A History of London 1066 to 2020
About the event
Ready to embark on a fascinating journey through the History of London? From a prosperous medieval capital, to the heart of a vast mercantile and imperial power, and ultimately into a modern global metropolis - we'll discover how art, design and everyday life reveal London’s enduring dynamism and global significance... In this 3-term course, you will join experts at the V&A to deep dive into London's rich history. From its origins as a Roman and medieval walled city of bustling markets, narrow lanes and a skyline bristling with church spires, London grew into a centre of craft, commerce and learning, deeply connected to networks across Europe. Come with us to explore how, through the reformation, civil war and the Great Fire, London was reshaped as Europe’s leading city, while also confronting social unrest and inequality that prompted new forms of governance. Then, explore how in the modern era London became a diverse cultural melting pot shaped by industry and empire, war, decolonisation and migration. As well as curator and expert-led lectures, you’ll get exclusive access to gallery talks, object study sessions, artist demonstrations and more – all designed to enrich your learning experience with the V&A’s incredible collections for inspiration. Ready to find out more? Scroll down for a term-by-term overview. You can also find the detailed programme for term 1, A History of London 1066-1666, here. This course runs on Wednesdays across 3 x 10-week terms at V&A South Kensington, from Wednesday 30 September 2026 to Wednesday 30 June 2027. Plus, you'll get extra time to catch up with your lecture recordings and resources once each term ends. For more details on how our courses work, see V&A Academy FAQ This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
