From ancient wars to terrorist attacks, now updated to include the 2008-2009 banking crisis From AD61, when Queen Boudicca--outraged at her treatment at the hands of the Romans--marched on to the city and burned it to the gound, London has been hit by wave upon wave of destruction. This fascinating and unique book tells the story of more than 2,000 years of disaster from fire, water, disease, pollution, accident, storm, riot, terrorism, and enemy action. It chronicles well-known episodes like the Great Plague of 1655 and the Blitz, as well as lesser known events such as whirlwinds and earthquakes, and it also includes the human stories behind the catastrophes. This new editon also includes the terrorist attack of July 7, 2005, as well as a new section on the crises which have plagued the financial City, including the near-collapse of Britain's banks during 2008 and 2009. Ultimately, this history celebrates the spirit of a city and its people who have risen above it all.