MEDIEVAL LONDON (410-1558)

Medieval London was at different times destroyed by invaders, struck down by famine, ravaged by fire and disease, and torn apart by religious and political strife. Despite all of these major challenges it grew to become one of the wealthiest and most important cities in Europe. 

In the early Middle Ages, England had no fixed capital per se; Kings moved from place to place taking their court with them. The closest thing to a capital was Winchester where the royal treasury and financial records were stored. This changed from about 1200 when these were moved to Westminster. From this point on, Royal government became increasingly centered upon Westminster, which gradually became the de facto capital.

In the Middle Ages, Westminster was a small town up river from the City of London. From the 13th century onwards London grew up in two different parts: Westminster became the Royal capital and centre of government, the City of London became the centre of commerce and trade. The area between these two areas became urbanised by 1600.