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A History of London 1066 to 2020
Year course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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 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.
Course Director
Mike Berlin
Mike Berlin is a Lecturer at Birkbeck College, University of London. He is a specialist in the social history of early modern London and has published extensively on the history of London’s guilds. Before joining Birkbeck, he was a research officer at the Centre for Metropolitan History, Institute of Historical Research.
Really enjoying the course. Excellent lectures - informative and delivered in an interesting manner Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
Membership Priority Booking will open at 10.00 BST on on Wednesday 24 June 2026. General Booking will open at 10.00 BST on Wednesday 8 July 2026.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Spend time with our incredible collections, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.
Course overview
Term 1: A History of London 1066-1666
Step back into Medieval London: a walled city of crowded streets and lanes, open air markets and wooden and stone houses, its inhabitants living perilously and piously amid a skyline of a hundred church spires. With the V&A’s collections for inspiration, explore its dynamic and fascinating history from the Norman Conquest to the Great Fire.
Term 2: London 1666-1851: Emporia and Empire
Over 200 years, the city rose from the embers of the great fire to become the capital of the largest empire in history, consisting of grand houses and elegant squares, a river teaming with ships from all corners of the globe, and a galaxy of artists, writers, actors, musicians and master craftsmen drawn from all over Europe. Chart London's transformation from the elegant city of Christopher Wren into the vast imperial metropolis of the Great Exhibition.
Term 3: London the Global City: 1851-2020
Explore the changing landscapes and history of London, from the creation of Albertopolis to the dawn of the new millennium. A city shaped by empire and war, London was rebuilt and renewed as a global melting pot of cultures drawn from around the world.
Step back into Medieval London: a walled city of crowded streets and lanes, open air markets and wooden and stone houses, its inhabitants living perilously and piously amid a skyline of a hundred church spires. With the V&A’s collections for inspiration, explore its dynamic and fascinating history from the Norman Conquest to the Great Fire.
Term 2: London 1666-1851: Emporia and Empire
Over 200 years, the city rose from the embers of the great fire to become the capital of the largest empire in history, consisting of grand houses and elegant squares, a river teaming with ships from all corners of the globe, and a galaxy of artists, writers, actors, musicians and master craftsmen drawn from all over Europe. Chart London's transformation from the elegant city of Christopher Wren into the vast imperial metropolis of the Great Exhibition.
Term 3: London the Global City: 1851-2020
Explore the changing landscapes and history of London, from the creation of Albertopolis to the dawn of the new millennium. A city shaped by empire and war, London was rebuilt and renewed as a global melting pot of cultures drawn from around the world.
Enrol now
Year course: A History of London 1066 to 2020
30 September 2026 - 16 June 2027
£1,600.00
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
