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

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London Mayor Proposes Housing Priority for Ex-Prisoners to Reduce Crime

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London Prep School Absorbs VAT Hike, Aims to Boost Enrollment

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Banksy's "Girl With Balloon" Theft: Two Men Charged in London Gallery Heist

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Fulham Boys School Bans Smartphones: A Bold Step in Digital Age Education

Fulham Boys School Bans Smartphones: A Bold Step in Digital Age Education

Fulham Boys School in London implements a strict smartphone ban, allowing only basic phones. The move sparks debate among parents and students, highlighting concerns about technology's impact on youth development.

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UK Census Data on Transgender Population Questioned by Watchdog

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London Mayor's Controversial Housing Proposal for Ex-Prisoners Sparks Debate

London Mayor's Controversial Housing Proposal for Ex-Prisoners Sparks Debate

Sadiq Khan suggests prioritizing housing for released prisoners to reduce reoffending, igniting controversy amidst London's severe housing crisis. Critics question the ethics of favoring ex-offenders over other vulnerable groups.

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Teacher Wins £168k Compensation from Prince William's Former School

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Society • September 12 2024, 02:00 PM  •  134 views
Lloyd's of London Tightens Rules on Alcohol and Misconduct

Lloyd's of London Tightens Rules on Alcohol and Misconduct

Lloyd's of London proposes stricter measures against unprofessional behavior, including alcohol-related misconduct. The 336-year-old insurance market aims to align with regulatory standards and improve its reputation.

Society, Business • September 12 2024, 01:44 PM  •  120 views
JP Morgan Caps Junior Bankers' Hours Amid Wall Street Culture Shift

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JP Morgan introduces 80-hour work week cap for junior bankers, while Bank of America implements new timekeeping tool. Wall Street faces scrutiny over workplace culture as concerns about employee health rise.

Society, Business • September 12 2024, 11:09 AM  •  907 views
Union Leader's Israel-Slavery Comparison Sparks Controversy

Union Leader's Israel-Slavery Comparison Sparks Controversy

RMT's Mick Lynch faces backlash for likening Israel's treatment of Palestinians to slavery. Labour urged to distance itself from comments amid ongoing debate over UK arms sales to Israel.

Society, Politics • September 11 2024, 07:16 PM  •  459 views
Telegraph's Ukraine Podcast Host David Knowles Dies at 32

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David Knowles, renowned host of Telegraph's Ukraine podcast, passed away at 32. Known for his authoritative yet gentle approach, Knowles left a lasting impact on millions of listeners worldwide.

Society, Culture • September 11 2024, 05:36 PM  •  804 views
Solihull's New Traffic Lights Spark Debate on Cyclist Prioritization

Solihull's New Traffic Lights Spark Debate on Cyclist Prioritization

Solihull Council tests traffic lights favoring cyclists, igniting discussions on urban mobility. The initiative raises questions about fairness in transportation policies and the balance between different road users.

Society, Politics • September 11 2024, 04:55 PM  •  327 views
Met Officer's Claim on Keffiyeh Prevalence Sparks Controversy at Vigil

Met Officer's Claim on Keffiyeh Prevalence Sparks Controversy at Vigil

A Metropolitan Police officer's assertion that 30% of Britons wear keffiyehs has stirred debate at an Israeli victims' vigil. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London.

Society, Politics, Culture • September 11 2024, 04:00 PM  •  223 views
Canary Wharf Faces Financial Strain Amid Post-Pandemic Office Exodus

Canary Wharf Faces Financial Strain Amid Post-Pandemic Office Exodus

Canary Wharf Group experiences debt downgrade as office occupancy declines post-Covid. The financial district struggles to adapt, with major tenants departing and efforts to diversify its portfolio underway.

Business, Economics • September 11 2024, 01:40 PM  •  170 views
Met Police Admits Safety Concerns at Notting Hill Carnival

Met Police Admits Safety Concerns at Notting Hill Carnival

London's Notting Hill Carnival faces scrutiny over safety issues. Police highlight understaffing and crime concerns, suggesting potential changes to improve security at Europe's largest street festival.

Society, Culture • September 11 2024, 01:02 PM  •  115 views
London's Homelessness Crisis: A Tale of Two Cities

London's Homelessness Crisis: A Tale of Two Cities

London grapples with a stark contrast between wealth and homelessness, exacerbated by EU enlargement and immigration. Foreign nationals now comprise over half of the city's rough sleepers, sparking debates on solutions and policies.

