History of London in Timeline

London is the capital and largest city of both England and the United Kingdom. With a population of nearly 9 million in 2022, and a wider metropolitan area of almost 15 million, it is the largest in Western Europe. Located on the River Thames in southeast England, London has been a major settlement for approximately 2,000 years. Founded by the Romans as Londinium, its core, the City of London, maintains its medieval boundaries and serves as a financial center. The City of Westminster hosts the national government and parliament. London experienced rapid growth in the 19th century, becoming the world's largest city. The name "London" now refers to the metropolis surrounding the City of London, mainly within the administrative area of Greater London, governed by 33 local authorities and the Greater London Authority since 1965.

1902: Slazenger provides tennis balls for Wimbledon

Since 1902, Slazenger has provided tennis balls for Wimbledon, marking the oldest sponsorship in sport.

1903: Wettest year on record

In 1903, London experienced its wettest year on record, with a total rainfall of 38.1 inches (969 mm).

1906: The Ritz opened in London

The Ritz, a luxury hotel in London, opened in 1906.

1908: London Summer Olympics

In 1908, London hosted the Summer Olympics.

August 1911: Non-standard Temperature

In August 1911, a temperature of 37.8 °C (100.0 °F) was recorded at the Greenwich station but was later disregarded as non-standard.

1912: Suffragette bombing and arson campaign

In 1912, London was the target of many attacks during the suffragette bombing and arson campaign, in which historic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral were bombed.

1912: Opening of The Cave of the Golden Calf

In 1912, The Cave of the Golden Calf opened as a nightclub at 9 Heddon Street in London, and it gained a reputation for sexual freedom and tolerance of same-sex relations.

1914: Suffragette bombing and arson campaign

In 1914, London was still the target of many attacks during the suffragette bombing and arson campaign, in which historic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral were bombed.

November 1920: Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and Cenotaph

On 11 November 1920, the tomb of the Unknown Warrior was buried in Westminster Abbey and the Cenotaph was unveiled.

1921: Driest year on record

The driest year on record in London was 1921, with a total rainfall of 12.1 inches (308 mm).

1925: London world's largest city

London was the world's largest city until about 1925.

1925: Winnie-the-Pooh Debuts

On Christmas Eve in 1925, Winnie-the-Pooh debuted in London's Evening News, the character being based on a stuffed toy.

Winnie-the-Pooh: Classic Gift Edition

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1925: McVitie's Manufactures Chocolate Digestives

Since 1925, McVitie's has manufactured chocolate digestives, the nation's most popular biscuit for dunking in tea, at their Harlesden factory in north-west London.

1928: Odeon Cinemas Founded

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

1929: Austin Motor Company began making hackney carriages

In 1929, the Austin Motor Company began making hackney carriages (London taxis).

1929: Introduction of the blue police telephone box

Introduced by the Met in 1929, the blue police telephone box (the basis for the TARDIS in the television series Doctor Who) was once a common sight throughout London.

1931: EMI Formed and Stereo Sound Created

In 1931, the record label EMI was formed in London, and Alan Blumlein, an employee, created stereo sound that year.

1931: The Dorchester opened in London

The Dorchester, a luxury hotel in London, opened in 1931.

1932: Victoria Coach Station opened

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

1933: Creation of London Passenger Transport Board

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 British Empire Games

In 1934, London hosted the British Empire Games.

1934: Flying Scotsman reached 100 mph

In 1934, the Flying Scotsman steam locomotive was the first locomotive to reach the officially authenticated speed of 100 miles per hour (161 km/h).

1937: St Paul's Heights Policy

The 'St Paul's Heights' protective policy, restricting high-rise development that would obstruct protected views of St Paul's Cathedral and other historic buildings, has been in operation by the City of London since 1937.

1939: Greater London's population

In 1939, Greater London's population highest since this year at 8.63 million.

1939: Battersea Power Station Landmark

The Battersea Power Station, built in 1939 by the river in the southwest of London, became a local landmark.

