London History - Car Hire London, Uk

London History

History

The beginnings of London can be estimated to go back to the invasion of Romans in 43 AD. It has been suggested that the soldiers crossed the river at Lambeth, although it was much further down the River Thames that they made a permanent wooden bridge which attracted travelers and settlers. This area was soon transformed into a flourishing city by the name of Londinium.

Later on William the Conqueror was crowned kind of England in a ceremony at the Westminster Abbey. He made a castle in the southeast corner of the city which would overlook the rest of the city. This castle was gradually expanded by other kings until it became what is now called the Tower of London. The Tower served as the royal residence and much later became popular as a prison. During this time, called the Medieval period, the Tower also served as a royal mint, treasury and gave shelter to various animals which marked the beginnings of a zoo.

 

In 1221 Dominican Friars arrived in London to support the destitute. This initiated a new era, the religious influence contributed towards magnificent buildings in the city. In 1665 the reign of King Charles II was the target of two great disasters, the Great Plague and the Great Fire.

 

The Victorian city of London was a complete contrast. Affluent buildings were being built while slums that were terribly overcrowded housed people in the worst imaginable conditions. Population rose in a century from 1 million in 1800 to 6 million in 1900. This surge overestimated London’s ability to look after its citizens and the consequences were dreadful, the blend of coal-fired stoves and poor sanitation made the air heavy and foul smelling. It was here that an unlikely hero emerged by the name of Joseph Bazalgette, he was an engineer who built over 2100 km of tunnels and pipes to reroute sewage outside the city. Diversion of sewage created waves of huge proportions; death rates were dramatically affected while it even led the outbreak of cholera down several notches.

It is best to hire a at the car rental London to visit the ruins and historical sites. As soon as your flight lands you should book a car at the car rental Heathrow airport to maximize fun and enjoyment in London.