After the Great Fire, London soon became the world’s largest city and Britain’s biggest manufacturing centre. Not every Londoner enjoyed this prosperity. Those who became bankrupt ended up in debtors' prisons.

London set world records for engineering. In 1843, the world’s first tunnel under a navigable river was opened – the Thames Tunnel.

Children born in London had only a 50% chance of reaching their 10th birthday. Child mortality was very high due to disease, poor nutrition, and the dangers of the overcrowded city.

18th century London had visitors from all around the world. In 1774, Omai was the first known Tahitian to visit London.