WHO FOUNDED LONDON?

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 6 March 1926, Page 11

WHO FOUNDED LONDON?

Interesting evidence in support, qf his’ theory that London was founded by Cymbeline, who reigned A.D. 4-—4 O, was given to a Daily Chronicle representative by Professor F. G. Parsons. Professor Parsons, who is professor of anatomy at London University, and vice-president of the Anthropological Society, first made public his theory in a lecture at Sit. Thomas’s Hospital, l’n recent years much has been learnt from coins about Cymbeline, or Cunobelinus, who reigned over an area from Ivent to Gloucester, and was, on friendly terms with Augustus and Tiberius.

“According to Professor Havertield,’,’ said Professor Parsons, “all the evidence points to the foundation of London in the early half of the first century, and’the means that it was founded in Cymbelitie’s reign.” But the question a rises why did lie select tills particular site? Cymbeline, round whom Shakespeare wrote his play, appreciated the importance of peaceful trade, and the enormous mintage in hi-s reign indicated that he wanted to get merchants into N the country. Thus lie wanted: A port for foreign vessels close to St. Albans, hiss capital; to bridge the river so that the ford might not delay travellers between the Continent and St. Albans; a, site easily defensible, and near the existing track, which.led over the ford. London fulfilled all those needs. There were two estuaries of the \Valbrook and Fleet Rivers forming" ideal harbours, two excellent gravel-capped Lillis at Ludgate and Chrahill, and martshes and fens made the place easily defensible. The original London was probably in the area bounded by Walbropk, Oornhiill, St. Mary-at-Hill, and Rood lane and Thames Street. The earliest port was where the Wadbrook opened—now Cannon Street station.