London

London is the capital and largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of 8,866,180 in 2022. The wider metropolitan area is the largest in Western Europe, with a population of 14.9 million. London stands on the River Thames in southeast England, at the head of a 50-mile (80 km) estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a major settlement for nearly 2,000 years. Its ancient core and financial centre, the City of London, was founded by the Romans as Londinium and has retained its medieval boundaries. The City of Westminster, to the west of the City of London, has been the centuries-long host of the national government and parliament. London grew rapidly in the 19th century, becoming the world's largest city at the time. Since the 19th century, the name "London" has referred to the metropolis around the City of London, historically split between the counties of Middlesex, Essex, Surrey, Kent, and Hertfordshire, which since 1965 has largely comprised the administrative area of Greater London, governed by 33 local authorities and the Greater London Authority.
london

Some of the key events about London

  • 43 AD
    The city of Londinium was founded by the Romans, establishing the settlement that would become modern London
  • 1066
    Westminster Abbey was consecrated, becoming a significant religious and royal ceremonial site
  • 1215
    The Magna Carta was signed at Runnymede near London, laying the foundation for constitutional law
  • 1599
    The Globe Theatre opened, showcasing many of Shakespeare's plays and revolutionizing English theater
  • 1665
    The Great Plague of London killed an estimated 100,000 people
  • 1666
    The Great Fire of London led to major improvements in city planning and building regulations
  • 1666
    The Great Fire of London destroyed much of the medieval City of London
  • 1863
    The world's first underground railway opened in London, revolutionizing urban transportation
  • 1908
    London hosted the Olympic Games, becoming the first city to host the modern Olympics for the third time
  • 1940
    Londoners showed remarkable resilience during the Blitz, inspiring the nation during World War II
  • 1940
    The Blitz began, with London suffering intense aerial bombardment during World War II
  • 1951
    The Festival of Britain celebrated the country's recovery from World War II and showcased British innovation
  • 1952
    The Great Smog, a severe air pollution event, caused thousands of deaths
  • 1966
    The Aberfan disaster in Wales led to widespread mourning in London
  • 1974
    The IRA bombing campaign in London began, causing fear and destruction
  • 1987
    The Great Storm hit London, causing extensive damage and disruption
  • 1990
    Poll tax riots erupted in central London, leading to violence and arrests
  • 2005
    The 7/7 London bombings killed 52 people and injured hundreds more
  • 2012
    London successfully hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games, demonstrating its status as a global city
  • 2017
    The Grenfell Tower fire resulted in 72 deaths and exposed social inequalities

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

London Latest news

Prince Harry brings military games spirit to Canadian schools ahead of winter event

Prince Harry brings military games spirit to Canadian schools ahead of winter event

November 19 2024 , 04:05 AM  •  229 views
London cop faces charges after taser incident leaves man with serious injuries

London cop faces charges after taser incident leaves man with serious injuries

November 18 2024 , 05:32 PM  •  373 views
UK landlords stuck in 6-month queue due to system overload

UK landlords stuck in 6-month queue due to system overload

November 18 2024 , 01:48 PM  •  550 views
Property expert warns: New mega-rental buildings might change British cities forever

Property expert warns: New mega-rental buildings might change British cities forever

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101-year-old code-breaker shares untold stories from secret WW2 facility

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Historic UK churches face uncertain future as funding deadline approaches

Historic UK churches face uncertain future as funding deadline approaches

November 18 2024 , 01:15 PM  •  750 views
Letters flood in: Medical professionals and citizens share thoughts on crucial UK issues

Letters flood in: Medical professionals and citizens share thoughts on crucial UK issues

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Young wife's body found in car trunk, husband disappears overseas

Young wife's body found in car trunk, husband disappears overseas

November 17 2024 , 10:52 PM  •  800 views
London traffic study shows shocking behavior of two-wheeled commuters

London traffic study shows shocking behavior of two-wheeled commuters

November 17 2024 , 05:48 PM  •  449 views
UK braces for first major winter blast: Met Office warns about snow chaos ahead

UK braces for first major winter blast: Met Office warns about snow chaos ahead

November 17 2024 , 02:54 PM  •  1100 views
City of London's future: Top politician makes promises but delivers confusion

