London Through Time: A Historical Timeline by

43 CE: Roman London (Londinium) Founded

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

The Romans established Londinium as a settlement on the River Thames. They built a bridge (near modern London Bridge) and established a major port. The city became an important trading center in the Roman Empire.

410 CE: End of Roman Rule

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

The Romans withdrew from Britain, leaving London largely abandoned. The Roman walls remained and would later serve as medieval London's defenses.

886 CE: King Alfred the Great Reestablishes London

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

After years of Viking raids, Alfred the Great recaptured London and made it habitable again. He established a street grid system and strengthened the old Roman walls.

1066: Norman Conquest and the Tower of London

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

William the Conqueror built the Tower of London to demonstrate Norman power. The White Tower, the central keep, remains one of London's most iconic landmarks.

1348: The Black Death

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

The plague reached London, killing approximately half of its population. This devastating event led to significant social and economic changes in the city.

1666: The Great Fire of London

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

A devastating fire began in Pudding Lane and destroyed much of the city. The rebuilding effort, led by Christopher Wren, gave us many of London's most famous buildings, including St. Paul's Cathedral.

1863: Opening of the London Underground

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

The world's first underground railway opened between Paddington and Farringdon. This revolutionary transport system would grow to become the extensive London Underground network we know today.

1940-1941: The Blitz

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

London endured intense bombing during World War II. Despite severe damage to many historic buildings and neighborhoods, the city's spirit remained unbroken, symbolized by St. Paul's Cathedral surviving the bombardment.

1951: The Festival of Britain

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

This national exhibition celebrated British achievements and marked London's post-war recovery. The Royal Festival Hall, built for the occasion, remains a key cultural venue on the South Bank.

2000: London Eye Opens

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

The London Eye observation wheel opened as part of millennium celebrations, quickly becoming one of the city's most popular attractions and a symbol of modern London.

2012: London Olympics

BeckiTurner — 2025-06-01 11:10:12 UTC

London became the first city to host the Summer Olympics three times. The Games led to the regeneration of East London and left a lasting legacy of world-class sporting facilities.

Mrs Turner battled the Romans

2025-06-01 11:12:48 UTC

Mrs T fought the Romans and made them leave. (Now her grey hairs make sense.......)

First time London has ever seen Taylor Swift MH CS MARCH 13 2013

2025-06-02 12:54:52 UTC

THIS IS LONDONS FIRST TIME EVER SEEING TAYLOR SWIFT ON HER RED TOUR ACROSS THE WORLD

WW2 [RC SM]

2025-06-02 12:58:29 UTC

in London world war 2 [1939 to 1945] was destroyed by the bombs London was a major target by the German air raids

14/10/1490 PRINCES IN THE TOWER MH CS

2025-06-02 12:59:30 UTC

There were rumers of the lost princes in the tower of London.

1761: King George bought Buckingham House in [BD,RH]

2025-06-02 12:59:46 UTC

King George bought Buckingham House in 1761 for the royal family to live in.

THE PLAUGUE IN LONDON CS AND MH

2025-06-02 13:03:16 UTC

THE PLAGUE IN LONDON WITCH WAS A HORRIBLE DESSEASE KILLED MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ALL THANKS TO RATS

the normans msw fb

2025-06-02 13:03:22 UTC

the normans reigned 1066 to the late 15th century

The Great Vowel Shift PP and LM 1600-1700

2025-06-02 13:03:22 UTC

The Great Vowel Shift took place between the 16th and 17th century. Did you know spelling and phonics was extremely easier before the Great Vowel Shift. The Great Vowel Shift was invented by Otto Jespersen.

1999: Millennium dome was opened HF/RMS

2025-06-02 13:04:19 UTC

The Millennium Dome is home to some extraordinary shows including Cirque Du Soleil . The Millennium Dome was opened at 11 : 59 on the 31st of December 1999

13/11/1974 FIRST EVER MCDONALDS IN LONDON CS AND MH

2025-06-02 13:06:35 UTC

THIS IS THE FIRST EVER MCDONALDS IN LONDON FINALLY IN MY TUMMY [ IT WAS A BIG ATTRACTION

Olympics [rc,sm]

2025-06-02 13:07:08 UTC

The first ever olympics London held was on 17 April to 31st of November 1908

1896: Craven cottage

2025-06-02 13:09:33 UTC

EM JD

Craven Cottage was the first ever football stadium found and built in London which belongs to Fulham Football Club.

