London Through Centuries - Essay Example

?Essay, History and Political Science Introduction to Roman London: One can easily identify the fact that the growth and development of London as a metropolitan city and commercial hub is interconnected with the occupation of London by the Roman rulers. Within the modern context, the Museum of London acts the role of a canvas that displays the objects related to the Roman Empire or Londinium. The excavations discovered a number of archaeological evidences of a well developed society within the suburbs of London. Perring (2002, p.1) states that, “Roman London was built on the north bank of the Thames, the site of the modern city”. Our visit to the Museum of London helped us a lot to understand more about the after effect of the amalgamation of British and Roman cultures. The museum is not so far away from the suburbs of London because it is near the London Wall. But we did not like to waste our time by viewing all the items displayed at the Museum. We entered the Museum and the Museum authorities pointed out that the objects displayed on the floor E can help us to learn more about Roman London. The curator guided us towards a number of objects displayed at the Roman collections section. We were totally stunned with surprise because it was beyond our imagination. The artistic craftsmanship of the people who lived between AD 50 and AD 410 was really amazing to us. The Roman Collection is symbolic of the human interest in preserving historically important objects. The curator pointed out that the effort to reconstruct the city of London helped to discover the objects that were preserved under the ground for centuries. The collection primarily includes ceramic objects, marble/metal objects, coins, wooden objects, and some items in bone and leather. The ceramic display at the Museum sheds light into the lifestyle and culture of the people who lived in London between AD 50 and AD 410. Smith (1859, p.12) states that, “The extent of Londinium, from Ludgate on the west to the Tower on the east, was about a mile, and about half a mile from the wall on the north (London Wall) to the Thames, giving dimensions far greater than those of any other Roman town in Britain”. I guess that the ceramic vessels that are displayed at the Museum reveal the burial practice of the Roman London. After viewing the ceramic section, we headed towards the Marble/Metal object section. The curator led us towards the marble sculptures that are excavated from a historically important place in Roman London, known as the Temple of Mithras. Later, we viewed the metal objects discovered from the Walbrook stream. These works are symbolic of the industrialization of handicrafts and domestic life of the Roman London. For instance, the jewellery and household utensils prove that handicraft developed into the form of industry in Roman London. The next section was really interesting to me because the same revealed the vividness of the cultural aspects of Roman London. The coin collection helped me to understand more about the importance of trade and commerce in Roman London. Besides, the leather and wooden objects were helpful to understand more about handicrafts in Roman London. So, the visit to the Museum of London was helpful for us to understand the cultural aspects of Roman London. Medieval London: First of all, Medieval London is interconnected with Norman invasion, which happened in the year 1066. One can see that some of the religious buildings and monuments in the Modern London are symbolic of the cultural heritage of Medieval London. To be specific, the Norman rulers constructed a number of forts and monuments in London. So as to have deeper understanding on the historical and cultural characteristics of Medieval London, we searched for churches and historically important monuments. Then we came to know that some of the churches and monuments like St. Bartholomew the Great, St Bartholomew the less and the Guildhall are important. So, we decided to visit these churches and monuments and restructured our timetable. Our first visit was to a church named as the church of St. Bartholomew the Great. Duncan (2008, p.135) makes clear that, “The old hospital chapel became the new parish church of St Bartholomew the Less, while the old priority church became the parish church of St Bartholomew the Great”. This Anglican Church is symbolic of the development of architecture during Norman rule in London. So, we went to West Smithfield and entered the Church. The mastermind behind the construction of this church is an individual named as Rahere. Some visitors pointed out that this church is renowned for its power to heal illness. One can easily identify the fact that this church underwent renovation work for a number of times. Still, the grandeur of medieval architecture is still visible to the visitors. The churchyard, cloister, and Lady Chapel helped us to enjoy the architectural beauty of Medieval London. Then, we came to know that there is another church near to this church, named as St Bartholomew the less. So, we decided to visit the second church. The second church’s name proves that the same is interconnected with the church of St. Bartholomew the Great. We entered the second church because it was so close to the first church. But a regular visitor pointed out that the church of St Bartholomew the less is interconnected with the history of St Bartholomew's Hospital. Besides, we came to know that the Chapel of the Holy Cross was reconstructed as church of St Bartholomew the less. The church’s tower, bells, and interior are symbolic of the Medieval London because almost all other parts of the church underwent renovation work. Later, we decided to visit the third monument in London, named as Guildhall. Besides, the Guildhall is in Bassishaw. Nichols (1819, p.6) states that, “Guildhall Chapel, occupying the space between the Hall and Blackwell-hall, is dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen and All Saints”. Entering the hall, somebody told me that name Guildhall is derived from the main room or hall. This hall is symbolic of the architecture in Medieval London. But there are so many public offices within Guildhall. After visiting the main room, we decided to return. All these buildings led us towards the realm of architectural craftsmanship of Medieval London. The Great fire of London and the reconstruction: The Great fire can be considered as a manmade disaster which occurred in London in the 17th century. Hanson (2002, p.66) makes clear that, “Every street