London, United Kingdom/Timelines

Roman, Saxon and Viking London (c50-1066)

The Roman town of Londinium was established as a commercial centre around 50CE, adjacent to a bridge across the river Thames that had been constructed by the Roman legions, on a site close to what is now known as "the City". About ten years later it was destroyed by the Icennii, who were a rebellious Norfolk tribe led by Queen Boudicca. After rebuilding, it is believed to have become a garrison town, and around 200CE it was fortified by the construction of a massive stone wall about 15 feet high and nearly two miles long (remnants of which still exist). The 7th century Saxon trading centre of Ludenwic was sited outside the Roman wall around what is now Covent Garden, and the first Westminster Abbey is believed to have been built there in the 8th century, but the first cathedral church of St Paul had already been within the walled city in the 7th century. The walled city was re-occupied in the 9th century during the rule of Alfred the Great and London Bridge was rebuilt during the reign of Canute.