FIRST EVR AIRPORT IN LONDON CS AND MH JUNE 1930

2025-06-02 13:09:35 UTC

THIS IS HEATHROW AIRPORT WHEN IT FIRST AIRPORT IN LONDON IN THE 19 HUNDREDS

1666: When the plague died out [JE EB]

2025-06-02 13:11:50 UTC

During the great fire of London, not many people died, there was around 15 people died. Although many houses burnt down most off the rats died which got rid of most of the plague which made people come back. It was illegal to have a thatch roof because it will catch fire easier.

2000: London Eye :PM EGB

2025-06-02 13:12:07 UTC

The London Eye is a giant ferriswheel

which you can see the whole of London from.The london Eye lights up every night which makes it a good place for tourists!

SHAKSPEARS PLAYS 14/9/1576

2025-06-02 13:12:35 UTC

SHAKSPEARS PLAYS WERE THE TOP ATTRACTIONS FOR TUDOR LONDON I WISH I COULD SEE ONE

1914 :World War 1 IC,FBE

2025-06-02 13:13:38 UTC

World War 1 was the beginning of it all. It started in 1914 and ended in 1918. It was a terrible time for women who lost their husbands and children who lost their fathers. It was also a horrible time for men because they had to go to war and alot of them didn't make it.

410 Anglo-Saxons [MSW FB]

2025-06-02 13:15:31 UTC

The anglo saxons reigns started at the end of the romans period in 410 century till 1066

London bridge PP and LM

2025-06-02 13:16:48 UTC

London Bridge was built in 1967 by the Romans. It was opened by Queen Elizabeth on the 16th of March 1973. Did you know if you wanted to cross London Bridge you had to pay a certain amount of money to the queen then she wouldn't spend it on the bridge she would keep it and use it herself.

1555: The Port of London on the River Thames was a major hub for trading. [BD,RH]

2025-06-02 13:17:12 UTC

The River Thames was a very big river for people to sail up on the boats to doing trading for stuff like food.

London isn`t called London [RC,SM]

2025-06-02 13:17:12 UTC

London isn`t called London it is called Greater London

fun fact

ONE OF LONDONS BIGGEST BRIDGE CS AND MH

2025-06-02 13:18:40 UTC

THIS IS LONDONS BIGGEST BRIDGE ,IT WAS MADE IN 1973 I HOPE THAT IT DESNT FALL DOWN THIS TIME HAHA

1870 House of parliament was built. RMS/HF

2025-06-02 13:19:19 UTC

In 1870 the houses of Parliament's construction was finished after 30 years of it being built. Also another interesting fact is that the house of commons [which has green seats] was Practically destroyed during the Blitz.

November 1968:KFC

2025-06-02 13:19:54 UTC

EM JD The First ever KFC opened in London was in November 1968 in North Finchley.

AD 1485-1603: The Tudor Dynasty ( FP, KGB )

2025-06-02 13:20:41 UTC

In AD 1485 Henry 7th took over from Richard 3rd. When Henry 7th died his son, Henry 8th took over the throne. Later on, his son Edward 4th ( also known as the puppet king ) became king but died at a young age.

After that Mary 1st ( the bloody queen of England ) took the throne and things started off well but did not go to plan. When Marys reign ended her sister Elizabeth 1st became queen. Elizabeth was the last Tudor queen.

The Blitz (DB,AT)

2025-06-02 13:21:21 UTC

The Blitz took place in London on the 7th of September 1940 at Queen Victoria Street,EC4.Did you know that the word Blitz origanated from the word blitzkrieg which in German means lightning war?

1940: The Blitz on London [OA,ZP]

2025-06-02 13:21:51 UTC

During World War II,London faced a devastating eight-month period of Bombing know as the blitz,starting in September 7 1940. The German Air Force [luftwaffe] targeted London,aming to cripple the city's war effort and morale. The blitz,along with subsequent V1 and V2 rocket attacks,caused significant damage and loss of life,with nearly 30,000 Londoners killed.