1947: Red double-decker bus first appeared in London

In 1947, the red double-decker bus first appeared in London with the AEC Regent III RT.

1948: Austin FX3 introduced

In 1948, Austin FX3 model of hackney carriages were introduced.

1948: London Summer Olympics

In 1948, London hosted the Summer Olympics.

1948: Release of Oliver Twist

In 1948, the film Oliver Twist was released.

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1949: First British Academy Film Awards

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have been held in London since 1949.

1950: Publication of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

In 1950, C.S. Lewis' first Narnia book, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", which depicts the evacuation of children from London during the Second World War, was published.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Classic Fantasy Tale for Kids (Chronicles of Narnia Book 2)

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1951: Festival of Britain

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

1951: Release of Scrooge

In 1951, the film Scrooge was released.

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1952: The Mousetrap in the West End

Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap", the world's longest-running play, has been performed in London's West End since 1952.

The Mousetrap

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1952: Photo 51 captured at King's College

In 1952, at King's College London, a team led by Rosalind Franklin captured Photo 51, which provided critical evidence in identifying the structure of DNA.

1952: The Great Smog

In 1952, the Great Smog occurred in London.

1953: Release of Peter Pan

In 1953, the film Peter Pan was released.

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1956: Clean Air Act

In 1956, the Clean Air Act was established, ending the "pea soup fogs".

1957: First BFI London Film Festival

Founded in 1957, the BFI London Film Festival takes place over two weeks every October.

1958: Austin FX4 introduced

In 1958, Austin FX4 model of hackney carriages were introduced.

1958: Creation of Paddington Bear

In 1958, author Michael Bond created Paddington Bear, a refugee found in Paddington station.

1960: Release of Peeping Tom

The London-set early slasher film Peeping Tom, directed by Michael Powell, was released in 1960.

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1961: Ethnic Diversity Statistics

Estimates for 1961 put the total non-White ethnic minority population at 179,109 comprising 2.3% of the population at the time

1961: Release of One Hundred and One Dalmatians

In 1961, the film One Hundred and One Dalmatians was released.

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1962: Marshall Amplification Founded

In 1962, Jim Marshall, a guitar amp engineer, founded Marshall Amplification in London.

1964: Release of My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins

In 1964, both the films My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins were released.

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1965: Expansion of London's political boundaries

In 1965 London's political boundaries were expanded and a new Greater London Council was created.

1965: Division into London Boroughs

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

1965: Greater London

Since 1965, the metropolis around the City of London has largely comprised the administrative area of Greater London.

1966: Release of Blowup

In 1966, the film Blowup was released.

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1967: Decriminalisation of Homosexuality

After homosexuality was decriminalised in England in 1967, gay bar culture became more visible in London.

1967: First cash machine (ATM) installed in Enfield

In 1967, Barclays installed the first cash machine (ATM) in Enfield, North London.

1970: Victoria Coach Station nationalised

In 1970, Victoria Coach Station was nationalised.

1971: White British Population

Estimates for 1971 put the White British population at 6,500,000 and 87% of the total population.

1971: Release of A Clockwork Orange

In 1971, the film A Clockwork Orange was released.

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1973: Bomb attacks by the Provisional Irish Republican Army

From 1973, during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, London was hit by bomb attacks by the Provisional Irish Republican Army, starting with the Old Bailey bombing.

1973: Debut of The Rocky Horror Show

In 1973, The Rocky Horror Show debuted in London, influencing countercultural and sexual liberation movements.

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1976: Prolonged Heat Spell

In 1976, a spell of 15 consecutive days above 32.2 °C (90.0 °F) in England caused many heat-related deaths in London.

1980: Release of The Long Good Friday

In 1980, the film The Long Good Friday was released.

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December 1981: Coldest Temperature

In December 1981, the temperature in London reached a low of −17.4 °C (0.7 °F) at Northolt.

1981: Brixton riot

In 1981, racial inequality was highlighted by the Brixton riot.

