Getting Ready

London has a rich documented history that stretches back over 2,000 years. It makes sense that what is today the seat of European culture, theatre, literature and film should have been settled by the Romans, who arrived in "Londonium" in 43 AD. Although Celtic tribes had been living in the area for centuries prior, the Celts were unable to hold their weight militarily, and little by little were pushed by various new settlers north to Scotland and Ireland and west to Wales. Even the Romans themselves only lasted a few hundred years: Saxon pirates embarked on a series of raids around London and by the end of the 5th century, Roman London had fallen and the city was virtually abandoned.

In the early 6th century, Anglo-Saxon warriors arrived to inhabit the area for several hundred years, after which Viking marauders attacked the city from the north after conquering much of the rest of England in the 9th century. Their occupation didn't last long however, and English rule was re-established within a few decades. By the early 10th century, London had become an important commercial and political centre.

1066 is the real date for the history books, marking the beginning of the medieval period. In this year, the Normans invaded England and William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, swiftly killed the English king, Harold Godwinson, at the Battle of Hastings, and established his throne at the Tower of London. Although the Norman Conquest was to be the last foreign invasion on English soil, the architectural legacy of the French Normans is still evident today though the awe-inspiring castles and churches which they built around the country.

During medieval times, London grew into two cities. The up-river centre of Westminster became the centre of government and seat of monarchal power, while the City of London gradually became the focal point for English commerce and trade. These two areas delineate geo-political (and social) divisions that are still very much in place today.

The advent of Tudor London in 1485 marks one of the most dramatic points in English history, as three Tudor royals – Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I –– turned the country into a formidable political state which would dominate world politics and trade for centuries to come. At this time, London, as ever, was a city of great contrasts: wealthy merchants and shops purveyed their expensive wares on one end of London Bridge, while at the other end – the so-called Bridge Gate – one could see the rotting heads of men beheaded for treason and other crimes.

The Reformation ushered in Protestantism, while shifts in property ownership and the dissemination of wealth allowed for the launch of massive trading missions to Russia, India and the Americas. The British East India Company was established in London in 1600; it would soon become one of the capital's primary economic institutions and within a century, would rule much of India.

Once the Elizabethans arrived, London flourished artistically, with thousands of writers, playwrights and musicians living, working and presenting their art across the city. William Shakespeare built his Globe Theatre in 1613 (it later burned down and had to be rebuilt – twice), though many theatres were shut down when local authorities came to fear that groups of large crowds would cause the spread of plague.

Centuries of plagues – one of which halved the city's population to 50,000 -– were extinguished once and for all by the Great Fire of 1666, a disastrous calamity which leveled most of the city centre and destroyed hundreds of medieval buildings. Rebuilt by Christopher Wren, the city was back on its feet in time for the Industrial Revolution and London was quickly whisked into the modern age.

The Victorian Age – the era of Dickens, Queen Victoria and the Great Exhibition of 1851 – stood as yet another epoch of contrasts: unprecedented affluence everywhere was juxtaposed with overcrowded slums and horrendous poverty. The population during this time surged, rising from 1 million in 1800 to well over 6 million just a century later, a growth which tested the city's capacity to care for its citizens.

During the twentieth century, devastation again arrived at the city during 57 consecutive days of bombing during World War II – known as The Blitz. London was revitalized after the war by an onslaught of immigration from Britain's colonies – India, Hong Kong and various protectorates in the Middle East and Africa. By that point a wholly cosmopolitan, immensely diverse first city, the London of the 1960s raged 24/7, redefining the worlds of fashion, music and art and serving as a benchmark for other great cities to measure themselves.

At the millennium, a series of public works were undertaken to celebrate the city's greatness: a pedestrian bridge across the Thames that leads to the Tate Modern art gallery and the London Eye, a massive hi-tech Ferris wheel. Still more are underway in anticipation of the city's hosting of the Olympic Games in 2012. London today stands proudly as one of the world's great cities – a centre for cultural and intellectual expression, a focal point for international business and finance, and a seat of one of the most influential and historically important societies in modern history.

