THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY

In 1714,George I became king. He began a line of kings and queens called the Hanovers. At this time, Britain was one of the most powerful countries in the world, with London at the heart of its trade and art.

London art

Writers, painters and actors gathered in eighteenth-century London. Two painters called Hogarth and Canaletto became famous for painting London scenes.

Pleasure gardens

Pleasure gardens started to become popular in eighteenth-century London. They were like early amusement parks, with stalls and entertainers to amuse the crowds.

Finance

Financial business began to develop in London. A lot of business was done in coffee houses, especially in a street called Exchange Alley (where the Stock Exchange stands today).

Town houses

In the eighteenth century, many new town houses were built. These houses were tall and their windows were wide. They had arched doorways, with a window above called a fanlight. You can still see this kind of house today.

River business

Ships brought goods like coffee and silk to London. The goods were unloaded in the port and checked by inspectors. Some goods were unloaded in secret to avoid inspection.

London life

The streets of London were badly lit and full of beggars and thieves. If thieves were caught, they were put «pillory», where people threw things and then thieves were hanged.