Are There 32 or 33 Boroughs in London?

By Robert Palmer

If you’ve ever tried to count the number of boroughs in London, you might have come across conflicting information – some sources say there are 32, while others claim there are 33. So, which one is correct The answer is actually a bit more complicated than a simple number.

Understanding the Boroughs of London

Firstly, it’s important to understand what exactly constitutes a borough in London. The term “borough” refers to a local government unit that is responsible for providing services and amenities to its residents. In London, each borough has its own council that manages things like housing, education, waste management, and more.

The 32 Boroughs

The most commonly referred-to number of boroughs in London is 32. These are the boroughs that were established in 1965 as part of the Local Government Act. They are:

  • Barking and Dagenham
  • Barnet
  • Bexley
  • Brent
  • Bromley
  • Camden
  • Croydon
  • Ealing
  • Enfield
  • Greenwich
  • Hackney
  • Hammersmith and Fulham
  • Haringey
  • Harrow
  • Havering
  • Hillingdon
  • Hounslow
  • Islington

  • Kensington and Chelsea

  • Lambeth

  • Lewisham

  • Merton

  • Newham

  • Redbridge

  • Richmond upon Thames

  • Southwark

  • Sutton
  • Tower Hamlets
  • Waltham Forest
  • Wandsworth
  • Westminster

The 33 Boroughs

However, some sources claim that there are actually 33 boroughs in London. This is because the City of London is often included as a separate entity from the other boroughs.

The City of London is the historic core of the city and is home to many important financial institutions and landmarks. While it is technically a borough, it has its own unique status and functions differently from the other boroughs.

The Bottom Line

So, in conclusion, the answer to whether there are 32 or 33 boroughs in London depends on whether or not you include the City of London. If you don’t count it as a separate borough, then there are 32. If you do count it, then there are 33.

Regardless of how you choose to categorize them, each borough in London has its own unique character and charm. Exploring them all can be a rewarding journey that reveals the diverse nature of this global city.