City of London's future: Top politician makes promises but delivers confusion

November 17 2024 , 11:07 AM  •  662 views
UK professor stirs debate: Claims earth science has hidden colonial past

UK professor stirs debate: Claims earth science has hidden colonial past

November 16 2024 , 08:01 PM  •  599 views
Barclays faces nationwide branch shutdowns as protesters question Israel ties

Barclays faces nationwide branch shutdowns as protesters question Israel ties

November 16 2024 , 04:59 PM  •  592 views
Amazon's UK drone delivery dreams hit unexpected air traffic control roadblock

Amazon's UK drone delivery dreams hit unexpected air traffic control roadblock

November 16 2024 , 09:06 AM  •  554 views
London's newest cure for city loneliness brings strangers together in unique way

London's newest cure for city loneliness brings strangers together in unique way

November 16 2024 , 09:06 AM  •  360 views
Legendary music filmmaker who brought classical giants to television passes at 89

Legendary music filmmaker who brought classical giants to television passes at 89

November 16 2024 , 02:07 AM  •  528 views
Church rebel who turned empty pews into packed services dies at 90

Church rebel who turned empty pews into packed services dies at 90

November 15 2024 , 08:14 PM  •  457 views
London hospitals face dress code drama over staff wearing political symbols

London hospitals face dress code drama over staff wearing political symbols

November 15 2024 , 07:01 PM  •  149 views
London mayor's Trump comments put UK-US relations at risk as new presidency approaches

London mayor's Trump comments put UK-US relations at risk as new presidency approaches

November 15 2024 , 05:09 PM  •  276 views
London mayor changes tune about Trump's comeback - here's what he really thinks

London mayor changes tune about Trump's comeback - here's what he really thinks

November 15 2024 , 05:03 PM  •  173 views
London council's new pet rules make dog owners nervous about park walks

London council's new pet rules make dog owners nervous about park walks

Tower Hamlets plans strict rules for dog walking in public spaces‚ including mandatory leash requirements and area restrictions. Local pet owners dont agree with councils harsh approach to solving dog-related issues

Society, Politics •   •  63 views
Ex-police ambassador reveals untold story behind sudden departure over BLM dispute

Ex-police ambassador reveals untold story behind sudden departure over BLM dispute

A former hate-crime ambassador tells how she lost her position after questioning BLM statements at police conference. Her story connects to recent investigation of well-known journalist

Society, Politics •   •  72 views
London bus loses its top: Two hurt in east-end tree collision

London bus loses its top: Two hurt in east-end tree collision

A double-decker bus hit a tree in Dagenham this morning causing its roof to come off. Emergency teams helped two passengers who needed hospital check-ups after the early-morning incident

Society, Politics •   •  553 views
Police officers face probe after tragic crash with mom-to-be in London

Police officers face probe after tragic crash with mom-to-be in London

Two Met police officers under investigation after unmarked car collision took lives of pregnant woman and unborn baby in south-east London. Incident happened near Kidbrooke Park Road last month

Society, Politics •   •  452 views
London's Elizabeth Line gets new operator as Chinese firm loses contract

London's Elizabeth Line gets new operator as Chinese firm loses contract

Transport for London picks Tokyo Metro joint venture to run Elizabeth Line instead of Chinese state-owned MTR. The change comes as Western countries re-think their business ties with China

Business, Politics •   •  591 views
Former war reporter tests new memory drug - but what happens next?

Former war reporter tests new memory drug - but what happens next?