1982: Publication of The BFG

In 1982, Buckingham Palace features in Roald Dahl's novel The BFG.

The BFG

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1986: Greater London Council Abolished

In 1986, the Greater London Council was abolished, leaving London without central administration.

1986: Release of The Great Mouse Detective

In 1986, the film The Great Mouse Detective was released.

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1987: Docklands Light Railway (DLR) opened

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR), a more local metro system using smaller and lighter tram-type vehicles, opened in 1987, serving the Docklands, Greenwich, and Lewisham.

1990: Immigration figures

As of the 2021 census, 7.3% of London's total population had arrived prior to 1990.

1991: Immigration figures

As of the 2021 census, 5.7% of London's total population had arrived between 1991 and 2001.

1991: Ethnic Diversity Statistics

Estimates for 1991 put the total non-White ethnic minority population at 1,346,119 comprising 20.2% of the population at the time

1992: Cadbury Report produced by Sir Adrian Cadbury

In 1992, Sir Adrian Cadbury produced the Cadbury Report, a code of best practice which served as a basis for reform of corporate governance around the world. The report was commissioned by the London Stock Exchange.

1993: Bronze Age bridge remains found

In 1993, remains of a Bronze Age bridge were found on the south River Thames foreshore.

1994: Channel Tunnel opened

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 creation

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

1999: Release of Notting Hill

In 1999, the film Notting Hill was released.

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2000: Creation of the Greater London Authority

In 2000, the Greater London Authority was created, providing central administration.

2000: Tate Modern Opens

In 2000, the modern art collection moved to Tate Modern, a new gallery housed in the former Bankside Power Station, accessed via the Millennium Bridge.

2000: Flowering Plant Species

The London Natural History Society suggests that 2000 species of flowering plant have been found growing in London.

2001: Immigration figures

As of the 2021 census, 10.4% of London's total population had arrived between 2001 and 2010.

2001: Population and density

In 2001, Greater London encompassed 611 square miles and had a population of 7,172,036, with a population density of 11,760 inhabitants per square mile. The London Metropolitan Region comprised 3,236 square miles with a population of 13,709,000 and a density of 3,900 inhabitants per square mile in 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 at 8 million square meters.

2001: Births to Foreign-Born Mothers

In 2001, foreign born mothers made up 43.3% of births in London.

2003: European Heat Wave

During the 2003 European heat wave, prolonged heat caused hundreds of heat-related deaths in London.

2003: Kew Gardens listed as World Heritage Site

In 2003, Kew Gardens, home to the world's largest collection of living plants, was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

2003: Congestion charge introduced

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

2003: London Leisure Economy Report

In 2003, a report indicated that London accounted for a quarter of the UK's entire leisure economy, with 25.6 events per 1000 people.

2003: Release of Love Actually

In 2003, the film Love Actually was released.

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January 2005: Language Diversity Survey

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

July 2005: London bombings and Olympics awarded

On 6 July 2005 London was awarded the 2012 Summer Olympics, and on 7 July 2005 three London Underground trains and a double-decker bus were bombed in a series of terrorist attacks.

2005: Release of V for Vendetta

In 2005, the film V for Vendetta was released.

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2006: Births to Foreign-Born Mothers

By 2006, foreign born mothers made up 52.5% of births in London, becoming the majority.

2006: London Jewish Forum Setup

The London Jewish Forum was set up in 2006 in response to the growing significance of devolved London Government.

2006: Neasden Temple Record

Until 2006, Neasden Temple in Brent was Europe's largest Hindu temple.

2007: Audio-visual announcements introduced on London buses

From the third quarter of 2007, London's bus network became more accessible to hearing and visually impaired passengers as audio-visual announcements were introduced.

2007: Mayor of London assumed responsibility for local lines

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

2007: High-speed trains link St. Pancras International with European destinations

Since 2007, high-speed trains link St. Pancras International with Lille, Calais, Paris, Disneyland Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and other European tourist destinations via the High Speed 1 rail link and the Channel Tunnel.

