What Was the Population of London in 1950?

By Robert Palmer

London, one of the most iconic cities in the world, has a rich and fascinating history. Over the years, the city has undergone significant changes, from its architecture to its population. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at what the population of London was like in 1950.

London in 1950

In 1950, London was still recovering from World War II. The city had suffered significant damage during the war, and many buildings were still in ruins. Despite this, life in London was slowly returning to normalcy.

The Population of London

According to census data from 1951, the population of Greater London at that time was approximately 8.3 million people. This marked a significant increase compared to previous years.

Fun Fact: The population of London had been steadily increasing since the early 1800s. By 1911, it had already reached over 7 million people.

Immigration and Population Growth

One of the main reasons for the rapid increase in London’s population during this time was immigration. Many people from Commonwealth countries such as Jamaica and India came to live and work in London during this period.

  • The number of Jamaicans living in Britain increased from 15,000 in 1951 to around 200,000 by the end of the decade.
  • The number of Indian-born residents also doubled between 1951 and 1961.

These immigrants played a vital role in helping rebuild post-war Britain and contributed significantly to its economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while London may have been recovering from World War II during this period, its population continued to grow significantly due to immigration. It’s fascinating to see how events such as wars can impact a city’s demographic makeup. Today, London remains one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world, with a population that continues to grow and change with the times.