Stuart London History

Stuart London History

London is a city that is constantly evolving, with new buildings and landmarks popping up all the time. But it’s also a city that has a long and rich history, which can be seen in its many ancient pubs, churches, and museums. If you’re interested in learning more about Stuart London – from the era of Shakespeare to the Glorious Revolution – then this right place for you!

Use this page to explore blog posts, podcast episodes about Stuart London. You can even explore Stuart London on one of our many London walking tours. We’ll take a look at some of the most important historical landmarks and events from this period, and we’ll also explore how they’ve been preserved for future generations. So buckle up and join us on a journey through Stuart London history!

The Stuart dynasty began with the death of the last Tudor Monarch, Queen Elizabeth I in 1603. King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England and ruled England for 22 years. He was a keen patron of the arts, and there were many new developments in theatre, music, and architecture. During his reign, Jamestown was founded in Virginia, making English colonisation of North America possible. He also established the Church of England as the official state religion.

As the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660 ushered in a new age for London, so too did it see changes throughout the city. Although Charles II and his court would often travel to other parts of England, they maintained a strong presence in London, which saw dramatic growth during their reign. This period was a time of prosperity for the city, with new architecture and cultural developments emerging. The Restoration also saw increased law and order in London, making it a safer place to live.

The Glorious Reformation deposed of James II and saw William and Mary rule. Major changes in both the political and cultural landscape London occurred. A shift of power was more noticeable than before.

London, under the rule of Queen Anne, was a time of peace and prosperity. The city was a centre of culture and learning, with new buildings, bridges and landmarks springing up all over town. Despite the city’s growing size and bustle, it remained a charming place to live and visit. London was booming with activity, thanks to a growing population and burgeoning economy.  If you’re looking for an interesting history of London to explore then the Stuarts tick that box!

Stuart London History

King Charles I took the throne after his father’s death and reigned for 11 years. His reign was a turbulent one, resulting in a civil war with Oliver Cromwell leading the opposition. Charles I was eventually overthrown and executed in Whitehall. Hear more about Charles I, his ill-founded belief in his ‘Right to Rule’ and how his execution meant a death sentence for those who signed his death warrant. Book a private Wonders of Whitehall walking tour.

If you were to visit the City of London today, you would find a thriving metropolis with a rich history and a diverse culture. But it wasn’t always that way. In fact, after the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666, the City had to be completely rebuilt from the ground up. On our Great Fire of London walking tour we explore how London was rebuilt after the fire and what changes were made to the cityscape.

Stuart London Blog Posts

Stuart London Podcast Episodes

Popular podcast episodes

Burning of the Rumps at Temple Bar - William Hogarth, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Podcast Episode Square Temple Bar

London Blog Posts

Private Tours

Upcoming Guided Walks

Scroll to Top
Open chat
Scan the code
Hello 👋
We provide guided walks and private tours to Londoners and visitors alike.
Can we help you?