June 2008: Transport for London owned and operated Tramlink

Since June 2008, Transport for London has completely owned and operated Tramlink.

2008: Nylonkong

In 2008 Time magazine named London alongside New York City and Hong Kong as Nylonkong, hailing them as the world's three most influential global cities.

2008: London's economy affected by the financial crisis

In 2008, London's economy was affected by the global financial crisis.

2008: Release of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

In 2008, the film Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street was released.

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June 2009: First high-speed domestic trains started

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

2009: The Port of London handled 45 million tonnes of cargo

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

2009: Average speed of a car in rush hour was recorded

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

2009: Combined revenue expenditure

In 2009, the combined revenue expenditure by London councils and the GLA amounted to just over £22 billion.

July 2010: Launch of a bicycle hire scheme

The launch of a bicycle hire scheme in London in July 2010 was successful and generally well received.

2010: Immigration figures

As of the 2021 census, 10.4% of London's total population had arrived between 2001 and 2010.

2010: London's economy recovered after the financial crisis

By 2010, London had recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, implemented new regulatory powers, and re-established its economic dominance.

2010: Timber structure foundations found

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: Combined revenue expenditure

In 2010, the combined revenue expenditure by London councils and the GLA amounted to just over £22 billion.

2010: Release of The King's Speech

In 2010, the film The King's Speech was released.

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2010: London bus network revenue

Since 2010, an average of £1.2 billion is taken in revenue each year by the London bus network.

2011: Transportation Trends

According to the 2011 census in London, the biggest decrease in method of transportation was seen within those who take the train and underground, declining from 22.6% in 2011 to 9.6% in 2021.

2011: Greater London Built-up Area

As of 2011, the Greater London Built-up Area had about 9.8 million inhabitants.

2011: Recent Arrivals

As of the 2021 census, 16.6% of London's total population had arrived between 2011 and 2021.

2011: Urban Area Population

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

2011: London Plan revision

In 2011, the mayor's statutory planning strategy was published as the London Plan, which was most recently revised.

June 2012: London Cable Car opened

In June 2012, London's first and only cable car, the London Cable Car, opened. It crosses the Thames and links Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks.

2012: Investment program before the Summer Olympics

Before the 2012 Summer Olympics, £6.5 billion (€7.7 billion) was spent as part of an investment program to reduce congestion and improve reliability on the Underground network.

2012: Summer Olympics Awarded

In 2012 London Hosted the Summer Olympics Games

2012: London Summer Olympics

In 2012, London hosted the Summer Olympics, making it the first city to host the modern Games three times.

2012: Olympic Park Development

The Lower Lea Valley in East London was developed into the Olympic Park for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

2013: London "greenest city" in Europe

In 2013, a report by the City of London Corporation declared London the "greenest city" in Europe, noting its 35,000 acres of public parks, woodlands, and gardens.

February 2014: London ranked as the European City of the Future

In February 2014, London was ranked as the European City of the Future in the 2014/15 list by fDi Intelligence.

2014: PricewaterhouseCoopers termed London the global capital of higher education

A 2014 PricewaterhouseCoopers report termed London the global capital of higher education.

2014: Release of Paddington

In 2014, the screen adaptation of Paddington was released, featuring the calypso song "London is the Place for Me".

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2014: Homicides

In 2014, there were fewer homicides compared to the 118 homicides in 2015.

January 2015: Greater London's population

In January 2015, Greater London's population was estimated to be 8.63 million, its highest since 1939.

2015: London has the greatest concentration of top class universities

According to the QS World University Rankings, London has the greatest concentration of top class universities in the world as of 2015.

2015: London's visitor cross-border spending estimated at US$20.23 billion

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

2015: Top ten most-visited attractions in the UK were all in London

In 2015, the top ten most-visited attractions in the UK were all located in London.

2015: Homicides

In 2015, there were 118 homicides, a 25.5 per cent increase over 2014.

