London | History, Maps, Population, Area, & Facts (2024)

national capital, United Kingdom

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  • London - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
  • London - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

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  • London - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
  • London - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Also known as: Londinium

Written by

Blake Ehrlich Author of Paris on the Seine; London on the Thames.

Blake Ehrlich,

Michael John Hebbert Professor of Town Planning, Victoria University of Manchester, England. Coeditor of The London Government Handbook and others; author of London: More by Fortune than Design.

Michael John Hebbert,

Hugh D. Clout Professor of Geography, University College London, University of London. Editor of The Times London History Atlas and many others.

Hugh D. CloutSee All

Fact-checked by

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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Last Updated: Article History

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Top Questions

What is London?

London is the capital city of the United Kingdom. It is the U.K.’s largest metropolis and its economic, transportation, and cultural centre. London is also among the oldest of the world’s great cities, with its history spanning nearly two millennia.

When was London founded?

London’s founding can be traced to 43 CE, when the Roman armies began their occupation of Britain under Emperor Claudius. At a point just north of the marshy valley of the River Thames, where two low hills were sited, they established a settlement they called Londinium. The first definite mention of London occurs in 60 CE by the Roman historian Tacitus.

Was London bombed during World War II?

During World War II London suffered intense aerial bombardment by Nazi forces during the Blitz, a campaign from September 1940 to May 1941 that devastated the city. An estimated 43,000 Londoners died, and a further 50,000 were injured. More than 70,000 buildings were destroyed, and many more were damaged. The Blitz failed to break Britain, however, and Nazi Germany abandoned the attacks.

What is London known for?

London is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. It is the largest metropolis in the United Kingdom, and it is also the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre. In addition to its history, art, and politics, London is a popular tourist destination for its wide variety of museums, shops, restaurants, and sports teams.

Where is London located?

London is situated in southeastern England, lying on both sides of the River Thames some 50 miles (80 km) upstream from its estuary on the North Sea.

London, city, capital of the United Kingdom. It is among the oldest of the world’s great cities—its history spanning nearly two millennia—and one of the most cosmopolitan. By far Britain’s largest metropolis, it is also the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural center.

London is situated in southeastern England, lying astride the River Thames some 50 miles (80 km) upstream from its estuary on the North Sea. In satellite photographs the metropolis can be seen to sit compactly in a Green Belt of open land, with its principal ring highway (the M25 motorway) threaded around it at a radius of about 20 miles (30 km) from the city center. The growth of the built-up area was halted by strict town planning controls in the mid-1950s. Its physical limits more or less correspond to the administrative and statistical boundaries separating the metropolitan county of Greater London from the “home counties” of Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire (in clockwise order) to the south of the river and Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex to the north. The historic counties of Kent, Hertfordshire, and Essex extend in area beyond the current administrative counties with the same names to include substantial parts of the metropolitan county of Greater London, which was formed in 1965. Most of Greater London south of the Thames belongs to the historic county of Surrey, while most of Greater London north of the Thames belongs historically to the county of Middlesex. Area Greater London, 607 square miles (1,572 square km). Pop. (2001) Greater London, 7,172,091; (2011 prelim.) Greater London, 8,173,941.

London | History, Maps, Population, Area, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

What is the area of London? ›

London covers an area of 607 square miles with a population of over 8.5m and is administered by the Greater London Authority (GLA). Based in City Hall, the GLA is governed by the Mayor of London, currently Sadiq Khan, and the London Assembly.

What is the old name of London? ›

The City of London, its ancient core and financial centre, was founded by the Romans as Londinium and retains its medieval boundaries.

When did London hit 1 million? ›

During the 19th century, London was transformed into the world's largest city and capital of the British Empire. Its population expanded from 1 million in 1800 to 6.7 million a century later. During this period, London became a global political, financial, and trading capital.

What are 10 interesting facts about London? ›

15 Unusual Facts About London
  • The City of London is the smallest city in the UK. ...
  • There is a London Stone which, if moved, will jeopardise the future of the city. ...
  • The British government has employed cats since the 16th century. ...
  • There's loads of foxes here. ...
  • There's a secret underground mail train - and you can ride it.

What is the most famous thing about London? ›

15 Things London Is Famous For
  • When one thinks of London, several images spring to mind. ...
  • Westminster Abbey. ...
  • Big Ben. ...
  • The London Eye. ...
  • The Houses of Parliament. ...
  • Changing of the Guard. ...
  • Famous Department Stores. ...
  • Tower Bridge.
Nov 20, 2023

Is London bigger than NYC? ›

The Paris population and area (105 square kilometers) are miniscule in comparison to Greater London's 7.3 million people and 1,590 square kilometers; New York City's 8 million people and 826 square kilometers; and Central Tokyo's 8.1 million people and 616 square kilometers.

What is the richest part of London? ›

Mayfair. Mayfair is undoubtedly the richest end in London and loved by the wealthy class. This neighbourhood is located at the city's western end and provides a real luxury living experience. Mayfair is a desirable place to live in London due to its exclusive properties for affluent people.

Is London a city or a town? ›

London is the capital city of the United Kingdom. It is the U.K.'s largest metropolis and its economic, transportation, and cultural centre.

What is a nickname for London? ›

London is often referred to as the Big Smoke, London Town or the Square Mile. I'd say the Big Smoke is a well-known nickname.

What does London mean in English? ›

William Camden reportedly suggested that the name might come from Brythonic lhwn (modern Welsh Llwyn), meaning "grove", and "town". Thus, giving the origin as Lhwn Town, translating to "city in the grove".

What is London called now? ›

The City of London, widely referred to simply as the City, is a city, ceremonial county and local government district that contains the ancient centre, and constitutes, along with Canary Wharf, the primary central business district (CBD) of London and one of the leading financial centres of the world.

Why was London so dirty in the 19th century? ›

There were tens of thousands of working horses in London and with the inevitable consequences for the streets. And the Victorians never really found a really effective way of removing that unfortunately. The air itself was generally filled with soot and smoke.

What was the capital of England before London? ›

You have not “got it straight.” The capital of Anglo-Saxon England was Winchester, not the old Roman city of Londinium. Although the Conqueror built the Tower of London as a Norman Bastion in 1078, London did not become the capital.

What did Victorian London smell like? ›

The smell of human waste and industrial effluent hung over Victorian London. For centuries the River Thames had been used as a dumping ground for the capital's waste and as the population grew, so did the problem.

What are 3 facts about London for kids? ›

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, a country in western Europe. It is also the capital of England, which is part of the United Kingdom. London lies on the Thames River. It is the largest city in the country.

How old is London in years? ›

The City is the birthplace of London, with 2000 years of history and tradition - from the Romans to modern day. It is the ancient core from which the rest of London developed.

What was London like in the 20s? ›

A century ago, London was a bustling city, filled with culture and beautiful architecture. In 1920, visitors and locals enjoyed attractions like the Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace. The fashion 100 years ago was different, but people still enjoyed watching a game of football.

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