Sarum: The Novel of England

Set near Stonehenge and Salisbury, England, this sweeping novel follows the histories of five families across 10,000 years, from the Stone Age to the present day. Rutherfurd fills this story of his homeland with rich archaeological, political and social details. Buy now

Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles

Painstakingly researched, this novel brings the turbulent story of this legendary Queen to life, from her early days at the French court to the daring escapes, intrigues and religious upheavals that marked her struggle for the English throne. Buy now

The Autobiography of Henry VIII

Told from Henry’s point of view, interspersed with irreverent comments from his jester, this novel offers a fresh perspective on the king notorious for marrying (and sometimes beheading) six wives and dismantling the Church. Buy now

The Last Wife of Henry VIII

A lively, frothy telling of the life of Catherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII, and possibly the most interesting. Witness to several of his ill-fated former marriages, she is both repelled by and attracted to Henry, but as a woman of independent thought and initiative, she triumphs where the others did not. Buy now

The Other Boleyn Girl

Told from the point of view of Mary Boleyn, sister of Henry’s second wife Anne, this novel details Mary’s years at court, as the king’s mistress and as lady-in-waiting to the Queens (both old and new). As Anne strives for the crown and to bear the king a son, and Henry grapples with the Church for a divorce, Mary is torn between family loyalty and a desire to escape. Buy now

The Constant Princess

Alternating third-person narrative with the princess’ private thoughts, this suspenseful novel tells the story of Princess Catalina of Spain and her transformation into Queen Katherine of England. Betrothed to Henry VIII’s older brother, Prince Arthur, she marries Henry after Arthur’s death, but must use her faith and cunning to claim her rightful title. Buy now

The Bolyen Inheritance

This novel interweaves the first-person accounts of three women: Anne of Cleves, fourth wife of Henry VIII, whose escape from the marriage doesn’t necessarily guarantee her safety; Katherine Howard, his young and frivolous fifth wife; and Jane Boleyn, whose testimony helped seal her sister-in-law Anne’s tragic fate. As Henry’s behavior grows increasingly mercurial and dangerous, the women must maneuver for their own survival. Buy now

The London Companion

Chock-full of fascinating, bite-sized bits of information, this book offers anecdotes, facts and trivia about all aspects of the city, from ancient to modern times. Buy now

London Stories 1910

These anecdotes, depicting characters who lived through and helped shape the great events of London’s history, first appeared as a series of magazine articles before the First World War.
Buy now

Shakespeare

Enthusiasts of the Bard can choose from 36 plays (including Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and dozens of sonnets. Listed below is a selection of his works set in England.

History:
Henry V Buy now
Richard III Buy now

Tragedy:
King Lear Buy now

Comedy:
As You Like It Buy now

The Horrible Histories Series

These books make history entertaining for kids by leaving in the gross and gruesome parts. The series covers places and civilizations throughout history and around the world – here are several that highlight Britain.

The Horrible History of the World Buy now
Cruel Kings and Mean Queens Buy now
Dark Knights and Dingy Castles Buy now
The Terrible Tudors Buy now
Even More Terrible Tudors Buy now
The Slimy Stuarts Buy now
Gorgeous Georgians Buy now
The Vile Victorians Buy now
The Barmy British Empire Buy now
The Frightful First World War Buy now
The Woeful Second World War Buy now
The Blitzed Brits Buy now
Loathsome London Buy now

The Royal Diaries Series

In this excellent collection, famous princesses and queens tell their stories from their own point of view, as teenagers whose remarkable lives are beginning to unfold.

