History
From Settlement to City:
The first known settlement in what is now London was established by the Romans as Londinium around 43 AD. The strategic location along the River Thames facilitated trade and defense. After the Romans left in the early 5th century, the city saw a decline until it was revitalized by the Anglo-Saxons in the 9th century.
Rise as a Capital:
In the 11th century, following the Norman Conquest, London began to flourish. The construction of the Tower of London started in 1078, serving as a symbol of Norman power. The city’s importance grew under successive monarchs, becoming the de facto capital of England. By the 16th century, under the Tudors, London was established as a center for commerce and culture.
Industrial and Modern Era:
The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century marked a period of rapid expansion. Innovations in transportation, such as the development of the London Underground in the 19th century, transformed the city. Despite significant damage during the Blitz in World War II, London rebuilt and emerged as a global financial and cultural hub in the post-war era.
Facts
Time Zone Overview: When traveling from Istanbul to London, it's important to know the time zone difference.
Istanbul operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+3.
London operates on British Summer Time (BST) during daylight saving time, which is UTC+1.
Currently, Istanbul is 2 hours ahead of London.
Travel Adapter:
The UK uses Type G plugs, you can find your adapter in your welcome pack.
Smoking Regulations:
The UK has strict smoking regulations. Smoking is prohibited in shared public areas, even outdoors (e.g., bus stops, school entrances, airport doors). It is only allowed in clearly marked designated areas. In enclosed spaces (e.g., vehicles, hotel rooms), penalties are severe, and businesses or drivers allowing smoking risk losing their licenses.
Population: London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom, with a population of over 9 million people as of 2021.
Cultural Diversity: London is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, with more than 300 languages spoken by its residents.
Economic Hub: It is one of the leading financial centers globally, home to the London Stock Exchange and numerous multinational companies.
Green Spaces: Approximately 40% of Greater London is made up of parks and green spaces, including eight Royal Parks.
Historical Buildings: London has a wealth of historical landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the historic Greenwich area.
Places to visit
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Click for the most fascinating bookshops in London 📖
