City Overview
Vast, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is one of the world’s great cities. Located in the southeast of England, on the River Thames, it is the capital of the United Kingdom (UK) and has been the heart of its political, cultural and business life for centuries. The now sprawling metropolis is a far cry from the scrabble of dwellings that first sprouted up to house river traders during their voyages towards the sea. It was the Romans who really kick-started the city, by establishing ‘Londinium’ as an important fortress town, guarding the Thames and protecting against any Celtic tribes trying to invade the then untamed island. The Romans brought with them forts, roads and the rule of law, prompting Roman historian Tacitus to boast of an AD60 city ‘filled with travellers and a celebrated centre of commerce.’
Over the centuries, London has developed and expanded, despite the many dangers that might have defeated a lesser place – the Great Plague, the Great Fire, the bitter English Civil War and even a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament. But most recently and resiliently, London and its citizens survived the German Luftwaffe attempts to bomb the city to oblivion during the World War II ‘Blitz’.
Nowadays, the sheer scale of Greater London can be daunting at first, as it sprawls 1500sq km (580 square miles) across a voluminous plain. However, it is a city that is surprisingly easy to get around, with the comprehensive and easily navigated London Underground or ‘Tube’. The twin axis on which London rests is the Houses of Parliament to the west and the City of London to the east. The seat of government (not far from the home of the royal family) is connected to the City (the financial engine room of London and the whole of the UK) by the River Thames. In between lie most of the tourist attractions and the busiest, liveliest different entertainment areas, such as Knightsbridge and Soho. But London’s vivacity and charm stretches far beyond the Circle Line – the Underground route that rings the inner city. Residential areas outside the city centre, such as leafy Richmond (southwest) or Hampstead (north), trendy Hoxton (east) or Notting Hill (west), each have their own beating heart.
And as the population of London pushes inexorably towards the ten million mark, the city continues to grow and thrive. Home to 37 distinct immigrant groups, each consisting of more than 10,000 people, this is a city where some 300 languages are spoken. This very real multiculturalism is evident on every street (and many restaurant plates) and is a key reason why people love the city. Tourists come for London’s history or London’s royal pageantry but they return for all the charms of the modern London, not least the extraordinary breadth of London’s cultural life, with world-class art galleries and theatres, buzzing nightlife, film, music, culinary and fashion scenes. Overseeing the whole lot is Mayor Ken Livingstone, who was elected in 2000. Keen to make an impact on the city, various strategies have been developed and quickly implemented – for example, the controversial plan for congestion charging on the inner city roads, which is already a successful reality. But the city skyline is the place where the London’s rapid change and optimism is most visible – the Docklands and the City (with its now famous ‘Gherkin’ tower) have shot up over the last few years.
During summer, London’s bountiful green spaces fill up with office workers and tourists enjoying the surprisingly balmy days as caf tables sprout across a multitude of pavements. During winter, the grey skies and rain can be forgotten for a while in numerous cosy pubs. But spring or autumn are probably the best seasons to visit the city, when clear crisp sunny days often illuminate London and its landmarks, old and new.
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City Overview