Why is London called London?
London’s name has ancient origins. It’s derived from the Roman name “Londinium.” The Romans founded the city around AD 43, and it’s believed that the name could have pre-Roman Celtic roots, potentially from the name of a local Celtic tribe leader or from words meaning “place of the bold one” or “wild river.” The exact origin remains a bit of a historical mystery, adding to the city’s rich and fascinating past.
King Lud, also known as Lludd Llaw Eraint in Welsh mythology, is a legendary figure often associated with the founding of London. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth’s pseudohistorical “History of the Kings of Britain,” King Lud was a pre-Roman king of Britain who founded the city of London and was buried at Ludgate. The name “London” is said to derive from “Caer Lud,” meaning “Lud’s Fortress”.
In Welsh tradition, Lludd Llaw Eraint is a king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a mythical race of godlike beings with supernatural abilities. He is also featured in the Welsh tale “Cyfranc Lludd a Llefelys,” where he overcomes three great plagues with the help of his brother Llefelys.
King Lud’s legacy lives on in London, with Ludgate Hill and Ludgate being named after him. Statues of King Lud and his sons can be found in the vestry porch of St Dunstan-in-the-West on Fleet Street.