Brutus of Troy

Long before Romans marched into Britain, a legendary Trojan prince named Brutus supposedly founded the greatest city in the world right beneath your feet. The story begins around 1115 BC with Brutus of Troy, descendant of Aeneas, the hero who escaped burning Troy. After accidentally killing his father, Brutus was exiled from Italy and wandered the Mediterranean with fellow Trojan refugees. The goddess Diana appeared to him in a vision, prophesying he would find a fertile island inhabited by giants and make it his kingdom. Brutus sailed north and discovered this green land.

After defeating the giants in battle, he claimed the island and named it Britain after himself. His trusted commander Corineus famously wrestled the giant leader Goemagot and hurled him off a cliff to his death. On the banks of the great river, Brutus founded his capital city, calling it Troia Nova or New Troy. The name slowly changed over centuries to Trinovantum. He ruled for 24 years, creating laws for his people.

When he died, his three sons divided the kingdom between them. Walk to the financial district near the railway station and find number 111 on the street named after medieval candlemakers. Behind glass sits a mysterious limestone block called the London Stone. Medieval people believed Brutus himself placed this stone as the sacred foundation of his New Troy.