Did you know? London - The Amazing Place

London was founded by the Romans in AD 43, and was originally called Londinium.
The Tower of London, which is over 900 years old, has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a fortress throughout its history.
The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed much of the city, leading to the rebuilding of many of London’s famous landmarks, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral.
London played a major role in the Industrial Revolution, with the city’s factories and mills driving the economy in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The British Museum in London, founded in 1753, is one of the oldest and most extensive museums in the world.
London was heavily bombed during World War II, with the city suffering extensive damage and loss of life during the Blitz.
The first underground railway system in the world, the London Underground, was opened in 1863.
The Magna Carta, one of the most important legal documents in history, was signed in 1215 at Runnymede, just outside of London.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a replica of the original Globe Theatre where many of his plays were performed, is located in London and offers tours and performances.
Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, has been a symbol of the monarchy and the country’s history for over 300 years.

London has the largest tech sector in Europe and is home to many startup companies.
The city has some of the world’s most iconic modern architecture, such as The Shard and The Gherkin.
The London Underground, also known as the Tube, is the oldest underground railway in the world and transports millions of people every day.
The city has a vibrant street art scene, with works by famous artists such as Banksy and Shepard Fairey.
London is a global hub for fashion, with designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen hailing from the city.
The West End is home to some of the world’s most famous theaters and musicals, such as Les Miserables and The Lion King.
The London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offers stunning views of the city’s skyline.
London’s Olympic Park, built for the 2012 Summer Olympics, is now a popular tourist attraction and features the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture.
The city has a thriving food scene, with everything from traditional British cuisine to international street food available.
London is known for its innovative cocktail bars and gin distilleries, with famous establishments such as The Savoy’s American Bar and the Beefeater Gin Distillery located in the city.

The first chocolate bar was created in London in 1847 by the company J.S. Fry & Sons.
The world-famous dish of fish and chips originated in London in the mid-1800s.
The first Indian restaurant in the UK, the Hindoostanee Coffee House, opened in London in 1810.
The cocktail drink, the “Martini,” was invented in London in the late 1800s.
The UK’s oldest food market, Borough Market, has been operating in London for over 1,000 years.
The traditional British dish of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding originated in London.
The gin industry in London was booming in the 18th century, leading to a rise in alcohol addiction and the introduction of the Gin Act in 1751.
The famous department store, Fortnum & Mason, has been selling tea since 1707 and still offers a wide variety of tea blends to this day.
The first modern sushi restaurant in London, Sushi-Say, opened in 1998 and kick-started the sushi trend in the city.
London is home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, including the three-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and The Araki, which was awarded three stars just six months after it opened.