For over two and a half centuries, London has experienced a consistent trend where deaths exceeded births. This demographic imbalance was primarily offset by a continuous stream of migrants, including both ambitious individuals from the provinces and Protestant refugees seeking safety in the city.

This migration played a crucial role in the city's population growth, which surged from approximately fifty thousand inhabitants in the year 1500 to over two hundred thousand by the end of the century. The resilience of London's population amidst challenges is a testament to its appeal and the diverse factors that contributed to its development.