THIS IS THE FIRST EVER LONDON TUBE MH AND CS

2025-06-02 13:21:52 UTC

LONDON TUBES ARE ONE OF THE MOST COMMON TYPE OF TRANSPORT THAT THERE IS N LONDON ON THE 18/12/1890

1714 Empire and Sea power [MSW FB]

2025-06-02 13:23:44 UTC

Britan had a Empire based just on sea power

Normans in London 1066 CB AL

2025-06-02 13:25:16 UTC

The Normans lived in London in 1066 to 1154 which was during the reign of Henry the ll.During the Normans conquest William Normandy was made the new king.The language that the Normans spoke is a form of old French which was later made into Anglo-Norman.

The first ever singer ever in London [RC,SM]

2025-06-02 13:26:37 UTC

Charles Dibdin is the first ever singer in London they dont know when he first ever sang in London

henry the eighth ,LJ,OJ

2025-06-02 13:27:38 UTC

King Henry the 8th was born in 1491 and was crowned at the age of 17 in 1509.He had six wives.Catherine d' Aragon,Anne Boleyn,Jane Seymour,Anne de Cleves,Katerine Howard and Katerine Parr.hehad two girls called Mary (the oldest) and Elizabeth (the middle child)and when he found jane seymour,he finally got what he always wanted,a baby boy,they called him edward,but sadly,in 1537 Jane Seymour died from a desease.The 4th and 5th wife died,when he got with Katerine parr,he sadly died in 1547 at the fenominal age of 55.

1939-1945: Children moved to the country to avoid the bombing. [RH,BD]

2025-06-02 13:28:04 UTC

Children during WW2 left their families and moved out of London to the country so they had a chance at living.

THIS IS THE FIRST EVER IPHONE THAT WAS RELEASED IN LONDON MH AND CS JUNE 29 2007

2025-06-02 13:28:14 UTC

I BET THE TUDORS THOUGHT THEY HAD GOOD COMMUNICATION BUT LOOK AT THIS ONE HEHE

The first ever starbucks in London PP and LM

2025-06-02 13:28:45 UTC

The First Starbucks in England was opened in 1998. It was built on Kings road London. Starbucks was thought of by Gordon Bowker a writer, Zev siegl a history teacher and Jerry Baldin a English teacher

The first time Olivia Rodrigo ever went on tour in London. PM EGB 2022

2025-06-02 13:29:05 UTC

Olivia Rodrigos first time performing in London was in 2022.

the tour included two sold out shows on July the 6th and 7th .

1599: Shakespeare's Globe ( FP, KGB)

2025-06-02 13:32:24 UTC

In 1599 Shakespeare's Globe was built. It is the only building in London that has a thatched roof. This is because in the Fire Of London, every building with a thatched roof burnt to the ground. It is a unique building because all of Shakespeare's plays were performed there. Shakespeare's original Globe was burnt in the Great Fire Of London but an exact replica was rebuilt.

ROMANS IN LONDON 47AD [HBJH]

2025-06-02 13:32:57 UTC

THE ROMANS came to london in 47AD they first settle and builted a military base and some homes and called it londinium and it began to become a city in 61AD the city was burned down. by the 4th sentry londinum had a populateshion of 60,ooo londinium declined importance in the 5th sentry and eventry left londinium.

1862 The first fast food restarant in London [MSW FB]

2025-06-02 13:34:10 UTC

The first ever fast food restaurant in London was Cooke Pie Shop it sold mash and pie

1992 The first Nandos in London [ZP,OA]

2025-06-02 13:34:18 UTC

The first Nandos in London was made in 1992 It was the brainchild of two friends Robert Brozin and Fernando Duarte.

1347-1351: Plague [BD,RH]

2025-06-02 13:35:22 UTC

Plague wiped out more than half of London.