A retired journalist with early-stage memory problems joined an experimental drug trial that showed promise. Now hes waiting to see what comes next while staying active with his family

Society, Science • November 20 2024 , 06:07 AM  •  739 views
Labour's Scottish u-turn puts winter fuel payments back in spotlight

Labour's Scottish u-turn puts winter fuel payments back in spotlight

Labourʼs recent win in Scotland faces new challenges over winter fuel payment policies. Scottish leaderʼs decision to restore benefits creates tension between Edinburgh and Westminster approaches

Society, Politics • November 20 2024 , 06:04 AM  •  490 views
Russian ballet star's mysterious fall raises questions in St Petersburg

Russian ballet star's mysterious fall raises questions in St Petersburg

A top Mariinsky Theatre dancer fell from his apartment balcony last weekend. **Vladimir** Shklyarovʼs death comes two years after his public stance against Russian military actions

Society, Politics, Culture • November 19 2024 , 05:38 PM  •  380 views
High-earning consultant needs quick retirement plan after late-life divorce

High-earning consultant needs quick retirement plan after late-life divorce

A 65-year-old consultant earning £200k yearly must rebuild his finances after divorce settlement. With just £30k in savings heʼs looking to create solid retirement plan in next 5 years

Business, Economics • November 19 2024 , 11:33 AM  •  363 views
British mining boss detained in Mali as company agrees to huge payment deal

British mining boss detained in Mali as company agrees to huge payment deal

A London-listed mining firm must pay $160m to Maliʼs government after its British executives were held in the capital. The companyʼs stock dropped while negotiations about their release continue

Business, Politics • November 19 2024 , 04:27 AM  •  264 views
Prince Harry brings military games spirit to Canadian schools ahead of winter event

Prince Harry brings military games spirit to Canadian schools ahead of winter event

**Prince Harry** launches new school-based program in Vancouver connecting students with Invictus Games values. The winter version of military sports event starts in 82 days bringing together 25 nations

Sports, Culture • November 19 2024 , 04:05 AM  •  229 views
London cop faces charges after taser incident leaves man with serious injuries

London cop faces charges after taser incident leaves man with serious injuries

A Met police officer will appear in court for allegedly causing life-changing injuries to a man during a chase. The incident happened when the officer used his taser causing the suspect to fall from a building

Society, Politics • November 18 2024 , 05:32 PM  •  373 views
UK landlords stuck in 6-month queue due to system overload

UK landlords stuck in 6-month queue due to system overload

Property owners face half-year delays when trying to remove problem tenants from their houses. Court system struggles with lack of staff while planned law changes might make situation even more complex

Society, Economics, Politics • November 18 2024 , 01:48 PM  •  550 views
Property expert warns: New mega-rental buildings might change British cities forever

Property expert warns: New mega-rental buildings might change British cities forever

Build-to-rent developments are reshaping UKʼs urban landscape with super-dense housing projects. These modern rental-only communities raise questions about future housing market balance and long-term social impact

Society, Business • November 18 2024 , 01:19 PM  •  574 views
101-year-old code-breaker shares untold stories from secret WW2 facility

101-year-old code-breaker shares untold stories from secret WW2 facility

A former Bletchley Park code-breaker opens up about her top-secret work during World War 2. **Betty Webb** shares memories of decoding German and Japanese messages that helped win the war

Society, Culture • November 18 2024 , 01:16 PM  •  365 views
Historic UK churches face uncertain future as funding deadline approaches

Historic UK churches face uncertain future as funding deadline approaches

Almost 1000 religious buildings across Britain need urgent repairs while facing serious money problems. Tax relief program that helped thousands of historic churches might end soon‚ putting more buildings at risk

Politics, Culture • November 18 2024 , 01:15 PM  •  750 views
Letters flood in: Medical professionals and citizens share thoughts on crucial UK issues

Letters flood in: Medical professionals and citizens share thoughts on crucial UK issues

A collection of public opinions tackles hot-button topics from healthcare reforms to energy policy. NHS workers and regular citizens write about their real-world experiences with current issues

Society, Politics, Science • November 18 2024 , 01:15 PM  •  361 views
Young wife's body found in car trunk, husband disappears overseas

Young wife's body found in car trunk, husband disappears overseas

Police search for missing husband after finding his wifeʼs body in car trunk 100 miles from her home. A previous protective order was in-place just two months before the tragic incident

Society, Politics • November 17 2024 , 10:52 PM  •  800 views
London traffic study shows shocking behavior of two-wheeled commuters

London traffic study shows shocking behavior of two-wheeled commuters

New research at London traffic signals shows dangerous rule-breaking by bike and e-scooter riders. The study reveals major safety issues as collision numbers with pedestrians keep growing

