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1. The most important reason for the expanded population was migration from rural areas. The eighteenth century saw the open fields disappear and commons being enclosed, and application of new agricultural techniques. 

2. Many in the countryside were rendered unemployed, or their lands were too small to support large families. London became a powerful magnet for poor, unemployed migrant population. 

3. Even though London did not have large factories it was known as a finishing centre. Its population increased because five major industries clothing, footwear, wood and furniture, metals and engineering, printing and stationery and precision products provided opportunities of employment to small masters, skilled artisans, growing numbers of semi-skilled and sweated out workers, to casual labourers, street sellers, soldiers and servants. There was a dockyard which provided opportunities for livelihood. 

During the First World War London began manufacturing motor cars, electrical goods and the number of large factories increased, accounting for nearly one-third of all jobs in the city.