History of London in Timeline

London is the capital and largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, boasting a population of 9.1 million in 2024 and a wider metropolitan area of 15.1 million. Situated on the River Thames in southeast England, it has been a significant settlement for nearly 2,000 years, with its ancient core, the City of London, established by the Romans. The City of Westminster has long housed the national government and parliament. London experienced rapid growth in the 19th century, becoming the world's largest city. Today, "London" refers to the metropolis surrounding the City of London, primarily within Greater London since 1965, governed by 33 local authorities and the Greater London Authority.

1908: London Hosts Summer Olympics

London hosted the Summer Olympics in 1908.

1912: The Cave of the Golden Calf Opens

In 1912, London's first gay bar in the modern sense, The Cave of the Golden Calf, opened as a nightclub on Heddon Street, gaining a reputation for sexual freedom and tolerance.

1912: Suffragette Bombing and Arson Campaign in 1912

Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral were bombed in the 1912–14 suffragette bombing and arson campaign.

November 1920: The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and The Cenotaph

On 11 November 1920, the tomb of the Unknown Warrior was created in Westminster Abbey and The Cenotaph, in Whitehall, was unveiled on the same day.

1925: Winnie-the-Pooh Debuts

In 1925, A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh made its debut in London's Evening News.

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1925: London as World's Largest City Until 1925

London was the world's largest city from about 1831 to 1925.

1925: Chocolate Digestives Manufactured by McVitie's

Since 1925, chocolate digestives, the nation's most popular biscuit to dunk in tea, have been manufactured in Harlesden by McVitie's.

1928: Odeon Cinemas Founded

In 1928, Oscar Deutsch founded Odeon Cinemas in London, which became the largest cinema chain in the country.

1929: Hackney carriages by the Austin Motor Company

The Austin Motor Company began making hackney carriages (London taxis) in 1929; the black cabs have become part of the city's tradition.

1931: EMI Formed

In 1931, the record label EMI was formed in London, playing a significant role in the music industry.

1932: Victoria Coach Station Opening

London's coach hub, Victoria Coach Station, opened in 1932.

1933: London Passenger Transport Board created

In 1933, the lines that formed the London Underground, as well as trams and buses, became part of an integrated transport system when the London Passenger Transport Board or London Transport was created.

1934: London Hosts British Empire Games

London was the host to the British Empire Games in 1934.

1937: Restriction on High-Rise Development since 1937

High-rise development has been restricted since 1937 if it would obstruct protected views of St Paul's Cathedral.

1939: Greater London's Peak Population in 1939

Greater London's population declined after the Second World War, from an estimated peak of 8.6 million in 1939.

1939: Battersea Power Station landmark in 1939

The 1939 Battersea Power Station by the river in the south-west is a local landmark.

1947: Red Double-Decker Bus First Appeared

An emblem of London, the red double-decker bus first appeared in the city in 1947 with the AEC Regent III RT (predecessor to the AEC Routemaster).

1948: London Hosts Summer Olympics

London hosted the Summer Olympics in 1948.

1948: 1948 Summer Olympics Held in London

The 1948 Summer Olympics were held at the original Wembley Stadium, while London was still recovering from the war.

1949: British Academy Film Awards Held

Since 1949, the British Academy Film Awards have been held in London, recognizing excellence in film.

1951: Festival of Britain in 1951

In 1951, the Festival of Britain was held on the South Bank.

1951: Introduction of Zebra Crossings

Zebra crossings, the world's first marked pedestrian crossings, appeared across London in 1951.

1952: The Mousetrap Begins its Run

In 1952, Agatha Christie's play "The Mousetrap" began its run in London's West End, becoming the world's longest-running play.

1952: Great Smog of 1952

The Great Smog of 1952 led to the Clean Air Act 1956.

1956: Clean Air Act 1956

The Clean Air Act of 1956, passed as a result of the Great Smog of 1952, ended the "pea soup fogs" which had earned London the nickname the "Big Smoke".

1957: BFI London Film Festival Founded

The BFI London Film Festival was founded in 1957 and takes place over two weeks every October.

1958: Paddington Bear Created

In 1958, Michael Bond created the refugee Paddington Bear.

1962: Marshall Amplification Founded

In 1962, Jim Marshall, a guitar amp engineer, founded Marshall Amplification in London, contributing to the music scene.

1965: London's Political Boundaries Expanded in 1965

In 1965, London's political boundaries were expanded in response to the city's growth, and a new Greater London Council was created.

1965: Greater London Divided into Boroughs in 1965

Since 1965, Greater London has been divided into 32 London boroughs in addition to its once walled ancient core, the City of London.

1965: Greater London Administrative Area Created in 1965

Since 1965, London has largely comprised the administrative area of Greater London, governed by 33 local authorities and the Greater London Authority.

1967: Homosexuality Decriminalized in England

After homosexuality was decriminalized in England in 1967, gay bar culture became more visible in London, leading to Soho becoming the center of the London LGBTQ community.