1600: Romeo and Juliet FBE,IC

2025-06-02 13:36:10 UTC

Romeo and Juliet was a play written by William Shakespeare in the Tudor Times . It was a very popular play and loads of people would pay money to see it. Although the play was well liked it was performed in Southwark not in London. Woman were not allowed to perform on stage because it was seen as something woman could not do.

24/12/1924:First plane crash in London. EM JD

2025-06-02 13:36:36 UTC

On 24th December 1924 the De Hivilland DH.34 crashed and was the first ever plane crash in London's History.

Titanic [RC,SM]

2025-06-02 13:37:52 UTC

The titanic sank on the 14th of April 1912 it sank in the Atlantic ocean 1,517 died 685 crew member died and 832 passengers died

1964: FIRST EVER NIKE SHOP IN LONDON

2025-06-02 13:39:24 UTC

THIS IS THE FIRST EVER NIKE SHOP IN LONDON THE FIRST EVER PAIR OF SHOES WERE AIR MAX.

1824: When Harrods was established ( KGB, FP )

2025-06-02 13:40:49 UTC

1866: the first fire station in London HF/RMS

2025-06-02 13:42:23 UTC

There would be over 10,000 casualties a year without fireman/firewomen and there is still a around 250 a year with fireman/firewomen. The first fire station in London to have a pole was Kensington fire station this fire station was not the first fire station in London despite being the first station to have a pole.

1972: First ever Costa ( LJ,OJ )

2025-06-02 13:42:24 UTC

Sergio Costa was born in 1949 and invented the first ever costa in 1971.

1820 The first ever school in London [MSW FB]

2025-06-02 13:42:24 UTC

Thee first ever school in London was Spitalfields

The first ever shopping centre in London PP and LM

2025-06-02 13:42:26 UTC

The first ever shopping centre was built in 1571 and called the royal exchange. It was mostly used for trading. It was built by Sir Thomas Gresham.

The first Adidas [OA,ZP]

2025-06-02 13:42:45 UTC

1599 The globe theatre [EB JE]

2025-06-02 13:43:06 UTC

The Globe Theatre was opened in 1599 during the Tudor period and it could hold up to 3000 people. The globe theatre has been standing for 400 years and has been through 3 buildings. It was the only building that was allowed to have a thatch roof after the great fire of London ,because they wanted it to look as original as possible.

THE FIRST VIDEO GAME IN LONDON HB JH 1978

2025-06-02 13:43:08 UTC

THE FIRST VIDEO GAME IN LONDON is pong a tennis simulater in 1978

The first time England won the world cup : PM EGB 1966

2025-06-02 13:43:19 UTC

The first time England ever world world cup was in 1966.

it was germany VS England it was 4-2.

1940 The first bomb dropped on London in WW2 [MSW FB]

2025-06-02 14:12:17 UTC

The first bomb that was dropped on London in WW2 was during the German night bombing in 1940

1091: the first tornado in London HF

2025-06-02 14:14:10 UTC

the first tornado in London was on the 17th of October 1091

10 March 1876. The Telephone LTD JD

2025-06-02 14:16:48 UTC

The First phone in London was in 10 March 1876 and was the Telephone LTD.

1580: the first earthquake in London HF

2025-06-02 14:20:09 UTC

the first earthquake in London was on the 6 April 1580.

1599 The first ever play performed in the Globe theater [MSW]

2025-06-02 14:22:40 UTC

The first ever play performed in the Globe theater was Julius Caesar in 1599

1908: First Summer Olympics In London (KGB,FP)

2025-06-02 14:22:51 UTC

The first Summer Olympics in London were held on the 27 th April to the 31st October 1908. The first brother and sister to win medals at the Olympics was William Dod and Charlotte (nicknamed lottie) Dod.

world war ll in schools AL CB 1939 - 1945

2025-06-02 14:24:01 UTC

In world war ll normal education was quite difficult in London because of the world war starting in 1939 and only ending in 1945. Also what happened was most of the children were evacuated without their parents and some of the children's parents became homeless or died

The First ever police station in London. JD

2025-06-02 14:24:51 UTC

The First ever police station in London was called "Peelers" or " Bobbers" and was built in 1829.

