Medieval London was destroyed by invaders, racked by famine, fire and disease, and torn apart by religious and political controversy. But it grew to become one of the wealthiest and most important cities in Europe.

London Bridge was fortified to stop Viking raiders from sailing up the Thames.

In 1016 King Cnut found London Bridge so well defended that he dug a channel around its south end, so his ships could go around it.

Medieval doctors would look at the colour of a patient’s urine to diagnose what was wrong with them. They used a special glass flask called a urinal.

Medieval Londoners loved ice skating.

In the 1100s boys would tie animal bones to their feet and use wooden poles to push themselves along the ice.