A Historian’s Haven: London

A wise person once said that one cannot fully understand the present until one understands the past – and never has a truer word been spoken. To fully comprehend the world in which we live in, it is important to know where we were and how we got here. It is only when studying the development of society that we can understand society itself.

It is for this reason that London, the capital city of England, is such an enduringly popular tourist destination. When searching for historical knowledge, the hundreds of years of past are wrapped within the walls of this great city – the foundation of the greatest Empire the world has ever seen. London is a significant historical city, particularly for those interested in politics and monarchy. In many cases, if something has happened in history, it either happened in London or the inspiration was taken from events in the capital.

London is now a thriving metropolis, teaming with the latest avant garde fashions and a night life to satisfy even the most debauched night club goer. Yet behind the current glare of fashion, beauty and the high life sits a bloody and torn history of London, that helped shape the fabric of the world today. This is a city that has suffered, seen horrific acts and witnessed some of the most crucial decisions in history. It is therefore a historian’s haven, and long may it continue.

To try and list all of the sites of historical significance in London would be akin to attempting to count the grains of sand upon a beach. There is, however, a key highlight that should be included in any sightseeing tour of this fascinating city.

The Tower of London, in the centre of the city, is a Medieval fortress, royal palace and prison – although perhaps best known for the latter. Having been built by William the Conqueror in 1077 and used as a stronghold for the monarchy ever since, it has served equally as a royal residence and a royal prison. The most celebrated monarch of all time, Elizabeth I, was once held in the tower on suspicion of treason. With nearly 1,000 years of history, no visit to London would be complete with a trip to the Tower.