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

Rock legend causes stir in Parliament while discussing charity tax problems

Rock legend causes stir in Parliament while discussing charity tax problems

November 29 2024 , 07:04 PM  •  744 views
Quiet UK town becomes unexpected center of multi-billion offshore property deals

Quiet UK town becomes unexpected center of multi-billion offshore property deals

November 29 2024 , 07:00 PM  •  723 views
London transport hack leaves thousands struggling to get money back

London transport hack leaves thousands struggling to get money back

November 29 2024 , 03:13 PM  •  849 views
Real EV owners share what its like to live with electric cars in 2024

Real EV owners share what its like to live with electric cars in 2024

November 29 2024 , 02:07 PM  •  932 views
Top Labour minister steps down after decade-old police case surfaces

Top Labour minister steps down after decade-old police case surfaces

November 29 2024 , 06:55 AM  •  1064 views
Transport Secretary's decade-old police report comes back to haunt her career

Transport Secretary's decade-old police report comes back to haunt her career

November 29 2024 , 12:16 AM  •  732 views
London actor's late-night police encounter leads to officer's criminal probe

London actor's late-night police encounter leads to officer's criminal probe

November 27 2024 , 06:43 PM  •  531 views
London anti-terror raids lead to fierce street protests and multiple arrests

London anti-terror raids lead to fierce street protests and multiple arrests

November 27 2024 , 06:40 PM  •  415 views
Legal expert explains hidden problems when buying rural dream house

Legal expert explains hidden problems when buying rural dream house

November 27 2024 , 02:12 PM  •  306 views
New storm threatens UK with massive rainfall and flood risks

New storm threatens UK with massive rainfall and flood risks

November 27 2024 , 07:32 AM  •  205 views
Famous London club shuts down after police probe into mystery incident

Famous London club shuts down after police probe into mystery incident

November 27 2024 , 04:44 AM  •  456 views
Princess Kate joins Qatar royals welcome in her first big state duty since treatment

Princess Kate joins Qatar royals welcome in her first big state duty since treatment

November 26 2024 , 06:03 AM  •  199 views
UK launches new AI lab to counter growing Russian cyber-threats

UK launches new AI lab to counter growing Russian cyber-threats

November 25 2024 , 11:40 AM  •  472 views
Business leaders turn against Labour after shocking tax changes

Business leaders turn against Labour after shocking tax changes

November 25 2024 , 08:33 AM  •  622 views
Young London engineer shares real-life money diary - see where cash actually goes

Young London engineer shares real-life money diary - see where cash actually goes

November 25 2024 , 08:08 AM  •  620 views
Young ex-British soldier caught by Russians while fighting in Ukraine's forces

Young ex-British soldier caught by Russians while fighting in Ukraine's forces

November 24 2024 , 08:42 PM  •  675 views
UK's green energy switch hits freezing reality as costs soar beyond reason

UK's green energy switch hits freezing reality as costs soar beyond reason

November 22 2024 , 04:52 PM  •  456 views
Breaking: Two security alerts hit London transport hub and diplomatic area

Breaking: Two security alerts hit London transport hub and diplomatic area

November 22 2024 , 12:22 PM  •  362 views
How Elon Musk's love affair with Britain turned into a social media war

How Elon Musk's love affair with Britain turned into a social media war

November 22 2024 , 02:15 AM  •  359 views
London police faces backlash over controversial mosque sermon decision

London police faces backlash over controversial mosque sermon decision

November 21 2024 , 10:34 PM  •  429 views
London's biggest street party faces serious safety concerns from police officers

London's biggest street party faces serious safety concerns from police officers

Police survey shows major safety issues at Notting Hill Carnival‚ with most officers feeling unsafe during the event. Event organizers question survey methods and suggest hidden agenda behind the report

Society, Culture • December 2 2024 , 01:15 PM  •  30180 views
Money diary: A week in the life of a London chiropractor with smart spending habits

Money diary: A week in the life of a London chiropractor with smart spending habits

A thirty-something health professional shares her weekly spending habits while living outside London. After years of financial hardship during studies she now manages to save money with cost-effective choices

Society, Economics • December 2 2024 , 01:14 PM  •  13517 views
92-year-old grandpa becomes unexpected social media sensation with millions of views

92-year-old grandpa becomes unexpected social media sensation with millions of views

Three elderly stars prove age is just a number in their latest achievements. From TikTok fame to stage performances these active seniors share their secrets for staying engaged in life

Society, Culture • December 2 2024 , 01:11 PM  •  6407 views
Historic London meat market faces shutdown after 1000-year run

