Why did the population of London city expand over the 19th century ? Explain.

The population of London multiplied four fold in the 70 years between 1810 and 1880 increasing from 1 million to 4 millions. 

(i) London was a powerful magnet for migrant population , even though it did not have large factories. 

(ii) The 19th century London was a city of clerks and shopkeepers, of small traders and skilled artisans, semi-skilled and sweated outworkers, of soldiers and servants, of casual workers, street sellers and beggars. 

(iii) There was a dockyard which provided opportunities of livelihood. 

(iv) There were five major types of industries employed large numbers; clothing and footwear, wood and furniture, metals and engineering, printing and stationery and precision products. 

(v) During First World War, the number of large factories increased and a large number of people joined the newly created jobs.