London, then known as Londinium, was founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD. It served as an important trading and administrative center, with a network of roads connecting it to other Roman settlements.
Even before the Norman invasion, London was a bustling hub of trade and commerce. Situated on the River Thames, the city enjoyed favorable geographic positioning for maritime trade, attracting merchants from various regions.
London was enclosed by defensive city walls, constructed during the Roman era. These walls provided protection and demarcated the boundaries of the city. However, it’s worth noting that the original walls had fallen into disrepair by the time of the Norman invasion.
The majority of buildings in medieval London were constructed using timber. These structures, often with thatched roofs, lined the narrow and winding streets of the city. The architecture was influenced by both Roman and Anglo-Saxon styles.
London was home to several religious establishments, including churches and monasteries. St. Paul’s Cathedral, founded in the 7th century, was a prominent religious landmark even before the Norman invasion.
The River Thames played a vital role in the life of medieval London. It served as a major transportation route, facilitating the movement of goods and people. The city had bustling docks and harbors where ships from various regions would dock.
London was a significant political and administrative center, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of England. The city was governed by local authorities, including the bishop and the portreeve (a royal official).
The streets of medieval London were adorned with bustling markets, where merchants would sell a variety of goods. The city also saw the emergence of guilds, which were associations of craftsmen and artisans who regulated their respective trades.
While the exact population figures are not known, medieval London was a relatively diverse city. It attracted people from different regions of England and beyond, fostering a multicultural and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
London society was structured along social hierarchies. At the top were the nobility and clergy, followed by merchants, craftsmen, and laborers. Slavery was also present, with some individuals being held as slaves.
In summary, before the Norman invasion, medieval London was a bustling city with a vibrant trade and commerce scene, religious establishments, timber buildings, and a distinct social hierarchy.
It served as a political and administrative center and enjoyed the advantages of being situated along the River Thames.
The city would later undergo significant changes following the Norman conquest in 1066, which would shape its future trajectory and transform it into a prominent medieval metropolis.