Historic London meat market faces shutdown after 1000-year run

One of Londons oldest food trading spots - Smithfield Market prepares to close its doors after millennium-long history. City officials plan to transform this historic meat-trading hub into modern campus-style space

Business, Culture • December 1 2024 , 12:04 PM  •  6687 views
Labour's new rules spark power struggle between Starmer and regional mayors

Labour's new rules spark power struggle between Starmer and regional mayors

Labour party introduces strict new guidelines for its regional mayors‚ requiring leadership approval and financial contributions. The move creates friction between **Keir Starmer** and popular local leaders

Society, Politics • December 1 2024 , 09:08 AM  •  4173 views
Letters reveal growing concerns about UK healthcare, safety and education changes

Letters reveal growing concerns about UK healthcare, safety and education changes

Recent letters to editor highlight public worries about hospice care quality drop-off and police presence in London streets. Writers also discuss prison jobs university troubles and seasonal traditions

Society, Economics, Politics • December 1 2024 , 09:08 AM  •  4252 views
Remote work revolution: Why young talents choose Mediterranean over London

Remote work revolution: Why young talents choose Mediterranean over London

Southern European countries attract UK-based professionals with tax-friendly policies and warm climate. Digital banks data shows growing trend of British workforce relocating to Mediterranean countries

Business, Economics • November 30 2024 , 10:08 AM  •  1808 views
Secret war: How Russia tests Europe's defense with hidden attacks

Secret war: How Russia tests Europe's defense with hidden attacks

Russian-linked incidents across Europe show a pattern of coordinated disruption through proxy actors and sabotage. Security experts point to an organized campaign that goes beyond random accidents

Politics • November 30 2024 , 07:00 AM  •  1223 views
Famous comedian battles against huge London station makeover

Famous comedian battles against huge London station makeover

Network Rail wants to change Liverpool Street Station with new offices and updated infrastructure but faces strong opposition. Well-known TV star **Griff Rhys Jones** leads fight to protect historic building features

Society, Culture • November 29 2024 , 08:32 PM  •  514 views
Former Ulez leader gets top transport job after unexpected cabinet change

Former Ulez leader gets top transport job after unexpected cabinet change

A new transport secretary with strong ties to Londonʼs traffic-control measures takes over after sudden resignation. Her past work with Ulez and speed zones hints at possible nation-wide changes

Society, Politics • November 29 2024 , 08:03 PM  •  691 views
Rock legend causes stir in Parliament while discussing charity tax problems

Rock legend causes stir in Parliament while discussing charity tax problems

The Whoʼs frontman made waves at Westminster this week with unexpected gallery outburst. His visit included high-level talks about cancer charity taxes and brought up old Brexit opinions

Politics, Culture • November 29 2024 , 07:04 PM  •  744 views
Quiet UK town becomes unexpected center of multi-billion offshore property deals

Quiet UK town becomes unexpected center of multi-billion offshore property deals

British tax havens channel £6bn into UK real-estate market through hidden companies. Peaceful town of Wokingham shows up as top-5 destination for mysterious property purchases from offshore zones

Economics, Politics • November 29 2024 , 07:00 PM  •  723 views
London transport hack leaves thousands struggling to get money back

London transport hack leaves thousands struggling to get money back

London transport systems got hit by hackers this fall causing payment chaos for passengers. Many people paid too much for tickets while discount-card holders couldnt get their usual rates

Society, Politics • November 29 2024 , 03:13 PM  •  849 views
Real EV owners share what its like to live with electric cars in 2024

Real EV owners share what its like to live with electric cars in 2024

Two UK car owners tell different stories about their electric vehicle experience. While one faced charging troubles and sold his car‚ another enjoys eco-friendly rides despite some limitations

Society, Business, Economics • November 29 2024 , 02:07 PM  •  932 views
Top Labour minister steps down after decade-old police case surfaces

Top Labour minister steps down after decade-old police case surfaces

Transport Secretary **Louise Haigh** leaves her post due to a past incident with police from her pre-MP days. The case involves wrong info about stolen items during a mugging back in 2013

Society, Politics • November 29 2024 , 06:55 AM  •  1064 views
Transport Secretary's decade-old police report comes back to haunt her career

Transport Secretary's decade-old police report comes back to haunt her career

A high-ranking Labour official faces questions about a past incident with police from her pre-MP days. The case involves a misreported stolen phone that led to legal consequences

Society, Politics • November 29 2024 , 12:16 AM  •  732 views
London actor's late-night police encounter leads to officer's criminal probe

London actor's late-night police encounter leads to officer's criminal probe

Netflix star **Reece Richards** faces rough arrest after helping police with car crash info. Officers actions trigger major investigation as one cop faces criminal charges for assault

