Final answer:
London's first coffeehouses, known as "penny universities," were crucial centers for social and intellectual exchange in the 17th and 18th centuries. They originated from the Islamic world's coffee culture and became politicized spaces for news, information circulation, and informal education in London.
Step-by-step explanation:
The city's first coffeehouses that were known as "penny universities" were in London. These establishments became significant in the 17th and 18th centuries, serving not just as places to enjoy a beverage, but as social and intellectual hubs. For the price of a penny, the cost of a cup of coffee, patrons could engage in conversation and listen to learned discussions, effectively gaining an informal education. This practice was a reflection of the vibrant intellectual culture of the Enlightenment period. Coffeehouses were also known for their role in the rapid circulation of ideas and information, paralleling the flourishing print culture of the era.
Originating from the Islamic world and influenced by coffee establishments in the Ottoman Empire, European coffeehouses became central to social life and intellectual exchange. Despite attempts by some monarchs, such as Charles II of England, to suppress them on the grounds of promoting dissent, they remained largely beyond state control and became spaces where political debates flourished. London's coffeehouses, by virtue of their accessibility and diversity of discussions, contributed profoundly to the public sphere and the sharing of knowledge across various segments of society.