The 1100s were a transformative period for London, as it grew in prominence and developed into one of England's most important cities. Key events, such as the consolidation of Norman rule, architectural advancements, and the establishment of London as a key trading hub, all shaped the city’s identity. Here’s an overview of London in the 12th century:

1. Norman Influence and Governance

• Norman Rule: Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, Norman kings, such as William II and Henry I, reinforced their control over London, integrating it into the new Anglo-Norman realm. The city’s privileges and self-governance were preserved, as long as Londoners accepted Norman authority.
• Royal Charters: In 1131, Henry I granted London a charter that affirmed the city’s rights to self-governance, tax collection, and the election of a sheriff. This charter increased the autonomy of the city and laid the groundwork for a growing civic identity and relative independence from the Crown.

2. Growing Population and Urban Expansion

• Population Growth: London’s population grew, reaching an estimated 15,000–20,000 people by the mid-12th century. This growth fueled the expansion of neighborhoods beyond the Roman walls, with settlements spreading to suburbs like Southwark and Westminster.
• Crowded and Busy Streets: The city’s narrow streets were filled with merchants, artisans, and traders. Homes and shops were built closely together, often in wooden structures that made fire a constant threat.

3. Trade and Economic Growth

• Major Trading Hub: London became a bustling center of trade, especially with the rest of England and the European continent. The Thames allowed for easy transportation of goods, and the city’s port became essential for trade in wool, cloth, wine, and luxury goods.
• The Rise of Guilds: The first merchants’ guilds emerged, such as the Mercers (cloth merchants), who organized trade, regulated pricing, and ensured quality control. These guilds became powerful organizations within the city, eventually influencing governance.
• Markets and Fairs: Key marketplaces, such as Cheapside, became hubs for trade. Annual fairs, like the Bartholomew Fair, attracted merchants and buyers from all over England, further establishing London’s reputation as a commercial center.

4. Key Infrastructure and Architecture

• Stone Construction: The Normans introduced more durable stone construction techniques, and many wooden structures were gradually replaced with stone buildings, particularly churches and key civic structures.
• London Bridge: The timber London Bridge, an essential Thames crossing, was maintained throughout this period, but a stone bridge would not be built until the 1200s. The bridge connected the city with Southwark and facilitated commerce.
• Religious Buildings: The 1100s saw the construction and expansion of several religious buildings, including the rebuilding of St. Paul’s Cathedral in a Romanesque style after a fire in 1087. Religious architecture became a prominent feature in London, symbolizing both faith and Norman influence.

5. Law and Order

• Sheriff and City Watch: The Sheriff of London, appointed by the Crown but locally influential, played a crucial role in maintaining law and order. The city watch patrolled at night to deter crime, though London was still plagued by frequent theft and violent disputes.
• Customary Law: London’s legal system was largely based on local customary laws, and the city’s courts handled most legal matters independently. Over time, London developed its own judicial identity, with courts in places like Guildhall managing civil and commercial disputes.

6. The Influence of Religion

• Monastic Foundations: The 12th century saw the establishment and growth of religious institutions, such as St. Bartholomew’s Priory in Smithfield and Holy Trinity Priory in Aldgate. These monastic houses provided spiritual support, charity, and, in some cases, education for the city’s residents.
• Pilgrimages: London was a pilgrimage destination, drawing visitors to its churches and the relics housed within. St. Paul’s Cathedral was particularly significant, not only as a place of worship but also as a social and political gathering place.

7. Education and Literacy

• Limited Education: Education in London was limited mainly to the clergy and nobility, with most schools associated with churches or monastic institutions. Latin was the primary language of instruction, though literacy was largely confined to the educated elite.
• The Rise of Schools: Religious institutions began offering rudimentary education, focusing on religious studies and Latin literacy. Education remained limited, but it began laying a foundation for increased literacy in the city’s merchant classes over the coming centuries.

8. Social Structure and Daily Life

• Class Divisions: London society was highly stratified, with nobility, clergy, and wealthy merchants at the top, while artisans, laborers, and peasants made up the lower classes. Wealthier Londoners lived in stone houses, while poorer residents lived in crowded, wooden structures.
• Street Life and Market Culture: Streets were filled with vendors, entertainers, and craftsmen, creating a lively atmosphere. Common pastimes included fairs, festivals, and religious processions. Inns and taverns served as gathering places, fostering a sense of community.

9. Public Health and Sanitation

• Basic Sanitation: Sanitation was primitive; waste disposal was largely unregulated, and waste often ended up in open sewers or the Thames. Overcrowding in wooden structures and poor sanitation created unsanitary conditions, leading to frequent outbreaks of disease.
• Water Supply: Londoners relied on wells, the Thames, and the city’s few public conduits for water. Public health measures were minimal, with occasional attempts to regulate waste disposal and keep streets passable.

10. Disasters and Challenges

• The Fire of London (1135): In 1135, a major fire swept through London, destroying homes and buildings. This disaster led to some reconstruction in stone, though much of the city remained wooden and vulnerable to future fires.
• Political Turmoil: The reign of King Stephen (1135-1154) was marked by civil war, known as "The Anarchy," which caused instability. Despite these challenges, London continued to prosper as the century progressed.

11. The Influence of the Jewish Community

• Jewish Settlement: The Jewish community, which settled in London after the Norman Conquest, was a vital part of London’s economy, particularly in finance and trade. Jews faced restrictive laws but contributed to the economy through money lending, a profession largely restricted to them by Christian laws against usury.
• Anti-Semitic Violence: Anti-Semitic attitudes led to instances of violence against Jews, with tensions culminating in massacres and expulsions over the following centuries. However, during the 1100s, the Jewish community remained an essential, though marginalized, part of London’s economy.

Legacy of the 1100s in London's Future

The 12th century set the foundations for London’s rise as England’s political and economic center. With increased self-governance, growing trade networks, and an expanding population, London entered the 1200s as a more established and influential city. The combination of Norman architecture, economic activity, and civic independence in this century would continue to shape the city’s development, leading to its growing significance in England and Europe.

In summary, the 1100s were a period of growth, resilience, and increasing importance for London, establishing many of the characteristics that would define the medieval city for the next few centuries.