2016: London metropolitan area

As of 2016, the London metropolitan area had about 14 million inhabitants.

2016: Brexit referendum

During the Brexit referendum in 2016, the UK as a whole decided to leave the European Union, but most London constituencies voted for remaining.

2016: Tourism employs 700,000 full-time workers and contributes £36 billion to the economy

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 is the mayor of London, the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital.

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 for luxury store openings.

2017: Tramlink carried over 29 million people

In 2017, Tramlink carried over 29 million people.

April 2018: Murders in London

From the start of 2018 to mid April 2018, there were 50 murders in London.

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

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

2018: Population Demographics

In 2018, in Outer London, children younger than 14 constituted 20.6% of the population, and in Inner London, 18%. The 15–24 age group was 11.1% in Outer and 10.2% in Inner London, those aged 25–44 years 30.6% in Outer London and 39.7% in Inner London, those aged 45–64 years 24% and 20.7% in Outer and Inner London respectively. Those aged 65 and over are 13.6% in Outer London, but only 9.3% in Inner London.

2018: Median Age

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

2019: London's bus network had over 2 billion commuter trips per year

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

2019: Gross Regional Product

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

January 2020: Brexit

In January 2020, Britain's exit from the EU only marginally weakened London's position as an international financial centre.

January 2020: Highest Atmospheric Pressure

In January 2020, London reported its highest atmospheric pressure of 1,049.8 millibars (31.00 inHg).

2020: Three of the world's top ten performing arts schools based in London

In the 2020 QS World University Rankings three of the world's top ten performing arts schools were based in London.

2021: Religious Groupings

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: Census Data

According to the 2021 census in London, 23.1% socially rent, 46.8% own their house, and 30% privately rent. 42.9% worked from home, and 20.6% drove to work. 46.7% had Level 4 qualifications or higher, and 16.2% had no qualifications.

2021: Ethnic Diversity Statistics

According to the 2021 census, 53.8% of London's inhabitants were White, 22.2% were of Asian or mixed-Asian descent, and 15.9% were of Black or mixed-Black descent.

2021: School Pupil Demographics

As of 2021, the majority of London's school pupils came from ethnic minority backgrounds, with 23.9% being White British, 14% Other White, 23.2% Asian, 17.9% Black, 11.3% Mixed, 6.3% Other and 2.3% unclassified.

2021: Imperial College being the UK's leading university in the Research Excellence Framework ranking

Imperial College being the UK's leading university in the Research Excellence Framework ranking in 2021.

2021: Births to Foreign-Born Mothers

In 2021, approximately 56.8% of children born in London were born to mothers who were born abroad.

2021: Foreign-born Population

The 2021 census recorded that 3,575,739 people (40.6%) of London's population were foreign-born.

May 2022: Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) opened

In May 2022, the Elizabeth Line (also known as Crossrail) opened. It is a new railway line running east to west through London and into the Home Counties with a branch to Heathrow Airport.

July 2022: Hottest Temperature

In July 2022, London recorded its highest temperature of 40.2 °C (104.4 °F) at Heathrow.

2022: Homicide Figures

Homicide figures fell in 2022 with 109 recorded for the year, and the murder rate in London is much lower than other major cities around the world.

2022: London population

In 2022, the population of London was 8,866,180.

2022: Imperial College London ranked No. 6 in the world

In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, Imperial College London is ranked No. 6 in the world.

2023: London Education

As of 2023, London hosts Europe's largest concentration of higher education institutions, enrolling more than 500,000 students.

2023: London ranks second in the world on the Global Financial Centres Index

In 2023, London ranked second in the world rankings on the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI).

2023: Department for Transport stopped funding Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

In 2023, the Department for Transport stopped funding Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN) in London.

2023: Number of hotel rooms in London stood at 155,700

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

June 2024: MPs from London

As of June 2024, there are 75 members of Parliament (MPs) from London.

2024: Seven London Clubs in Premier League

In the 2024–25 season, London has seven football clubs in the Premier League: Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.