Victoria, May Blossom of Britannia, England, 1829 Buy now
Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen without a Country, France, 1553 Buy now
Elizabeth I, Red Rose of the House of Tudor, England, 1544 Buy now

Young Royals: The Tudor Women Set

Written by the acclaimed children’s author Carolyn Meyer, these books describe the lives of four intriguing women who were wives or daughters of Henry VIII.

Mary, Bloody Mary Buy now
Beware, Princess Elizabeth Buy now
Doomed Queen Anne Buy now
Patience, Princess Catherine Buy now

Biggles Series

These thrilling stories star James Bigglesworth, ace pilot and adventurer. Packed with historical details, they chart the evolution of British military aviation, from Sopwith Camels to Spitfires.

WWI Series
Biggles Learns to Fly Buy now
Biggles Flies East  Buy now
Biggles The Camels are Coming Buy now
Biggles of the Fighter Squadron Buy now
Biggles in France Buy now
Biggles and the Rescue Flight Buy now

Between the Wars
Biggles and the Cruise of the Condor Buy now
Biggles and Co. Buy now
Biggles Flies West Buy now
Biggles Goes to War Buy now
Biggles and the Black Peril Buy now
Biggles in Spain Buy now

WWII
Biggles Defies the Swastika Buy now
Biggles Delivers the Goods Buy now
Biggles Defends the Desert Buy now
Biggles Fails to Return Buy now

The Demon Headmaster Series

Something is amiss at Dinah Glass’ school: the Headmaster has mysterious powers of hypnosis, and wants to take over the world. In this exciting series, Dinah must foil one after another of the Headmaster’s devious plans.

The Demon Headmaster Buy now
The Demon Headmaster and the Prime Minister's Brain Buy now
The Revenge of the Demon Headmaster Buy now
The Demon Headmaster Strikes Again Buy now
Facing the Demon Headmaster Buy now
The Demon Headmaster Takes Over Buy now

Spy Dog Series

Lara, a highly trained canine agent with the British Secret Service, must go undercover as a “normal” dog to escape the evil Mr. Big. But just when she starts enjoying her cushy retirement with her adopted family, she is called back into service, foiling criminals and facing down her nemesis.

Spy Dog
Spy Dog 2
Spy Dog Unleashed Buy now

Boy: Tales of Childhood

The first autobiographical book by beloved children’s author Dahl tells of his upbringing in England in the 20s and 30s, and the experiences that led to his career as a writer. Buy now

Going Solo

The second volume of Dahl’s autobiography follows him to his first job with an oil company in East Africa and chronicles his adventures as a RAF pilot in WWII. Buy now

Our Island History

The story of England, both historical and mythical, delightfully retold. This book for young readers covers thousands of years, from the earliest known legends through the end of Queen Victoria’s reign. Buy now

The Adventures of Robin Hood

An engaging retelling of the classic tale of Robin and his Merrie Men, 12th century heroes who use their skills and cunning against greedy Prince John and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Buy now

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

Broken down into a series of quests, this collection presents the legend of King Arthur in a comprehensive and entertaining way. Buy now

The Boy’s King Arthur

Gorgeously illustrated by N. C. Wyeth, this book is a fine introduction to the epic tale (although young readers may find its Old English writing style hard to follow). Buy now

Oliver Twist

An enduring classic, this book is a social commentary on the impoverished London underworld of the 19th century. It’s the story of the orphan boy Oliver, who flees the misery of his workhouse, escapes to London and falls in with the infamous Fagin, who tries to draw Oliver into a life of crime. Buy now

The King's Speech (2010)

After the death of his father King George V and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII, Bertie who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue.
Buy now

Finding Neverland (2004)

This film is loosely based on the true story of Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie. After several failed attempts as a writer, he meets a widow with four boys and begins spending large amounts of time with them. His friendship with the mother causes gossip and strains his marriage, but his imaginative games with the boys inspire him to create the children’s classic. Buy now

Love’s Labour’s Lost (2000)