The suffregets (AT,DB)

2025-06-02 14:25:05 UTC

The Suffregets were a militant wing of womans sufrege movement in the 20th century, advacating for womans rights to vote in the united kingdom through direction and ''deeds not words'' approch.the deeds not words approch was led by Emmeline Panthurst, she brought her daughters Christabel and sylvia who founded the womans social and political union (WSPU) and became key people in the suffragette movment.

big ben 1843 jh

2025-06-02 14:27:50 UTC

the desing of the clock was decided in a competishon in 1846 was won by barrister Edmund beckett denison it bigan being built in 1843 and finished being built in 1859 the real name of big ben is the Elizebeth tower big ben is the most famas clock in the world.

1839 the first ever photograph taken in London [MSW]

2025-06-02 14:29:11 UTC

the first ever photograph was taken by a man named Monsieur de St Croixin in 1839

1896 the first movie in London [JE]

2025-06-02 14:29:12 UTC

The first movie was made on 21 February. It was by William Friese who was 26 years old and back then lots of people called it a moving picture because it was very knew and people didn't understand it.

2012: the most recent landmark in London [HF]

2025-06-02 14:29:34 UTC

the shards construction started in 2009 and it was finished being built in 2012

fun fact [HF]

2025-06-02 14:31:53 UTC

the tallest building in London is the shard

The Goverment. JD

2025-06-02 14:35:38 UTC

The Goverment moved into the Houses Of Parliament from the 13th Century until 1707.

1820 The first school opened in London [EB]

2025-06-02 14:38:47 UTC

the first school was opened in 1820 by Samuel Wilderspin it was built so that poor people could still go to school. The government provided money for the school [ The school was called Spitalfields .]

1666: The Plague died out (KGB,FP)

2025-06-02 14:38:52 UTC

The Plague (a disease) died out in 1666 due to the Great Fire Of London.

1889 The first hotel in London [MSW]

2025-06-02 14:39:00 UTC

The first ever hotel was the Savoy

Religion in ancient London AD301 - AD400. AL CB

2025-06-02 14:40:31 UTC

In ancient London Primary school students were quite religious some people were christian some were celtic panism and religion started in AD301 and AD400

the first ever sport in london jh

2025-06-02 14:41:08 UTC

the ferist ever sport in london was jousting in the tudor period

The London Eye 1998 AL CB

2025-06-02 18:30:34 UTC

The London eye was originally created by David Marks and Julia Barfield. The original name for the London eye was the Millennium wheel. The London eye has also broken down twice on the hottest days of the year.

The London bridge AL CB 43AD

2025-06-02 19:00:01 UTC

The London Bridge started in a Roman pontoon in around 43ADand developing slowly through various stone and concrete variations. The real name for the London bridge is the tower bridge .

The first prime minister of London AL CB 1721-1741

2025-06-03 06:30:53 UTC

The first Prime Minister of London was somebody called Robert Walpole and he took the office in 1721 and then held it for another twenty years.

The first king to ever rule London AL CB 924-939

2025-06-03 06:44:16 UTC

London's first king was a man named Athelstan this man ruled for a total of fifteen years and he was the son of Edward the Elder and the grandson of Alfred the great.

The first cheese factory in London 1870 RMS

2025-06-12 12:53:06 UTC

The first cheese factory in London was made in 1870. Fun fact the Houses of Parliament was built the same year as the first cheese factory in London.

The first competitive game of chess in London 1851 RMS

2025-06-12 13:00:57 UTC

Fun fact the man who won was Adolf Anderssen.

End of WW2 Celebrations 2nd September 1945 RMS

2025-06-12 13:11:12 UTC

On the 2nd September 1945 the end of WW2 there were lots of celebrations in London.

The first Zoo in London 27th April 1828 RMS.

2025-06-12 13:25:38 UTC

The first ever Gig in London 1672 RMS

2025-06-12 13:52:44 UTC

In 1672 the first ever Gig was performed by John Banisters

The first ever competitive game of football RMS

2025-06-19 07:03:08 UTC

The first ever game of football in was the Wanderers Vs the Royal engineers. The Wanderers won the game 1 - 0 some people said that it was a tight game in dairy records.