1970: Victoria Coach Station Nationalisation

Victoria Coach Station was nationalised in 1970.

1973: Bomb Attacks by the Provisional Irish Republican Army from 1973

From 1973, during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, London was hit by bomb attacks by the Provisional Irish Republican Army. These attacks lasted for two decades.

1982: Thames Barrier Completed in 1982

In 1982, the Thames Barrier was completed to protect London against tidal surges from the North Sea.

1986: Greater London Council Abolished in 1986

The Greater London Council was abolished in 1986, leaving London with no central administration until the creation of the Greater London Authority in 2000.

1987: Docklands Light Railway Opening

The Docklands Light Railway, opened in 1987, is a local metro system serving the Docklands and Southeast London.

1991: Immigration to London

Starting in 1991, a net 726,000 immigrants arrived in London during the period 1991–2001.

1993: Bronze Age Bridge Remains Found in 1993

In 1993, remains of a Bronze Age bridge were found on the south River Thames foreshore, upstream from Vauxhall Bridge. The timbers dated to 1750–1285 BC.

1994: Opening of the Channel Tunnel

In 1994, the opening of the Channel Tunnel connected London directly to the continental rail network, allowing Eurostar services to begin.

1994: Minister for London Post Created in 1994

The ministerial post of Minister for London was created in 1994.

2000: Creation of Greater London Authority in 2000

In 2000, the Greater London Authority was created. To mark the 21st century, the Millennium Dome, the London Eye and the Millennium Bridge were constructed.

2000: Tate Modern Opens

In 2000, the Tate Modern, a new gallery for modern art, opened in the former Bankside Power Station.

2000: Green Space Statistics in 2000

The London Natural History Society suggests that London is "one of the World's Greenest Cities" with more than 40% green space or open water, 2000 species of flowering plant.

2001: Immigration to London

Ending in 2001, a net 726,000 immigrants arrived in London during the period 1991–2001.

2001: Office Space in Greater London

In 2001, Greater London had 27 million square meters of office space, with the City containing the most space at 8 million square meters.

2003: London's Leisure Economy

According to a 2003 report, London has a quarter of the UK's leisure economy.

2003: Congestion Charge Introduction

In 2003, a congestion charge was introduced in London to reduce traffic volumes in the city center.

July 2005: London Underground and Bus Bombings in July 2005

On 7 July 2005, three London Underground trains and a double-decker bus were bombed in a series of terrorist attacks.

2005: Languages Spoken in London

A 2005 survey claimed that more than 300 languages were spoken in London and more than 50 non-indigenous communities had populations of more than 10,000.

2007: Mayor of London assumes responsibility for local lines

In 2007, the Mayor of London assumed responsibility for some local lines, which now form the London Overground network, adding to the existing responsibility for the London Underground, trams and buses.

2007: High-speed rail

Since 2007, high-speed trains link St. Pancras International with European tourist destinations via the High Speed 1 rail link and the Channel Tunnel.

2008: London Hailed as Global City in 2008

In 2008, Time magazine hailed London as one of the world's three most influential global cities.

June 2009: First High-Speed Domestic Trains

In June 2009, the first high-speed domestic trains started linking Kent to London.

2009: Port of London Cargo Handling

As of 2009, the Port of London handled 45 million tonnes of cargo each year.

2009: Accessibility Improvements on Bus Network

From 2009, London's bus network became more accessible to hearing and visually impaired passengers as audio-visual announcements were introduced.

2009: Average Rush Hour Speed

In 2009, the average rush hour speed in London was 10.6 mph (17.1 km/h).

2009: Revenue Expenditure by London Councils in 2009-2010

In 2009–2010, the revenue expenditure by London councils and the GLA amounted to just over £22 billion (£14.7 billion for the boroughs and £7.4 billion for the GLA).

2010: Revenue Expenditure by London Councils in 2009-2010

In 2009–2010, the revenue expenditure by London councils and the GLA amounted to just over £22 billion (£14.7 billion for the boroughs and £7.4 billion for the GLA).

2010: Timber Structure Foundations Found in 2010

In 2010, foundations of a large timber structure, dated to 4800–4500 BC, were found on the Thames' south foreshore downstream from Vauxhall Bridge.

2010: Revenue Taken Each Year

Since 2010, London's bus network has taken an average of £1.2 billion in revenue each year.

2011: Greater London Built-up Area population in 2011

As of 2011, the Greater London Built-up Area is the fourth-most populous in Europe, with about 9.8 million inhabitants.

2011: London's population

In 2011, London's continuous urban area held a population of 9,787,426 people.

June 2012: Opening of the London Cable Car

London's only cable car, the London Cable Car, opened in June 2012, crossing the Thames and linking Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks.

2012: London Hosts the 2012 Summer Olympics

In 2012, London became the first city to host three Summer Olympic Games.

2012: Olympic Park Development for the 2012 Olympics

The Lower Lea Valley was developed into the Olympic Park for the 2012 Olympics.

