walls.

1569

Drawing of the first lottery at St Paul’s Churchyard

Taking place in a temporary building adjacent to the cathedral, the first-ever recorded lottery is drawn. 40,000 lots are drawn, with prizes including money, plates and tapestry.

1652

First coffee house

Opening in St. Michael’s Alley, the first coffee house is opened in London. Supposed benefits of coffee are advertised around the City, claiming better digestion, a ‘quickened’ spirit and a remedy against sore eyes.

1659

First cheque issued at a London bank

The first cheque is drawn from a London bank. Londoner Nicholas Vanacker draws a £10 cheque from Messrs Clayton and Morris of Cornhill. [Note: the image shows a later cheque signed in 1664].

1666

The Great Fire of London

Breaking out in the early hours of September 2nd, the fire doesn’t abate for five days, destroying 13,200 houses, St. Paul’s Cathedral, 87 churches, six chapels, the Guildhall, the Royal Exchange, Custom House, 52 livery company halls, three gates and four stone in the process.

1684

Frost Fair on the Thames

The Thames completely freezes over from December 1683 until February 1684. The river is completely transformed into a series of markets and stalls, with attendees including the Royal Family

1701

New synagogue in Bevis Marks

Needing a new site for worship, London’s Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community erect a new synagogue in the City. Construction is overseen by a Quaker, Joseph Avis. The interior is adorned with Cromwellian and Queen Anne period furniture.

1710

St Paul’s Cathedral completed

The final stone of St. Paul’s Cathedral is laid by the son of Sir Christopher Wren. Taking 36 years and £850,000 to build, the money is raised through a tax on coal imported into the City.

1722

Regulation to keep to the left on London Bridge may have led to the UK driving on the left

The City Corporation introduces a rule requiring traffic to keep to the left. It's hoped the change will reduce congestion on London Bridge and stave off demands for further bridges across the river, impacting London Bridge’s monopoly. The change is officially adopted by government in 1835.

1755

Publication of Dr Johnson’s Dictionary

The author of the Dictionary of the English Language, Dr Samuel Johnson, resides at 17 Gough Square when his celebrated book is published. Taking almost a decade to complete, Johnson’s book becomes the standard for all future dictionaries.

1764

First Lloyd’s Register published

Lloyd's publish the first Register of Shipping, offering ship owners, maritime traders and insurers a factual summary of their vessels, charters and insurance.

1773

Stock Exchange established

A Threadneedle Street building is purchased by a group of brokers for use as a Stock Exchange. A Committee of Proprietors and a Committee for General Purposes are elected to govern activities, with brokers able to use the premises for 6p a day.

1828

Guildhall Library opens

A new Guildhall Library is opened, becoming a major source of historical texts about England and Lonndon, particularly the City, Southwark and Middlesex.

1855

London’s first pillar box

Novelist Anthony Trollope is widely credited for the idea of the pillar box. Before his vision, people would take letters to receiving offices or rely on itinerant collectors. The first pillar box was on the corner of Farringdon and Fleet Streets, with collections happening ten times daily.

1894

Tower Bridge completed

The Prince of Wales opens Tower Bridge, designed by City architect Horace Jones. The Thames remains navigable the entire eight-year construction. Featuring an opening of 200 feet and 135 feet of headroom, the bascule design allows access to almost every vessel to the Pool of London.

1956

Clean Air Act

While ‘Pea-souper’ fog epitomises olde-London in Hollywood films, it is still very much a feature of life in the City well into the 20th century. Over 12,000 Londoners perish in the Great London Smog of 1952 due to the lethal combination of fog and smoke from coal fires. A Clean Air Act is introduced to help curb domestic smoke pollution.

2000

Millennium Bridge opens

The first new bridge in over a century is constructed over the Thames.

2017

Bloomberg opens new European HQ

The City’s commitment to sustainability is firmed with an incredible design from Foster + Partners. Achieving the highest design-stage BREEAM score ever by any development of a major workspace worldwide, the building becomes home to 4,000 employees, three plazas and a stunning civic space.

2017

First woman bishop enthroned in St Paul's Cathedral

Sarah Mullally was the first woman to be appointed as Bishop of London and was enthroned in St Paul's Cathedral.

2023

City of London Corporation Climate Action Strategy

The City Corporation commits to achieving net zero emissions by 2027 while supporting the entire Square Mile in doing the same by 2040. Investments into the next six years of this commitment exceed £68m.

The Lady Mayor of the City of London

The Lady Mayor of the City of London, elected for one year, leads the City of London Corporation, overseeing the Square Mile's vibrant and thriving community.

Committed to supporting a diverse and sustainable London, the Lady Mayor acts as a global ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector, working closely with the Mayor of London.

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Roman ruins beneath your feet, glass towers above your head. It’s past, present and future all at once.

It’s where the Romans built Londinium, where Dickens wrote novels, where Shakespeare lived, worked and dreamed. And there are endless stories around every corner. Heroes, villains, innovators, and creators.

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Culture and commerce thrive together.

It’s where the first wireless signals were sent, and where code for green tech is written today. Walking around the City you will discover hidden gardens, rooftop bars, ancient streets, the latest restaurants, culture, and unique events. This is where it happened and where it’s happening.

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