The early Hanoverian kings (George I & II) lacked popularity in Britain and there was still significant Jacobite support (support for the Scottish Stuarts) around the country. However, the City required stability in order to continue its trading interests and stood firmly behind the crown during the two Jacobite rebellions in 1715 and 1745.

The Thames had always been the chief thoroughfare of London and was used to transport both people and goods; though, under Queen Anne, the sedan chair had become very popular. There were remarkably few bridges across the Thames and many still used water boatmen to cross it. Until as late as 1750, there was only the bridge between the City and Southwark. Then a bridge was built at Westminster and, nearly 20 years later, a third bridge was opened at Blackfriars.

Between 1760 - 66 the last gates to the City and much of the surrounding walls were pulled down. By this time the City, under the control of the Lord Mayor and his aldermen, was a small part of an ever-increasing area which formed London, with suburbs stretching in every direction as the population of the city continued to grow.

The Corporation of London was instrumental in promoting freedom of the press. For a long time Parliament had banned publication of debates on the grounds of parliamentary privilege, however in March 1771, some printers reported these openly for the first time. The printer of The Evening Post was arrested on Parliament's authority. Two aldermen, acting with the authority of the City, freed him and arrested the parliamentary messenger. The Lord Mayor supported their stand. Parliament reacted and the Lord Mayor and an alderman were sent to the Tower. When they were released six weeks later they were greeted by a vast crowd, including the City officers and the full council in their official dress, who accompanied them, with great celebration, to the Mansion House. From this time onwards debates were freely reported in the press.

In 1780, following an act of parliament to improve the civil rights of Roman Catholics, the Gordon Riots left London with widespread damage. The army put an end to the rioting at a cost of 285 dead and 173 wounded. Unofficial estimates put the casualties at nearer twice this figure and twenty of the ring-leaders were later hanged.

Despite this unrest, this was a time of opulence. This was evidenced by the architecture of the time - by Chambers, Soane, Gibbs, Kent, the brothers Adam and the elder and younger Dance. Amongst the magnificent buildings built at the time are the present Somerset House and the Bank of England, Sir John Soane's greatest triumph. The Mansion House, Horse Guards and Lansdowne House also date from this era. The elegant garden squares of Bloomsbury date from this period too, as does house numbering and the acceptance of street lighting as a municipal duty.

After Geogian London came 19th century london