London was the first and largest urban area in the world and naturally attracted industries that would serve the needs of its ever growing population.
I write of the growth of London in the context of improvements in communication in How Britain Shaped the Manufacturing World (HBSTMW)
The image is of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and I include it because it marks a beginning of London as an entrepreneurial city as I explain in this blog piece.
Inner London
Where it all began with trade. Wool and silk occupied many Londoners as did clock making and furniture. Follow this link to discover more.
East London
Docklands and the East End. Trade needed ships and London built many. Along with ships, London made armaments at Woolwich. Follow this link to discover more.
South London
Tanning by the Thames created a stink. Flour and beer nourished the population. Huguenots produced more fine silk. Follow this link to discover more. .
East London 19th and 20th century
With yet more trade the docks expanded. Furniture making spread with the influx of skilled Jewish makers. Industry gathered along the Thames. Read more in this link.
South London 19th and 20th century
A hive of cutting edge engineering with Maudslay. Pharmaceuticals, much loved toys and the Stanley knife. Read more in this link.
Inner London 19th and 20th century
Pianos but also many of the basic needs of life, but then the new Industries before they moved out to pastures new. Read more in this link.
North London
Manufacturing moved north from inner London and there a raft of different industries from electronics to aircraft, furniture and motor components. Read more in this link.
West London 19th and 20th century
American companies flocked to Western Avenue and the Great West Road. Our iconic aircraft were built in Kingston and then radar to spot their enemies. Read more in this link.
Further reading
Francis Sheppard, London: A History, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998)
Jerry White, London in the Twentieth Century, (London: Viking and Penguin, 2001, 2002), also his book on Nineteenth century London
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