The King of Navarre and his three friends take a public vow to renounce women – just as the Princess of France arrives with her three lovely companions. Putting a new spin on the Shakespeare story, Branagh filmed this adaptation in the style of a 30s musical. Buy now

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

This light-hearted, fictional account of the writing of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet won seven Oscars, including Best Picture. Struggling playwright Shakespeare is jolted out of his writer’s block by the appearance of a talented young actor (who happens to be a noblewoman in disguise). When he discovers her identity, their forbidden love affair becomes the inspiration for one of his most famous plays. Buy now

Hamlet (1996)

Unabridged and true to the original, yet accessible and entertaining, this film is considered perhaps the finest adaptation of Shakespeare’s most famous play. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, discovers that his uncle has killed his father in order to marry his mother. He plots revenge, but is paralyzed by internal struggles. Buy now

Emma (1996)

Paltrow is charming in this Jane Austen story about rich, confident and beautiful Emma Woodhouse, who likes to make matches between her friends. But things begin to go wrong when not everyone falls in love with the person she intended. Worse still, when she at last discovers her own true love, she thinks she’s caused him to fall for someone else. Buy now

Othello (1995)

Branagh gives fresh complexity to the scheming Iago in Shakespeare’s classic tale of jealousy, envy, racism and rage. Othello, a valiant Moorish general, faces prejudice when he marries Desdemona, white daughter of a Venetian noblewoman. To serve his own ends, Othello’s aide Iago tells him untruthfully that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Buy now

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

A delightfully nuanced adaptation of Jane Austen’s first novel. When their father dies, practical Elinor and her romantic sister Marianne are left without an inheritance. Elinor pines quietly for sweet Edward Ferrars, whose wealthy family keeps them apart, while Marianne falls head-over-heels for the dashing Willoughby, ignoring the quiet but dependable Colonel who adores her. Thompson’s screenplay won an Oscar. Buy now

Pride and Prejudice (1995, BBC 6 hour TV miniseries)

Brilliantly cast and lavishly filmed, this adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel is the quintessential Pride and Prejudice. When Eliza Bennett and Mr. Darcy first meet, they dislike each other on sight – he’s proud and arrogant, and her family lacks breeding. Darcy’s scorn soon turns to admiration, but just as Eliza begins to discover Darcy’s finer qualities, a family scandal threatens to destroy their happiness. Buy now

Persuasion (1995 BBC production)

Splendid film version of Austen’s 1818 novel. Eight years ago, quiet Anne Eliot was persuaded to break off her engagement to a poorly connected naval officer – and she never got over the heartbreak. Now, he’s returned, having achieved fortune and rank, still unmarried and highly eligible. As she watches him court another woman, she fears he will never love her again, or realize the true nature of her feelings. Buy now

Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

In this charming version of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Branagh and his then-wife Emma Thompson star as Benedick and Beatrice, sparring singles who have sworn off love. Set against the lush backdrop of Tuscany, the story concerns soon-to-be-wed lovers Hero and Claudio, who conspire to get their cynical friends to wed as well. Buy now

Henry V (1989)

Highly acclaimed film version of the Shakespeare play about young King Henry, who invades France in order to claim his right to the throne. Culminating in the bloody battle of Agincourt, Branagh’s adaptation examines the brutality and cost as well as the glories of war. Buy now

James Bond Films

In this series of films based on the books by Ian Fleming, iconic British secret agent 007 faces down evil masterminds and femmes fatales with his trademark suavity and style. Among the best are “Goldfinger,” “From Russia With Love,” “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “You Only Live Twice.” Buy now

British Travel Centre

British Travel Centre is great resource for information about London and countrywide travel.

London Tourist Board

London Tourist Board also has a great website and provides free maps and brochures at the airport.

Londoners tend to dress ‘smart’. Kids are better in polo shirts and khakis, than T-shirts and jeans. You will want to dress up for top restaurants and the theatre, and dress respectfully to visit churches. You'll want comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and raingear.