Page 26 - Yearbook issue try out

The City in adversity
T he C it y in adv ersit y

Boudicca, Big Fires, the Black Death and the Blitz: all left their imprint on the

City of London. Now a global pandemic takes its toll. Yet, as PAUL JAGGER
explains, the City has a remarkable ability to bounce back

HE year 2020 has been tough. But among with a stout wall, strengthened gateways and a
all the great cities, the City of London has surrounding ditch.
o
T vercome more crises than any other. What
is more, it has invariably emerged stronger. When the Romans left, the Anglo-Saxons let the
City’s fortifications fall into disrepair – an open
With gender diversity a hot topic among livery invitation for several large-scale raids by Vikings in
companies, it is apt to recall that one of the first the ninth century. Alfred the Great got the message
women to visit early Roman Londinium really lit and restored the City’s defences. To ensure the City
the place up, with the first of London’s several was better managed in the future, he appointed
great fires. The Romans learned the lesson of his brother-in-law to the rank and dignity of
Boudicca’s visit in AD67 and rebuilt the City Ealdorman (Alderman).
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