TRADE

London has always been a busy trading port since Roman times when Roman galleys moored along the river trading a range of goods from around the Roman Empire. The city started as a trade center because of it’s links to the rest of the country over land and to he rest of the world through the river Thames. What had started as a small trade city for the Roman Empire became a huge trade center, with trade links from all around the world.

MAP OF PRE-INDUSTRIAL THAMES (1464)
You can see the beginning of growth around the river.

Around the 17th C. trade shifted from the Mediteranian to the Atlantic; and England was one of the main beneficiaries. The necessity for marketing finished goods created great urban centers where there was access to water transportation. London is a perfect example of one of these urban centers. The River Thames brings in trade from all around the world bringing work and money to London. In the 18th century Britain rose to a dominant position among European trading empires, and became the first western nation to industrialize. Transport links had been made connecting London to all Major cities, including the Clippers which connected China to the Thames. Since London was so easily accessible by so many countries it became and stopping point for traders, which helped boost the city’s economy. Britain’s colonies in North America and the West Indies brought in millions of pounds to London importing textiles, sugar, tobacco and tropical goods. The slave trade was prominent in London, the Royal African Company had their headquarters there and shipped tobacco, rive and sugar as well as African labor. The largest and most successful trading company was also largely present in London. The East India Company was founded in 1600 was the leading trading company in shipping spices, fabrics and luxury goods from India and the east. Their ports , located at Blackwall, on the Thames, and was a thriving business on the river. In the 19th C. the East India Company was the first to build docks near their own warehouse to allow ships to unload goods. This started a chain reaction and soon the river was lined by docks and over crowded by trading ships.

PICTURE OF THE THAMES-1934

Trade enabled London to grow as a city, and as an economic power. It not only brought in necessary materials, but it also brought in the need for industry. Where goods were shipped there needed to be ports and factories. And, where there were factories workers needed to fill them. The river brought trade to London, and trade brought life and work to the city. With out the river London would have never become a trade city or developed into the thriving metropolis it became to be.