1952.
Great Smog of London, lethal smog that covered the city of London for five days (December 5–9) in 1952, caused by a combination of industrial pollution and high-pressure weather conditions.
Why do they call London the smoke?
In combination with climatic conditions this often caused a characteristic smog, and London became known for its typical “London Fog”, also known as “Pea Soupers”. London was sometimes referred to as “The Smoke” because of this.
What was London originally called?
Londinium
Ancient Romans founded a port and trading settlement called Londinium in 43 A.D., and a few years later a bridge was constructed across the Thames to facilitate commerce and troop movements.
Do people call London the Big Smoke?
‘It was a popular term among visitors from rural areas,’ says Alex Werner, head of history collections at the Museum of London. ‘As they approached London they saw a thick smoke enveloping the city, which was largely caused by the burning of coal.
What is the nickname of London?
the Big Smoke
London, otherwise known as the Big Smoke, has been the capital of England, informally at least, since the Tower of London was built by 1078 by William the Conqueror.
What do they call condoms in London?
Rubber
Rubber. This is an informal way of saying condom on the US – so a rubber is a contraceptive. We just call them condoms in the UK.
What did the Romans call London?
Londinium
Londinium, also known as Roman London, was the capital of Roman Britain during most of the period of Roman rule. It was originally a settlement established on the current site of the City of London around AD 47–50.
What was London called 1000 years ago?
The City of London’s Walls
Before that, the Anglo Saxons had been living outside the walls in a place called Lundenwic, which became known as Ealdwic (old settlement) which eventually turned into Aldwych – which is still used now.
How did London’s Soho get its name?
THE ORIGIN is not well defined, but it is believed to have derived from a hunting cry. Before the Great Fire of London in 1666, Soho was almost entirely made up of fields (hence the name Soho Fields) with a few farm buildings.
Was London the first city in England?
The status of being a Colonia can be likened to city status now – certainly the Romans saw Colchester as in the top category of settlements in Roman Britain. In fact, Colchester was also the first capital of Roman Britain, until after the Boudican revolt when the title passed to London.
What do Brits usually call the London Underground?
London Underground, also called the Tube, underground railway system that services the London metropolitan area.
What do British people call a high way?
motorway freeway
British vs American Vocabulary
| British English ↕ | American English ↕ |
|---|---|
| motorway | freeway, expressway |
| motorway | highway, freeway, expressway, interstate highway, interstate |
| nappy | diaper |
| naughts and crosses | tic-tack-toe |
What is the nickname of Britain?
Old Blighty is an affectionate nickname for England that has its origins in the Boer War in Africa. The moniker became popular in Western Europe after World War I.
What does London call their subway?
Since then the Underground network, affectionately nicknamed the Tube by generations of Londoners, has grown to 270 stations and 11 lines stretching deep into the Capital’s suburbs, and beyond.
What was London called in Viking times?
Lundenwic
Lundenwic gained the name of Ealdwic, ‘old settlement’, a name which survives today as Aldwych. This new fortified settlement of London was named Lundenburgh (A burgh meaning “fortified dwelling place”) and formed a collective defensive system of “burghs” and fortified towns.
What do they call kissing in London?
Snogging
This is the British version of ‘making out’. Known as being a common term among the Brits, but for Americans it’s like a piece of verbal candy. It is deemed a ‘lusty and hearty’ type of kiss.
What do the British call fanny packs?
bumbag
A waist bag, or fanny pack (American English), belt bag, moon bag, belly bag (American English), or bumbag (British English) is a small fabric pouch worn like a belt around the waist by use of a strap above the hips that is secured usually with some sort of buckle.
What do British people call erasers?
Here’s something else for Americans to be aware of: did you know that an eraser is called a rubber in Britain? A good British Mum makes sure her children go to school with a rubber in their pencil case.
What did the Celts call London?
Some linguists suggest that they adapted an existing name, possibly Plowonida, from the pre-Celtic words plew and nejd, which together suggest a wide, flowing river (i.e. the Thames). This then became Lowonidonjon in Celtic times, and eventually Londinium.
What did the Romans call the Brits?
People living in the Roman province of Britannia were called Britanni, or Britons.
Is there anything Roman left in London?
Today, the forts northern and western edges still remain visible, along with Saxon fortifications and medieval bastion towers as part of the Barbican and Museum of London complex. The Roman amphitheatre of Londinium is situated in a vaulted chamber beneath the Guildhall gallery complex.