What's so special about the City of London historically?

Today I want to look at the City of London, in particular how it obtained its unusual historic rights and privileges…

I hope you enjoy this video and find it interesting!

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Images (from Wikimedia Commons, unless otherwise stated):

Detail from the “Long View of London from Bankside”, a panorama of London by Wenceslaus Hollar (1647). Scanned from a facsimile.

Map of England showing Greater London by Nilfanion, created using Ordnance Survey data.

Map of Greater London by Nilfanion, created using Ordnance Survey data.

Map showing the City of London within Greater London, created by TUBS.

Londinium as it may have looked in the 4th century CE by Fremantleboy, Drallim.

Map of the British Isles around 886 by Lotroo.

Edward the Confessor, enthroned, opening scene of the Bayeux Tapestry (11th century). Held by the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.

Westminster shown within Greater London, created by TUBS.

King John hunting in the Statutes of England (14th century). Held by the British Library, BL Cotton MS Claudius D II, f.116.

Bayeux Tapestry - Scene 23: Harold swearing oath on holy relics to William, Duke of Normandy. Held by the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.

Detail from a map showing the dominions of William the Conqueror around 1087 from The Historical Atlas by William R. Shepherd (1926). Courtesy of the University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.

Screenshot of Google Maps showing distance between London Bridge and Kingston Bridge.

Photograph of the Assistant Commissioner, City of London Police, in full ceremonial uniform at the Lord Mayor's Show 2006, accompanied by another mounted officer in No.1 dress uniform. Taken in 2006 by S. Pakhrin

Quoted texts:

Also consulted, were:

Other relevant entries from The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Online.

#London #History #ReadingThePast

[leajacobson]

I would love an anthropology video. What did people eat? How did they shop? How did they cook? How did they get clothes? What kind of underwear did they wear? How did they furnish their homes? How did they decorate their homes? Much of life is taken up with this "stuff."

[SOCIETYISDEVOLVING]

I think the pageantry video would be awesome! Love to learn about the historical contexts behind old and new!

[BeeKool__]

How bad ass is it that as a reference point for archeological endeavors, Boudica's scorched earth is a huge indicator of time frame in the past to this day. Incredible!!! Hail, Queen Boudica!!!

[crystal-thewall]

Dr Kat is easily the sweetest person who ever made a YouTube channel

[magswilliams-fuller]

This reminded me of two things:
1) not so long ago I worked for someone who was a member of" the wardens and commonality of the mystery of goldsmiths of the city of london" He was telling me all about the history of it and his family and how he got the membership, and now I so wish I had paid more attention and asked better questions.
2) Christ's Hospital School often march, and I believe the Head boy/girl gives a speech, at the Lord Mayor's Show.

[susanwebb]

I just found you. I could listen to you all day. Wait I did. Hold up in my bed with an arthritis flare. Been a wonderful way to spend time.

[kenefdz]

I visited London on my 40th birthday back in 2006...best trip outside of my homeland I ever took. I did alot of researching to prepare for the trip, including avoiding all the expensive "tourist-y" traps that comes with any large, historic city. I was really impressed with the subway system as it allowed me to explore London from literally end to end. My favorite spot: Trafalgar Square -- it literally felt like I was at the center of London and English history itself. I also fell in love with the National Gallery and the British Museum -- so much so that I actually spent TWO days of my 10 day birthday/vacation exploring and relishing both! What a glorious city!!!

[paulkoza]

Nice summary on The City. I knew it was a separate entity, but you provided a good historical background.

[wray]

Pageantry is history kept alive. I would certainly attend any event that continues the history of any city or country. I would also understand that pageantry grows out of proportion with the event it was originally conceived to celebrate, it is still great fun with historical roots.

[Suzicherie]

American here. Many of us admire the centuries-long traditions of the UK. These link present-day people to those who have come before and give a sense of stability in this ever-changing world. They bind the nation together, as do our traditions here. I’m enjoying your channel and your pleasant, well-spoken presence here in my home on my TV. Best wishes, Dr. Kat!!

[BeeKool__]

Ohhh, YESSSS!!! Please!!! We would love a video on the pageantry of these various precessions and celebrations. We’d absolutely LOVE that!!

[jennierayner]

I seem to recall reading that one of the things that impeded the Ripper murder investigations was the lack of co-operation between the City of London and the Metropolitan police - I've always thought it was a very odd amount of autonomy to be afforded to so small an area, so thankyou very much for this fascinating deep dive! And, yes, co-signing all the other comments, there can never be too many videos about pageantry....

[Katherine_The_Okay]

Thank you! I've always wondered what the difference was, in practical purposes, between "London" and "the City Of London". Books and articles I've consulted tend to kind of talk it in circles, and the UK friends I've asked seem as perplexed as me (probably due to most of them not being as interested in history as I am). So this was very informative and I feel like I learned something new today. Which my mother always used to say was how you know a day has been well spent :)

[LufuU]

I'm sorry that your channel is so addictive . The way you present history is one of the best channels on YouTube. Will the BBC give you a series? They would benefit from it! I don't know how they work because I'm in the US. Another terrific subject.

[AJA-ieuu]

Love your channel. And thank you for this interesting rundown of the City of London (as opposed to the city, of London). In answer to your questions, Yes they do seem to be confusing and old fashioned. I believe that's why they are SO worth keeping alive. If people were better educated about the history it wouldn't be confusing and maybe if they weren't so confused they would value the traditions which make up such a varied and rich history a lot more.

[stephanieking]

I love the way the City of London keeps its traditions, like the Lord Mayor Show. I also love the way many streets in there are still narrow and following the medieval map. This is a direct, living connection to history.

[Elvertaw]

Wonderful video! As an American, I appreciate anything you do that really dives into the peculiar history of England and the UK. Keep it coming!! 🤗🤗

[vanessahardie]

Loved the video. Knowing this distinction of the City of London has made Sir Terry Pratchett Discworld series even more insightful and funny

[carinelaberge]

I got History Hit on your excellent recommendation and I could not be happier...but for 1 thing. I would love to have you in the podcasts! Your content is so compelling and engaging! Great job as always ♡

[melanieortiz]

Yes! Please do make a video on the pageantry of the Mayor of the City Of London.