We return to all things London with an in depth look at the events of the early part of the 1240’s; we have earthquakes, storms, prophecies, politics, factions, new buildings being built, old buildings being revamped, processions and a whale suddenly finds itself at London Bridge! It’s also an insight into one of confusing eras of London’s political history as two mayors, Mr Tovey and Mr Bat, begin to reflect the growing divisions in the city.

The Story takes a brief break from the regular narrative of events, with a look at two things that were impacting upon the city. The first was the ongoing crusades, and we look at the stories of the 5th and 6th Crusades along with the ‘Barons Crusade’ as this will become increasingly important later on, and then examine the perilous economic situation London was facing. Economics drives politics and politics drives history, and much of what was to come is explained here.

The story continues with an insight to six years in the cities history; we have a minor but important confrontation between the bishop of London and a bunch of French moneylenders; two royal weddings (both of which were scandalous for differing reasons), ongoing political tensions, wild street parties, drought, ambitious civil engineering and more. There are even some Vikings… in the distance but still. Vikings! The Story of London continues the cities amazing history.

Crime has always been a feature of urban life; but during this era a series of criminal cases are reported… which highlight a growing conflict between the authorities of London and the crown. But arguments about jurisdiction and authority soon obscure deeper debates and passions in the city. An episode that brings to life the alien nature of justice in the 13th century.

We kick off Book 4 with the story of a man executed for supposedly having a fight over a wrestling match… but his death could well have been the result of the chaotic aftermath of the recent Civil War. An episode about why Westminster started growing, a massive expansion of the Tower of London, the arrival of new orders of monks to London, and how the symbol of one of the men mentioned in this episode is seen on the streets of London to this day.

The Story of London reaches Book 4 of the saga of the city… covering the years 1219 until 1348, and bringing to life the extraordinary tale of the city during the early Plantagenet Kings…

The wild, violent and crazy few years were coming to a close… London stood defiant; most of the country was within the regime of it’s French Prince, and their enemy was a 9 year old boy. And yet, somehow Henry III secured the English throne and London’s part in this great usurpation attempt is forgotten about. Why? Well, in this final episode of the Third Book of the Story of London, we explain how.

The Magna Carta had left London virtually independent as a city, beholden only unto the Committee of 25 signatories of the document. But the game was not over yet, and the political skill of King John soon drove London into taking its boldest move ever… inviting a French Prince to cross the sea and come take the throne of England. As the nation descends into utter chaos, what motivated the city in these amazing few months…

May 17th, 1215: the day London was taken by an armed force for the first time. This being said, powerful forces within London helped them do this, and the city was to not just be under military occupation. The Mayor of the city was staging a putsch, and by his acts, not only was the city to see a score of arrests as political opponents were rounded up… by this act the regime of King John collapsed. Presenting a fresh insight into the creation of the Magna Carta from London’s point of view.

The story begins to examine the crucial role London was to play in the political saga that led to the Magna Carta, as King John goes from being on the verge of glory, to being cast down into the pits of weakened despair. Who was the new faction who seemed to be in charge of the city, and what was their relationship to the Barons? And how did London find itself starting a civil war…