London was at the heart of the Roman and Norman invasions so was always at the forefront when it comes to the development of historical England. No surprise then that it became and still it one of the great business, arts and cultural centers of the world.

Most people have either a love or hate attitude to London and I certainly fall into the I love London category , always enthralled by its vibrancy and character, let alone the vast array of historical monuments, buildings, parks and museums it has on offer.

Something for everyone and that is the way it has always been with as diverse a variety of trades, religions, architecture and society that you will find anywhere.

Back to the England and London historical partnership, there is not too much documentation about the pre-Roman settling of London but archaeologists have found evidence of a settlement being there before their arrival in AD 43 when around 40,000 men landed in Kent and Sussex and proceeded up towards the river Thames. The existing settlement with its river crossing and defensive landscape proved to be an ideal place to make a base camp.

There are many relics remaining from the Roman occupation for the visitor to historical England (London) to be amazed at proving that the invasion was good for the development of the country, especially when you consider that the Romans introduced so many benefits to the general population. Although I suspect that if you asked one of the locals at the time they may not have been so enthusiastic.

The progression of London and England continued with the arrival of the Normans in 1066, one date I did manage to learn at school, who proved to be the big builders and law makers of the time and their legacy can be seen throughout the country in the form of churches, castles and cathedrals, the White Tower of the Tower of London being among them.

So many of our historical heritage is due to invasion and London was often at the center of things even up to more modern times with the Blitz during the Second World War and the even more recent terrorist attacks all of which in my opinion gives the Englishman and Londoners in particular their bloody mindedness and backs against the wall, fight until the last man drops attitude to life.

This image is often mistaken by outsiders as being mistrustful and stand offish but looking at the historical facts I believe that they, or should I say we,have every reason to be wary of those from across the sea.