2013: London Named Greenest City in Europe

According to a 2013 report by the City of London Corporation, London is the "greenest city" in Europe, with a large area covered in public parks, woodlands, and gardens.

January 2015: Greater London's Population Increased in January 2015

By January 2015, Greater London's population had increased again to 8.63 million.

2015: London's International Student Population

According to the QS World University Rankings 2015/16, London's international student population of around 110,000 is larger than any other city in the world.

2015: London as top city in the world

In 2015, London was the top city in the world by visitor cross-border spending, estimated at US$20.23 billion.

2016: Tourism in London

In 2016, tourism in London employed 700,000 full-time workers and contributed £36 billion a year to the economy.

2016: Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London since 2016

Sadiq Khan has been the mayor of London since 2016.

2017: London Hosts World Championships in Athletics

In 2017, London hosted the World Championships in Athletics for the first time.

2017: London Ranked Top City for Luxury Store Openings

In 2017, London was ranked as the top city globally for luxury store openings, demonstrating its strength as a major retail destination.

2018: Global Cities Index Ranking

In 2018, London ranked second in A.T. Kearney's Global Cities Index.

2018: London's median age

In 2018, London's median age was 36.5 years old, which is younger than the UK median of 40.3.

2019: Bus Network Commuter Trips

In 2019, London's bus network had over 2 billion commuter trips per year.

2019: London's Gross Regional Product

In 2019, London's gross regional product was £503 billion, around a quarter of the UK GDP.

2020: QS World University Rankings for Performing Arts Schools

According to the 2020 QS World University Rankings, the Royal College of Music is ranked 2nd in the world, the Royal Academy of Music is ranked 4th, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama is ranked 6th.

2020: Low Traffic Neighbourhoods Introduced

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods were introduced in London in 2020.

2021: Religious Groupings in London

According to the 2021 Census, the largest religious groupings in London were Christians (40.66%), followed by those of no religion (20.7%), Muslims (15%), no response (8.5%), Hindus (5.15%), Jews (1.65%), Sikhs (1.64%), Buddhists (1.0%) and other (0.8%).

2021: Foreign-born population

According to the 2021 census, 3,575,739 people (40.6%) of London's population were foreign-born, and about 56.8 per cent of children born in London in 2021 were born to a mother who was born abroad.

2021: Research Excellence Framework Ranking

In the Research Excellence Framework ranking 2021, Imperial College is ranked as the UK's leading university.

2021: London's Population Demographics

The 2021 census reported that 53.8% of London's 8,173,941 inhabitants were White. 22.2% were of Asian or mixed-Asian descent, with 20.8% of full Asian descent and 1.4% of mixed-Asian heritage. Indians accounted for 7.5% of the population, followed by Bangladeshis and Pakistanis at 3.7% and 3.3% respectively. 15.9% of London's population were of Black or mixed-Black descent. As of 2021, the majority of London's school pupils come from ethnic minority backgrounds, with only 23.9% White British.

May 2022: Opening of the Elizabeth Line

In May 2022, the east-west Elizabeth line opened in London. It was Europe's biggest construction project, with a £15 billion projected cost.

2022: QS World University Rankings

In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, Imperial College London is ranked No. 6 in the world, University College London (UCL) is ranked 8th, and King's College London (KCL) is ranked 37th.

2023: Global Financial Centres Index Ranking

As of 2023, London ranks second in the world rankings on the Global Financial Centres Index.

2023: Student Enrollment in London in 2023

In 2023, London hosts Europe's largest concentration of higher education institutions, with over 50 universities and colleges collectively enrolling more than 500,000 students.

2023: Hotel Rooms in London

The number of hotel rooms in London in 2023 stood at 155,700 and is expected to grow to 183,600 rooms, the most of any city outside China.

June 2024: Parliamentary Representation in June 2024

As at June 2024, there are 75 members of Parliament from London; 59 are from the Labour Party, 9 are Conservatives, 6 are Liberal Democrats, and one constituency is held by an independent.

July 2024: Minister for London Post Vacant in July 2024

The ministerial post of Minister for London has been vacant since July 2024.

2024: London Classified as an "Alpha++" City in 2024

As of 2024, London was one of two cities worldwide classified as an "Alpha++" city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.

2024: Pigeon Population in 2024

In 2024 there were some 3 million pigeons in London.

2024: Most-visited attractions in London

In 2024, nine of the ten most-visited attractions in the UK were in London. The most visited attraction was the British Museum at 6,479,952 visitors.

April 2025: London's game development hub

As of April 2025, London is the 3rd largest game development hub in the world after Los Angeles and San Francisco.

2025: London's metropolitan area population

In 2025, London's wider metropolitan area held 15.1 million people.

2025: Greater London population in 2025

In 2025, the population of Greater London is just over 9.8 million, making it Europe's third-most populous city, accounting for 13.1 per cent of the United Kingdom's population and 15.5 per cent of England's population; the London metropolitan area is about 15 million inhabitants.

2025: London's Premier League Football Clubs

In the 2025–26 season, London had seven clubs in the Premier League: Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.