This mesmerising video takes you through London’s 40,000 year history.
London is pretty empty right now. It might even hark back to the dark ages in terms of the number of people on the streets. So, ever wondered what the capital of Blighty was like back then?
This beautiful story told in paper, and created by National Geographic, takes us back 40,000 years — all the way to the 18th century industrial revolution.
It opens in dramatic style. Like a scene out of Ice Age, we are greeted with a hunter-gatherer taking on a mammoth with his spear. But this is nothing you can find Disney+.
(See also: When Hippos And Lions Used To Run Wild In London)
With full narration to back it, we are swiftly moved on from the Ice to the Bronze Age (2000-600 BC). Still no sign of the London Eye at this point…
We move through the Iron Age and onto the birth of Londonium in the Roman period (AD 43-410), when the city really started to grow.
Boudica’s Revolt in the year A.D. 60 and the Viking attack in A.D. 842 are truly events of epic proportions when acted out in paper. Not to mention the historic Battle of Hastings in 1066 that followed suit. Paper punch ups really should be something that takes off. A new skill to learn during lockdown, perhaps?
We then see everything from the Black Death to the writings of William Shakespeare, to the destruction caused by the Great Fire of London and the following industrial revolution that ensued.
This beautifully crafted video is a reminder of why we love this city and its incredible history. It ends with the creation of something most Londoners use every day: the very first underground train. Look at how we’ve grown!