Society, Politics • November 17 2024 , 05:48 PM  •  449 views
UK braces for first major winter blast: Met Office warns about snow chaos ahead

UK braces for first major winter blast: Met Office warns about snow chaos ahead

Arctic weather system brings snow and ice warnings across northern UK regions with up to 20cm expected on high ground. Health officials warn about risks for vulnerable populations during sudden temperature drop

Society, Science • November 17 2024 , 02:54 PM  •  1100 views
City of London's future: Top politician makes promises but delivers confusion

City of London's future: Top politician makes promises but delivers confusion

UK Chancellor wants more risk-taking in finance sector but offers weak solutions. Her Mansion House speech shows gap between big talk and real actions in fixing over-regulated British banking system

Business, Economics, Politics • November 17 2024 , 11:07 AM  •  662 views
UK professor stirs debate: Claims earth science has hidden colonial past

UK professor stirs debate: Claims earth science has hidden colonial past

A geography professor at London university suggests geology studies contain racist elements from colonial times. Her controversial book links mining and resource extraction to historical white supremacy patterns

Society, Science • November 16 2024 , 08:01 PM  •  599 views
Barclays faces nationwide branch shutdowns as protesters question Israel ties

Barclays faces nationwide branch shutdowns as protesters question Israel ties

Bank branches across UK got blocked by pro-Palestine groups due to its weapon-industry investments. Protesters demand customers to close accounts while highlighting banks £8.1 billion defense sector connections

Business, Politics • November 16 2024 , 04:59 PM  •  592 views
Amazon's UK drone delivery dreams hit unexpected air traffic control roadblock

Amazon's UK drone delivery dreams hit unexpected air traffic control roadblock

Tech giantʼs plans to launch parcel-delivery drones in Britain face hold-up due to slow-moving aviation rules. Despite being ready-to-go Amazon cant start flying until regulators give green light

Business, Science • November 16 2024 , 09:06 AM  •  554 views
London's newest cure for city loneliness brings strangers together in unique way

London's newest cure for city loneliness brings strangers together in unique way

A bar in London transforms into friendship-making playground where strangers play games and share stories. This unique social experiment helps city folks break free from post-pandemic isolation

Society, Culture • November 16 2024 , 09:06 AM  •  360 views
Legendary music filmmaker who brought classical giants to television passes at 89

Legendary music filmmaker who brought classical giants to television passes at 89

A ground-breaking director who transformed classical music into captivating television has died in Wales. **Barrie Gavin** worked with worlds top composers and conductors during his six-decade career at BBC and beyond

Culture • November 16 2024 , 02:07 AM  •  528 views
Church rebel who turned empty pews into packed services dies at 90

Church rebel who turned empty pews into packed services dies at 90

A non-traditional priest who transformed a dying London church into a thriving spiritual hub has passed away. **Donald Reeves** mixed classic Anglican traditions with modern ideas making St Jamesʼs Piccadilly a unique religious center

Society, Politics, Culture • November 15 2024 , 08:14 PM  •  457 views
London hospitals face dress code drama over staff wearing political symbols

London hospitals face dress code drama over staff wearing political symbols

Several London NHS hospitals get complaints about staff wearing pro-Palestine items during patient care. Hospital trust starts dress-code review after Jewish patients report feeling un-comfortable

Society, Politics • November 15 2024 , 07:01 PM  •  149 views
London mayor's Trump comments put UK-US relations at risk as new presidency approaches

London mayor's Trump comments put UK-US relations at risk as new presidency approaches

Londonʼs mayor **Sadiq Khan** makes controversial statements about US president-elect Trump on recent podcast. His comments might affect UK-US diplomatic ties as Trump prepares for White House return

Society, Politics • November 15 2024 , 05:09 PM  •  276 views
London mayor changes tune about Trump's comeback - here's what he really thinks

London mayor changes tune about Trump's comeback - here's what he really thinks

Londons top official **Sadiq Khan** shifts his approach to Trump after recent US election results. From harsh criticism to diplomatic friendship‚ Khan explains why UK needs to work with its american ally

Society, Politics • November 15 2024 , 05:03 PM  •  173 views