HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENT
By the 1660's, London was already beginning to shadow competing cities in England with an approximate population of 500 000. However during the years leading up to the turn of the century, the global city experienced economic stagnation which translated into low birthrates due to high infant mortality rates; couples getting married at a much older age and a decline in crime rates. This resulted in the global city experiencing a painstakingly slow population growth during this period despite the drastic increase in interstate migrants settling in London. Most residents of the city's lower class would seek employment as domestic help or cheap labour for extra income due to lack of job opportunities. The migration trends resulted in increased cultural diversity in the city with immigrants from neighbouring countries of Great Britain (e.g.: Wales and Ireland) as well as several European countries to dominate particular suburbs within London.
In terms of urban development, the Great Plague and Great Fire in the mid 1660's greatly hindered London's progress. The Great Fire lasted for a total of 5 days in the city consuming 13 000 residences and almost 100 churches. Records from the time reveal that 7 out of 8 homes of London inhabitants were engulfed in the flames. After the Incident many Londoners left the city which further contributed to the crawling pace of the city's redevelopment and the amendment process. The Great Fire destroyed not only the city as a whole but also many historically valued monuments. However in the upcoming years the London's restoration and reconstruction was organised by renowned British architect Sir Christopher Wren. Multiple cathedrals were established, many of which still stand today and most businesses of tertiary industry were temporarily run in coffee-houses and demountable units. Also built in 1696 was Greenwich Hospital which acted as London's first significant medical institution.
By 1700 London's development began to rapidly increase by not only the enhancement of infrastructure within the city centre but also by expanding outwards transforming country side into large expanses of urban residences and accompanying industries. Towards the north, roads were built stretching out into the suburbs of Sadler's Hills, Finsbury and Hoxton and housing in the form of terraces was also established. Eastern regions, specifically Spitalfields and Bethnal Green experienced high population growth due to increased housing developments in the region. Also during this time the Port of London (the largest port in the world at the time) was thriving with increased industry activity providing employment opportunities. In the meantime however, the success experienced by the inner-city and western suburbs of London had attracted multi-national companies which had forced out many traditional and meagre industries such as tanneries, vinegar, soap & dye factories, into South London near the River Thames. Consequently the southern London region become quite smelly and degraded in commercial and residential value. Housing prices dropped drastically resulting in a low cos of living and eventually giving rise to small family-run businesses, mental institutions, pubs and a high number of behaviour correctional facilities. Several decades later however, the successful completion of the construction of Westminster Bridge (1750) and Blackfriars Bridge (1769) which extended over the River Thames connected the two divided regions of London. The proceeding development of three toll gates at the time allowed for additional housing in southern regions of Brixton, Camberwell and Dulwich along with surrounding suburbia.
In the early 1800's London began focusing on its eastern and western suburbs. In the east, London built docks on the Isle of Dogs which allowed West Indie merchants supplying raw goods such as sugar, rum and coffee to develop a booming trade whereby 20 000 jobs were filled by members of the London's working class. New industries with high employment potential which had opened shop in London boosted employment and population rates and began paving the road for London's transformation into the world city it is today. In the 19th century London supported large scale population booms which peaked at a total of 6.5 million people along with further urbanisation through the expansion of borders to accommodate for the sudden influx of combined British and foreign migrants. Chealsea, Pimicoli, St John's Wood and Notting Hill are all examples of urbanised suburbs developed at this point in history. London's aesthetic appeal was also brought to new levels with the employment of architects to design streets and town centres such as Prince Regent's architect, John Nash who remodelled vast sections of London's Western district such as Regent Park & Street and road junction Piccadilly Circus. Plans to eliminate slum regions of the city were also implemented through the development of wider roads. Due to this, an estimated 120 000 lower-class Londoners were forced to evacuate. The railway movement initiated by the establishment of Euston Station created a more connected capital city and eventually allowed for the availability of railway services in surrounding suburbs of Paddington, Victoria and Waterloo. The railways not only benefited commuters in revolutionised regions but also allowed middle-class workers and their families to move to more affordable safe suburbs. Extensive national railways also gave rise to smaller local train stations and by the end of the century London was completely ridden with railways and even began upgrading their system towards the latter stage of the century through electric trains. The hygiene of water ways was of top priority to local the London government and its public due to the epidemics of infectious disease caused by water pollution. More schools and churches were resurrected, becoming additional factors contributing to London's development. Housing during this period in the city's centre became second priority as large banks, buildings catering for commercial activity and super-sized warehouses stepped in.
By the 20th century London had developed into one of England's most diverse and established cities. However, London's fringe areas, particularly Essex, Kent and Surrey along with rural districts were left in a state of neglect as consequence of the urban sprawl whilst london's inner city continued to flourish. With WW2 came considerable damage to many prime areas of London and for the following decades the city was rebuilt. By the late 20th century the interests of London had shifted preferring to create a city with lower population densities and increased housing for workers and their families along with employment centres.