and line in the vicinity of the fire was thronged with laden carts and people bent double under the weight of goods carried no their heads and backs”. One can see that this disaster affected the city of London by destroying historically and culturally important monuments. But the authorities and the people of London showed keen interest and attention to reconstruct important buildings. To be specific, the reconstruction of important monuments was helpful to amalgamate modern elements to ancient monuments. So, we searched for some visible examples that represent the renovation work untaken after the Great fire. Then, I came to know that the St Paul's cathedral and the Monument are most important monuments that represent the spirit of the people of London to preserve important monuments. So, we decided to visit the St Paul's cathedral and the Monument and our first visit was to the St Paul's cathedral. Our primary aim was sightseeing, and we purchased admission tickets. Entering the cathedral, the first sight was a big statue, the statue of Saint Paul. There, we stood for a few minutes because the statue was erected near the cathedral. The day of our visit was on a holiday. So, there were so many national and international visitors and tourists. Some visitors told me that there are so many statues in the cathedral. Then, we decided to enter the cathedral because our aim was to view the renovation work undertaken after the Great fire. Before entering the cathedral, I noticed that the cathedral’s dome is most attractive. Later, I came to know that the dome represents the influence of Roman architecture. Besides, the material used for the construction work of the cathedral is Portland stone. Inside the cathedral, there are three different galleries. I spent a little bit time at the Whispering Gallery and headed towards the North Choir. Later, we visited the American Memorial Chapel which is dedicated to the Americans who served during WWII. Returning, I realized that the reconstruction work of the Cathedral conducted after the Great fire represents the uniqueness of English Baroque design. Then we headed towards the Monument near the London Bridge. Earlier, I came to know that the Monument is one among the visible examples of human effort to overcome manmade disasters. This monument is erected at a junction in the City of London. Matthews (2001, p.53) makes clear that, “The Monument in Fish Street Lane commemorates the Great Fire of London”. Somebody told me that one can climb up the Monument and view the entire city from the viewer’s platform. Almost all the features of this monument are related to the Great fire. Besides, all the efforts undertaken by the authorities to extinguish the fire are inscribed on the Monument. So, the Monument is the most important historical building that helps the visitors to know more about the Great fire. Maritime London and the seeds of the Empire: The maritime history of London is interconnected with the growth of the British Empire. So, my primary aim was to find out the most important buildings that represent the maritime history of London. My research work helped me to realize that most of the old buildings in London are interconnected with the growth of British Empire. So, we decided to visit some buildings like the National Maritime Museum, Queen's House and the Cutty Sark because all these historical buildings are related to the maritime history of London. Our primary destination was the National Maritime Museum which is situated in Greenwich. I was so excited because I was planning to visit one among the most important maritime museums in the world. The museum authorities show keen interest to attract national and international visitors because thousands of items are displayed here in different galleries. I came to realize the fact that a single day visit may not help me to view all the displayed items. The art gallery and manuscript section were most interesting to me because it helped me to have bird’s eye view on the maritime history of Great Britain. Then we visited the Caird Library. Before returning, we visited the surrounding garden area. One can see that this garden area combines the historical monument of National Maritime Museum with the modern London. Our next destination was the Queen's House, which is not far away from the museum. Olson (2010, p.232) states that, “Adjacent to the National Maritime Museum, you can find the splendidly restored Queen's House, designed by Inigo Jones in 1616 and later used as a model for the White House”. One visitor pointed out that this house was used as a royal building that is symbolic of the maritime activities of Great Britain. One can see that maritime activities deeply influenced British architecture. Besides, this royal residence is interconnected with the history of the museum. But the inner part of the building, especially the ceiling area, is renovated. So, one cannot view the original building, but a renovated modern building. There are so many paintings displayed at this building. While returning, we spent a few minutes at the garden area. This helped me to enjoy the exterior part of the building as a whole. Our next destination was Cutty Sark, the integral part of railroad system in London. Humphreys (2003, p.151) states that, “Those wanting to start with the town or the Cutty Sark should alight at Greenwich station”. I was aware of the fact that railroad system is interconnected with maritime London. The exact location of this station is in Greenwich Town Centre. Entering the station, somebody told me that the name of this station is related to the ship with same name. Besides, this station leads the visitors to an underground tunnel, primarily used for transportation. I felt happy that I visited the station and the ship that are symbolic of the maritime activities of London during colonial rule. 18th Century (Georgian) London: During the 18th century, industrial revolution deeply influenced the socio-cultural context of London. One can easily identify that Georgian London underwent rapid progress during the 18th century. To be specific, the effort to construct new buildings proves the rapid growth of the British Empire. Strachan (2012, p.28) opines that, “Many of London’s upscale areas were once Georgian slums, known as “rookeries””. My effort to collect information on Georgian London helped me to select Covent Garden, Benjamin Franklin House, Trafalgar square, and St Martin in the Fields as my primary destinations. Our visit to the Covent Garden was a rare experience because the