The Great Plague	The Great Fire of London	New St Paul's started
Bank of England Founded	St Paul's completed	Stock Exchange Established
GuildHall Library Opens	Jack the Ripper	Tower Bridge completed
World War 1	The Blitz and World War 2	The London Olympics
Guildhall Art Gallery reopens	Clean Air Act

Roman Britain

London founded 47- 50 The Romans established the site in 43 AD when they occupied Britain, initially as a centre for trade. The location was chosen because of its suitability as a landing stage on the river, which was navigable by larger vessels and yet narrow enough to be traversable by boat or bridge. London has been a port ever since. It would have had a military presence at the time that Roman Governor of Britain gave orders to build the first permanent base on the north bank of the Thames in 47 AD.


Boudicca’s rebellion 60 Queen Boudicca mounted a rebellion against Roman` occupation. She assembled an army drawn from indigenous British tribes that felt resentment toward the Romans and led them in an audacious siege of Camulodunum (Colchester) burning it to the ground. As they moved south Boudicca’s troops torched Londinium. It had been left with too few troops to mount an effective defense. However, these victories soon dried up as Roman military prowess quickly restored order and governance.


London destroyed 125 A pattern of renewal repeated several times during the City of London’s history was established in 125 AD. In excess of 100 acres, approximately a fifth of the City was destroyed by fire. It was thought to be accidental. Many saw it as an opportunity to build anew and to extend the City.


First City wall built 200 At almost two miles long, surrounding an area of 330 acres and between 6-9 feet in width and with a height of 18 feet, the City was accessed by gates on each main thoroughfare: Aldgate, Bishopsgate, Newgate and Ludgate. Cripplegate led into the Fort already established in the northwest corner of the City. Aldersgate on the west side was constructed a little later, sometime during the fourth century.


First London Mint 290 Carausius became Roman Emperor of Britain in 289 AD. He was independent from Rome so the following year he established his own coinage and the first London Mint was opened. Gold, silver and copper coins were made and issued as legal tender.

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