London City

London is the largest and most important city in Britain, and also the center of Thamesmouth. It has no lord but the king, and is ruled by a council of its most important merchants. It is about eight days’ ride from Sarum.

To the native Cymric city the Romans added their own typical urban buildings: a legionary camp, basilica, coliseum, baths, and temples. They also built the famous London Bridge, which is the only bridge that spans the navigable parts of the Thames River.

Two castles help to protect London. At the west end is the Castle Lud. At the eastern edge of the city is the White Tower, originally built by the Roman Emperor. The massive keep and castle serve as a royal residence and as refuge of last resort in times of war or uprising.

London is large and influential enough to be a political power in its own right. It is run by a city senate that determines internal affairs, such as judging its citizens in the city court rather than a king’s or nobleman’s court. The senate appoints leaders, called praetors, for specific tasks.

London rules over its surrounding countryside, the County of London, and also has its own permanent garrison, which also serves as night watch, police, and firemen.

Although adequate for manning the walls, though, this standing army of footmen is inferior in the field.

Since London has no expansionist ambitions, its relatively small military force has usually proved sufficient.

Gates: City gates are large, doublewide doors with towers beside them and defense works above and around. They are closed and barred every night at sundown, not to be opened for anyone or anything. Near most of the gates are small postern gates, more easily defended, where people can sometimes come in after dark, and sometimes squeeze their horses in as well.

Markets: The gates all have a market on the inside of the wall. Most of these cater to the daily needs of the local people, including the buying of excess crops in the fall. The market at Watergate is the international market, where the luxury goods are sold.

Aldgate: The gate for the road leading to Colchester (Camulodunum).

Aldersgate: Another gate.

Basilica: A cluster of buildings where the city senate meets. The formerly pagan temple is now a church.

Lud’s Castle: The second castle of London.

Belinsgate: This gate is named after King Belinus, whose cremated remains in a golden urn are cemented into the arch of this gate.

Bishopsgate: When King Lucius adopted Christianity in 166, his flamens (Latin for “priest,” i.e., druids) became bishops and the archflamens (archdruids) became archbishops. Ever since then, the Bishop of London has had his residence over this gate.

Bridge: The famous London Bridge, made of stone, with nineteen arches under which ships can sail.

Cripplegate: Northern gate.

Ludgate: King Lud, who built the first walls, reigned before the Romans came. When he died, he was buried under this gate.

Moorgate: The northern gate got its name from the marshy moors beyond it, not from the African Moors.

Newgate: This gate is about 300 years old. In an alcove over this gate stand two great statues of Corineus and Gogmagog.

Pen Bran: Location of the “Head of Bran.” Bran was an ancient hero, and he ordered that his head be buried here in order to protect the island with its magical powers.

Postern Gate: This is a private gate used by royalty, and to supply the White Tower.

Saint Brigit’s Church: Here, just outside the walls, is an ancient church dedicated to Saint Brigit.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral: At the request of King Lucius, Saint Fagan and Saint Dyfan came to Britain in 166 to bring the Good News of Christ’s resurrection. London built its most famous church, Saint Paul’s, which has been rebuilt over the centuries and exists even today.

Southwerk: The village at the southern end of London Bridge. It clusters outside some defensive works to protect the bridge. It is a pit of perdition, full of thieves, pickpockets, forgers, and scoundrels.

Stone of London: This stone marks the center of the city. When Brutus established the city, this was the stone used for his first sacrifice to the goddess Diana. Later, the Romans used it as the original milestone from which to mark their roads.

Tower Hill. This hill outside the city is the site for executing noble traitors.

Traitor’s Gate: Boats and rafts offload their goods for the White Tower here. Its name comes from the fact that condemned prisoners are taken through here to the prison in the White Tower.

Watergate (Dowgate): Ships, boats, and rafts all crowd the docks here to load and unload their goods to trade. Its market is the grand international market, wherein goods can be purchased.

White Tower: Before the Romans, this was called the White Hill. Brutus was buried here. Later, when the Romans conquered Britain, the emperor declared that the city of London would enjoy exactly the same laws it had under the previous king, and that he would suffer no man to do it or its residents any harm. To further win their loyalty, he built the White Tower to house his garrison and act as a refuge of last retreat. It is famous for the great ravens that live there, reputedly until the island is going to fall to invaders.

Places of Interest

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