The Birth of Modern Europe
Mr. Meyers
Emily Dine

London City Page: London's Physical History

London is a city different from all other cities due to its country's unique geographical location and history. Located on an island, England has always had a built- in defense system. Its surrounding bodies of water have allowed the country to develop and become known for an impeccable navy.  Thus, London, located in the center of England, is already different from other cities because of its physical location. Not only has it been the largest city in the world since the end of the eighteenth century, but also it is also the richest, containing the world's most diverse population. The city of London can be evaluated by following the notion that form fits function, as its social structure and physical structure evolved as a result of each other. For example, buildings were developed to fit the type of lifestyle Londoners lived. For example specific housing such as the Terraced House was developed for single middle class families settling down in London's newly acquired suburbs. London's geographical isolation is significant because its progress depended less on the influence or effects of foreign countries. Without the need for a physical barrier of protection around the city, London was able to concentrate more on dispersed growth and development as opposed to encroaching external forces. Its isolation allowed the city to highlight its internal problems such as extreme poverty, harsh living conditions and urban congestion. During the eighteenth century, London underwent the most drastic changes in its history caused by its fast population growth and large gaps between classes. These changes ultimately marked the beginning of London's modernization, as well as the modernization of other cities in Europe as well as those in the U.S. London's changes during this crucial time not only formed its own path towards modernity, but also created a standard model for modernizing cities across the globe.

The emergence of suburbs from the massive urban sprawl that London was in the early 18th century did not occur because they were more attractive. In fact, the visually pleasing aspects of this change are not nearly as significant as the reason why it occurred. The increasingly large population created a demand for housing, therefore suburbs formed, as a way to fix the urban chaos. The emergence of suburb is specific in that they weren't set up and eventually people moved into them. The movement of people from the city to more rural, spacious areas actually formed the suburbs. This migration didn't occur suddenly because people felt like they needed a little more space. The population boomed from an annual immigration rate of 10, 000 persons, not births. London's inhabitants now experienced extremely tight and unhealthy living conditions. Mortality rates in London soared, leaving Londoners no choice but to remove themselves from this urban bloat. The need for new housing made the surfacing of suburbs inevitable, as this was the only way to benefit the desperate city of London.

Even more impressive than the richness of London society was its dedication to housing the lower and middle classes. London's tolerance for the many classes it had to accommodate is nonetheless remarkable. However, this doesn't mean that London was successful in comfortably housing these lower classes. In fact, conditions were nothing short of terrible. In response to such horrid living conditions, the London Building Act of 1774 was passed to correct the poor quality of former housing. While rebuilding, Londoners developed a new type of house. Resembling a townhouse, the Terraced House took up a greater area than average living spaces at the time. The complex included a kitchen and services on the lower floor and living quarters above. This new type of housing became a standard template for new architectural expression. It allowed each Londoner to essentially customize their household, creating a sophisticated urban lifestyle with privacy. Since these houses were separated from workplaces, commuting from home became a part of everyday life. The emergence of the Terraced House affected many areas of society, including family life and household structure. Household became greater in number, but smaller and fewer generations lived together or near each other. New housing not only affected everyday life, but also the now busy, social aspects of London society.

As a more modern and less cramped urban lifestyle was established in London, public areas became a prominent focus, as they characterized daily life of mostly middle class Londoners. For example, the purpose of big streets and boulevards was to designate space for social action. Many Londoners' everyday social scene developed as a result of numerous shops and cafes placed throughout these streets. Even the new types of street lighting, paving, water supply, ground wells, and enclosed docks brought comfort, liveliness, and a homey feeling to the city. Soon enough, hawkers and peddlers selling various things such as newspapers, crowded the public streets. The emergence of large markets on top of the shops and cafes shaped accessible meeting places for Londoners. Most importantly, the emergence of streets allowed for a clear distinction between public and private areas within London.

London's architectural history is one specifically of fast change, leading up to its modern condition. Its social history, especially its drastic population growth in the 17th and 18th centuries have demanded many phases of style that have shaped its one of a kind appearance. For example, during the 17th century, London's architecture encompassed a Baroque style that reflective authoritative rule. St. Paul's Cathedral embodied this style, overpowering everything surrounding it. This extraordinary structure designed by Christopher Wren, represented monarchical power in England at the time, as well as the plain beauty of London architecture. During the 18th century, two very different styles were exposed through architecture, one being Gothic, the other, Neo-Classical. Gothic architecture during the 18th century was actually a series of revivals of old Gothic structures. The Castle at Strawberry Hill exemplifies this style, as it is a revival of a villa, transformed by Horace Walpole into a landmark of London. This structure allowed London to keep a piece of its native medieval architecture. Lastly, London is perhaps most known for its Neo-Classical style architecture of the 18th century. John Nash's Royal Pavilion at Brighton mirrors the elegant style of architecture with which we associate London even today. In addition, Robert Adam's Kedleston Hall exhibits the delicate details and cohesive embellishment that formed the height of the Neo-Classical phase. This style of architecture, although quite unlike in appearance, also characterize the austere power and conservatism of 17th and 18th century London.

     London's physical history cannot be evaluated briefly, for its contents are never ending. This notable city's endurance and accomplishments are extraordinary. London's urban system and spread, its accommodation of its wide range of inhabitants, and its development of a standard style from varied architecture, has made it distinguishable from all other cities. It is unique because it is extremely individual compared to other cities. London has had little if not no influence from neighboring countries, as opposed to Vienna and Paris, where half of their structure is based on the encroachment of outside nations. However, this doesn't mean that London has had it easy. In fact, its internal issues have given the city enough trouble to endure. From the very poor to extremely rich, London has worked hard to establish a city where the coexisting of so many different groups can exist and experience a normal urban lifestyle. This astonishing city has not only managed to physically become the richest and largest in the world, it has also set the stage and begun a trend of modernity throughout the rest of the world.