same was helpful to view a commonplace from a different angle/perspective. Now, the Covent Garden is an important tourist destination in London. There, we visited some shops, theatres and the central square. Then I decided to visit the market place in the Covent Garden. One can see that this market is not so different from other markets in London. So, we returned to the street. Then we came to realize that the London Transport Museum is near to the Covent Garden. Later, we went to Neal's Yard and had some food. In short, my visit to the Covent Garden was helpful to understand the connection between industrial revolution and development. Our next destination was the Benjamin Franklin House, situated within the main area of London. Before entering the building, I tried to collect information on its historical importance. An old visitor told me that Benjamin Franklin used this building as his private residence. But now, this building is transformed as a museum. Entering the building, I came to realize the fact that the authorities show keen interest to preserve the building. Then, we entered the Student Science Centre and Medical History Room. Later, we visited the Scholarship Centre and collected information on Benjamin Franklin’s life in London. Our visit to Trafalgar square was interesting because we viewed a number of artworks. Besides, these artworks are symbolic of the development of art and architecture during Georgian London. Pile (2005, p.52) states that, “From the Square, it is possible to see the Houses of Parliament and Admiralty Arch”. In my opinion, the Nelson's Column in the square is most attractive. There, we enjoyed the beauty of artificial fountains and other type of artworks. The artworks that can be seen in the square are symbolic of the human effort to recreate the past. After spending half an hour at the square, we decided to return. After returning from the Trafalgar square, I came to realize that we had enough time to visit the St Martin in the Fields. So, we went towards the north-eastern side of the square. The exterior of this church is not so different from other churches in this area. The renovation work during the past centuries did transform the church from a medieval church to a modern church. So, we decided to return. Modern London: The easiest way to have a broader outlook on the modern London is to conduct a walking tour. So, we decided to conduct a walking tour to the important places and monuments in Modern London. But we became confused because almost all the residential areas in London are related to modernity. But the museums in London share some elements of past and present. One can see that multiculturalism is one of the most important factors of a modern society. So, we selected Haggerston, Dalston, and Geffrye Museum as the primary destinations of our walking tour. Our first destination was Haggerston, which is situated in the northeast side of London. This area is surrounded by roads and a market place. We felt a little bit scared because somebody told us that this area is notorious for criminal activities. But the residential area in Haggerston is safe from criminals. Another speciality of this area is the rapid growth of gated communities. One can see that gated community is an innovative concept that is symbolic of modernity. We realized that the people of Haggerston are ready to amalgamate different racial groups to its core. To be specific, so many Asians live in this area. Later, we visited a number of Asian restaurants in this area and decided to return. Our second destination is situated in the north-eastern side of London. Allinson (2013, p.218) opines that, “Similarly, at the Dalston Culture House, architecture gets mixed with an ethnic vibrancy that is very London and not at all the City or the South Bank”. The important parks and roads in London border this area. We decided to visit the visible examples of modernity in Dalston. So, we visited shopping streets that are symbolic of a modern society. One can see that Kingsland High Street is generally considered as important among the streets in this area. Entering the street, we were stunned with surprise because there were a number of shopping malls. The increase in foreign residents in this area is symbolic of London’s positive attitude towards international community. To be specific, there are Jews, Caribbean people, etc. This proves that the residents of this area are allowed to preserve their cultural characteristics. After visiting a number of houses in this area, I returned to the Dalston Junction. Now, our effort to unearth the socio-cultural elements of Britain is coming to an end. To be specific, my final destination is Geffrye Museum. My primary aim was to visit the special rooms in the museum that are symbolic of the transformation of the British architecture from older days to the present condition. Inwood (2012, p.94) states that, “The museum, whose excellent collection of domestic interiors since 1600 offers one of the best and most enjoyable ways of understanding the history of the London house, is open every day but Monday, free of charge”. We viewed a number of objects used for interior decoration in the middle class residences. One can see that the objects exhibited at this museum are symbolic of human urge to accept modernity. Summing up, I think my effort is fruitful because I am able to visit almost all important places and monuments that are symbolic of the socio-cultural aspects of Britain. References Allinson, K., 2013. London's Contemporary Architecture. Oxford: Taylor & Francis. Duncan, A., 2008. Walking London. 6th ed. London: New Holland Publishers. Hanson, N., 2002. The Great Fire of London: In That Apocalyptic Year, 1666. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Humphreys, R., 2003. London. 3rd ed. London: Rough Guides. Inwood, S., 2012. Historic London: An Explorer's Companion. London: Pan Macmillan. Matthews, P., 2001. Discovering London for Families. Buckinghamshire: Osprey Publishing. Nichols, J.B., 1819. A brief account of the guildhall of the city of London. London: Oxford University. Olson, D., 2010. London For Dummies. 6th ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. Perring, D., 2002. Roman London. Essex: Psychology Press. Pile, S., 2005. Real Cities: Modernity, Space and the Phantasmagorias of City Life. London: SAGE. Smith, C.R., 1859. Illustrations of Roman London. London: Oxford University. Strachan, D., 2012. Frommer's London 2013. 30th ed. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons. Read More