Society, Politics • September 11 2024, 06:06 AM  •  120 views
Conservative Leadership Race: Four Contenders Vie for UK's Top Job

Conservative Leadership Race: Four Contenders Vie for UK's Top Job

Four candidates remain in the Conservative leadership contest after two eliminations. The race, involving MP votes and party member ballots, will conclude on November 2 with a new leader announcement.

Politics • September 10 2024, 09:20 PM  •  224 views
NHS Doctor Struck Off for £52,000 Fraud to Fund Private School Fees

NHS Doctor Struck Off for £52,000 Fraud to Fund Private School Fees

A London-based ENT specialist has been removed from the medical register after defrauding the NHS of £52,000. The doctor claimed financial pressure to maintain his daughters' private education amid a lavish lifestyle.

Society • September 10 2024, 08:47 PM  •  511 views
Wizz Air Launches Budget Flights to Middle East with New Airbus Jets

Wizz Air Launches Budget Flights to Middle East with New Airbus Jets

Wizz Air introduces £135 flights from London to Saudi Arabia using new Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The budget airline expands its long-haul offerings while maintaining its no-frills approach.

Business, Economics • September 10 2024, 03:41 PM  •  184 views
Salt Bae's London Steakhouse Sees Sharp Profit Decline Amid Waning Popularity

Salt Bae's London Steakhouse Sees Sharp Profit Decline Amid Waning Popularity

Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Knightsbridge reports a 48% profit drop, signaling diminishing appeal of Salt Bae's extravagant dining experience. Celebrity chef faces challenges as his restaurant empire shows signs of struggle.

Business, Culture • September 10 2024, 02:49 PM  •  191 views
UK Cafes Grapple with Laptop Users: Balancing Business and Atmosphere

UK Cafes Grapple with Laptop Users: Balancing Business and Atmosphere

Independent cafes in the UK are implementing strategies to manage the influx of laptop users, balancing the need for turnover with maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. This trend highlights the challenges of adapting to changing work habits.

Society, Business • September 10 2024, 02:28 PM  •  305 views
Royal Filmmaker Will Warr: From Intimate Royal Videos to Viral Food Content

Royal Filmmaker Will Warr: From Intimate Royal Videos to Viral Food Content

Will Warr, the filmmaker behind Princess Kate's chemotherapy announcement video, is also co-creator of viral food channel Topjaw. His work spans royal intimacy and culinary exploration.

Society, Culture • September 10 2024, 12:35 PM  •  249 views
UK Cities Urged to Follow European Lead in E-Scooter Regulation

UK Cities Urged to Follow European Lead in E-Scooter Regulation

Recent incidents highlight e-scooter dangers in UK cities. As European counterparts implement bans, calls grow for stricter regulations. Safety concerns and criminal use fuel debate over urban mobility solutions.

Society, Politics • September 10 2024, 08:41 AM  •  205 views
Poppy Delevingne Opens Up About Divorce Stigma and Personal Growth

Poppy Delevingne Opens Up About Divorce Stigma and Personal Growth

Actress Poppy Delevingne discusses her divorce after a decade-long marriage, addressing societal stigmas and personal transformation. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and happiness in relationships.

Society, Culture • September 10 2024, 05:54 AM  •  242 views
UK Minister Avoids Commitment on Future of Free Bus Passes for Pensioners

UK Minister Avoids Commitment on Future of Free Bus Passes for Pensioners

Government official declines to guarantee continued universal free bus travel for pensioners, citing financial constraints. This comes amid Labour's controversial decision to limit winter fuel payments.

Society, Politics • September 9 2024, 09:19 PM  •  794 views
Luxury Store Sells Pricey Fukushima Peaches, Sparking Debate

Luxury Store Sells Pricey Fukushima Peaches, Sparking Debate

Harrods introduces £80 Fukushima peaches, raising eyebrows and questions about nuclear safety. The sale aims to support the region's recovery, but customers remain skeptical of the high-priced fruit.

Society, Business • September 9 2024, 08:20 PM  •  340 views
UK's Early Prisoner Release Scheme Raises Victim Safety Concerns

UK's Early Prisoner Release Scheme Raises Victim Safety Concerns

The UK government's plan to release 1,750 prisoners early has sparked concerns about victim safety and communication. Critics warn of potential risks and call for urgent justice system reforms.

Society, Politics • September 9 2024, 07:47 PM  •  357 views