HISTORY

The city does not appear until after the Roman conquest. Roman rule was extended from the first century AD until the fifth century, in which fell the Empire. In the III century, Londinium, with its port, was an important population center, with about 50,000 inhabitants.

Ruined by the anglo-saxon invasions of the fifth century, in the VII century became the capital of the small kingdom Essex and was episcopal see.

While in the IX century Scandinavian suffered incursions, the implantation of Danish settlers in the neighborhood building an entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to trade, which became the first urban center of the country. Its wealth attracted to the Danish and Scandinavian kings which beset the city and forced to pay tribute.

Since 1067 the city had the same rights as a county and only depended on royal authority. Dates From this time the Tower of London.

In 1191 the city was constituted as "municipality" (corporation) to replace a mayor the portreeve. In 1215, London had the privilege to elect its mayor each year.

For a long time, England lacked of fixed capital. In the XIIITH century, Westminster, near London, became one of the main headquarters of the Government. In addition, the rise of European trade constituted another stimulant to convert London capital of the kingdom.