London Cultural Essentials

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford. —Samuel Johnson, 1777

Though London has experienced a long and tumultuous history, it has always emerged from its struggles as a pioneering and vibrant city. Throughout the years, London has been at the forefront of the world’s political, cultural, and literary movements, and each series of change leaves its mark on this continuously evolving city. Whether fighting off barbarian invaders, resisting the Great Plague (or Great Fire), or rebuilding after the Blitz of World War II, London has remained a strong, resilient part of the world. This fortitude manifests itself today in London’s incredible ethnic and cultural diversity, its countless museums and theatres, and its exciting nightlife. It is hard to say what the London of tomorrow will be like, but, based on its past, one would expect a strong, diverse city with citizens who expect their voices to be heard.

History

London was originally known as Londinium, with its Roman foundations in AD 43. Commercially minded Aulus Plautius converted an area of marsh and farmsteads into a focal point of trade, building a bridge ...more

London Today

London is a city of 7.5 million people—13 million including those who live just outside the boundaries of Greater London—making it the most populous city in Europe. Even so, London’s enormous size—over ...more