The lost town of Ludenwic: mid Saxon London AD 600-900

This one day course looks at the most neglected period of London’s history when, from AD600 to 900, the mid-Saxon settlement of Lundenwic was focussed not on the abandoned site of the ancient Roman city of Londinium, but in Covent Garden/Strand.

What topics will we cover?

Why the invading Germanic (Anglian/English) peoples preferred to set up their new town on a new site, the form, size character and economy that developed, and the dramatic reasons for its abandonment.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Appreciate the topography of mid-Saxon London (Lundenwic) and better understand this formative but much misunderstood chapter in our urban history.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course assumes no prior knowledge of London’s history ( although background reading would be a sensible preparation) As important would be an enthusiastic interest in our capital’s long and convoluted development. A keen eye, an open mind and a desire to question would be appreciated,.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course opens in the classroom with an introductory lecture-based presentation, and this is followed by a guided walk around the streets and sites of London.