Society, Culture • November 27 2024 , 06:43 PM  •  531 views
London anti-terror raids lead to fierce street protests and multiple arrests

London anti-terror raids lead to fierce street protests and multiple arrests

Police detained six people linked to PKK group in north London raids‚ which triggered protests near Kurdish center. Four more protesters got arrested after clashes with law-enforcement officers

Society, Politics • November 27 2024 , 06:40 PM  •  415 views
Legal expert explains hidden problems when buying rural dream house

Legal expert explains hidden problems when buying rural dream house

Moving from city to countryside looks simple but brings unexpected legal challenges. A property-law specialist shares vital tips about drainage water and access rights that future home-buyers need to check

Society, Business • November 27 2024 , 02:12 PM  •  306 views
New storm threatens UK with massive rainfall and flood risks

New storm threatens UK with massive rainfall and flood risks

Third storm of the season - Conall heads towards southern England with heavy rain warnings. Weather experts expect half-a-months rain amount in just one morning‚ while previous storms damage still affects UK

Society, Science • November 27 2024 , 07:32 AM  •  205 views
Famous London club shuts down after police probe into mystery incident

Famous London club shuts down after police probe into mystery incident

A well-known Soho members-only spot faces unexpected closure following serious police inquiry. The historic club - home to countless celebs and artists had to stop its operations right before holiday season

Society, Culture • November 27 2024 , 04:44 AM  •  456 views
Princess Kate joins Qatar royals welcome in her first big state duty since treatment

Princess Kate joins Qatar royals welcome in her first big state duty since treatment

The Princess of Wales plans to take part in welcoming Qatarʼs Emir next week - her first major state duty after finishing treatment. The three-day visit includes formal ceremonies and royal banquets

Society, Culture • November 26 2024 , 06:03 AM  •  199 views
UK launches new AI lab to counter growing Russian cyber-threats

UK launches new AI lab to counter growing Russian cyber-threats

British government starts new AI security research facility with £8. 22M funding to fight cyber-threats. The lab aims to unite top experts from industry academia and government to boost UKʼs digital defence capabilities

Politics, Science • November 25 2024 , 11:40 AM  •  472 views
Business leaders turn against Labour after shocking tax changes

Business leaders turn against Labour after shocking tax changes

UK companies express disappointment with Labour governments new business policies and tax increases. What started as a promising relationship between Labour and corporations now shows signs of falling apart

Business, Economics, Politics • November 25 2024 , 08:33 AM  •  622 views
Young London engineer shares real-life money diary - see where cash actually goes

Young London engineer shares real-life money diary - see where cash actually goes

A fresh-out-of-uni civil engineer tracks weekly spending in expensive London life. From daily commute costs to future travel plans this money diary shows real-world budget challenges

Society, Economics • November 25 2024 , 08:08 AM  •  620 views
Young ex-British soldier caught by Russians while fighting in Ukraine's forces

Young ex-British soldier caught by Russians while fighting in Ukraine's forces

A former UK military serviceman was detained by Russian forces in Kursk region while serving in Ukraineʼs International Legion. The 22-year-oldʼs capture was confirmed by Moscowʼs security services

Society, Politics • November 24 2024 , 08:42 PM  •  675 views
UK's green energy switch hits freezing reality as costs soar beyond reason

UK's green energy switch hits freezing reality as costs soar beyond reason

British households and businesses face tough choices amid sky-high energy prices and push for electric solutions. UK power costs hit record levels while green-tech adoption stays low due to practical limitations

Economics, Politics • November 22 2024 , 04:52 PM  •  456 views
Breaking: Two security alerts hit London transport hub and diplomatic area

Breaking: Two security alerts hit London transport hub and diplomatic area

Security teams handle two separate incidents in London today: one at Gatwick Airportʼs South Terminal and another near the US Embassy. Both situations triggered controlled-safety measures

Society, Politics • November 22 2024 , 12:22 PM  •  362 views
How Elon Musk's love affair with Britain turned into a social media war

How Elon Musk's love affair with Britain turned into a social media war

Tech billionaire **Elon Musk** once praised UK during Olympics but now criticizes its policies. His shift from admiring British culture to questioning its direction shows complex relationship between tech giants and national politics

Business, Politics • November 22 2024 , 02:15 AM  •  359 views
London police faces backlash over controversial mosque sermon decision

London police faces backlash over controversial mosque sermon decision

Met Police initially didnt classify an anti-Jewish sermon as hate crime‚ causing public outcry. After social-media pressure the case got reopened and sent to Crown Prosecution Service

Society, Politics • November 21 2024 , 10:34 PM  •  429 views