The history of Southwark is just as integral to the story of Britain’s great capital on the River Thames as that of the City of London itself. There was major settlement there in the Roman era, based around the endpoint of Roman London Bridge. After a long phase of abandonment following Roman withdrawal from Britain in 410, Southwark was re-established during the Anglo-Saxon period, circa 886, and became what many people often refer to as “London’s first suburb.”
Highlighted Quote:
“Imagine you were an estate agent – 'cor blimey mate, riverside moorings, bridge crossing, ten minutes walk from the city – they’re all going to be coming in!'”
Submitted by Bija Knowles on Wed, 02/17/2010 - 12:59
When it comes to invading marauders, who had more influence in shaping London? To my mind, the Romans will win this hands down. They came, they saw, and they started building drains, underfloor heating and fancy mosaics. They also had awesome military organisation and ferocious fighting techniques, but I think the Romans should be remembered as the invaders to beat all other invaders for a slightly different reason.
The Silk Road has been a popular subject over the past few years for authors of children’s books. Already at Heritage Key, we have reviewed Stranger on the Silk Road, written by Jessica Gunderson, as well as We’re Riding on a Caravan by Laurie Krebs and Helen Cann, part of a series of country- and culture-based books from Barefoot Books. From the same publisher, then, comes Stories From the Silk Road, a beautifully illustrated collection of folk tales taken from and inspired by the ancient trading route.