Currently in the 21st century London is England's capital city with a population peaking just over 8 million. The global city combines urban culture with grand historic architecture as well as economic and industrial opportunity making it a prime location for global tourists and immigrants.
In terms of urban development, the Great Plague and Great Fire in the mid 1660's greatly hindered London's progress. The Great Fire lasted for a total of 5 days in the city consuming 13 000 residences and almost 100 churches. Records from the time reveal that 7 out of 8 homes of London inhabitants were engulfed in the flames. After the Incident many Londoners left the city which further contributed to the crawling pace of the city's redevelopment and the amendment process. The Great Fire destroyed not only the city as a whole but also many historically valued monuments. However in the upcoming years the London's restoration and reconstruction was organised by renowned British architect Sir Christopher Wren. Multiple cathedrals were established, many of which still stand today and most businesses of tertiary industry were temporarily run in coffee-houses and demountable units. Also built in 1696 was Greenwich Hospital which acted as London's first significant medical institution.
By 1700 London's development began to rapidly increase by not only the enhancement of infrastructure within the city centre but also by expanding outwards transforming country side into large expanses of urban residences and accompanying industries. Towards the north, roads were built stretching out into the suburbs of Sadler's Hills, Finsbury and Hoxton and housing in the form of terraces was also established. Eastern regions, specifically Spitalfields and Bethnal Green experienced high population growth due to increased housing developments in the region. Also during this time the Port of London (the largest port in the world at the time) was thriving with increased industry activity providing employment opportunities. In the meantime however, the success experienced by the inner-city and western suburbs of London had attracted multi-national companies which had forced out many traditional and meagre industries such as tanneries, vinegar, soap & dye factories, into South London near the River Thames. Consequently the southern London region become quite smelly and degraded in commercial and residential value. Housing prices dropped drastically resulting in a low cos of living and eventually giving rise to small family-run businesses, mental institutions, pubs and a high number of behaviour correctional facilities. Several decades later however, the successful completion of the construction of Westminster Bridge (1750) and Blackfriars Bridge (1769) which extended over the River Thames connected the two divided regions of London. The proceeding development of three toll gates at the time allowed for additional housing in southern regions of Brixton, Camberwell and Dulwich along with surrounding suburbia.
In the early 1800's London began focusing on its eastern and western suburbs. In the east, London built docks on the Isle of Dogs which allowed West Indie merchants supplying raw goods such as sugar, rum and coffee to develop a booming trade whereby 20 000 jobs were filled by members of the London's working class. New industries with high employment potential which had opened shop in London boosted employment and population rates and began paving the road for London's transformation into the world city it is today. In the 19th century London supported large scale population booms which peaked at a total of 6.5 million people along with further urbanisation through the expansion of borders to accommodate for the sudden influx of combined British and foreign migrants. Chealsea, Pimicoli, St John's Wood and Notting Hill are all examples of urbanised suburbs developed at this point in history. London's aesthetic appeal was also brought to new levels with the employment of architects to design streets and town centres such as Prince Regent's architect, John Nash who remodelled vast sections of London's Western district such as Regent Park & Street and road junction Piccadilly Circus. Plans to eliminate slum regions of the city were also implemented through the development of wider roads. Due to this, an estimated 120 000 lower-class Londoners were forced to evacuate. The railway movement initiated by the establishment of Euston Station created a more connected capital city and eventually allowed for the availability of railway services in surrounding suburbs of Paddington, Victoria and Waterloo. The railways not only benefited commuters in revolutionised regions but also allowed middle-class workers and their families to move to more affordable safe suburbs. Extensive national railways also gave rise to smaller local train stations and by the end of the century London was completely ridden with railways and even began upgrading their system towards the latter stage of the century through electric trains. The hygiene of water ways was of top priority to local the London government and its public due to the epidemics of infectious disease caused by water pollution. More schools and churches were resurrected, becoming additional factors contributing to London's development. Housing during this period in the city's centre became second priority as large banks, buildings catering for commercial activity and super-sized warehouses stepped in.
By the 20th century London had developed into one of England's most diverse and established cities. However, London's fringe areas, particularly Essex, Kent and Surrey along with rural districts were left in a state of neglect as consequence of the urban sprawl whilst london's inner city continued to flourish. With WW2 came considerable damage to many prime areas of London and for the following decades the city was rebuilt. By the late 20th century the interests of London had shifted preferring to create a city with lower population densities and increased housing for workers and their families along with employment centres.
Currently in the 21st century London is England's capital city with a population peaking just over 8 million. The global city combines urban culture with grand historic architecture as well as economic and industrial opportunity making it a prime location for global tourists and immigrants.