London is one of the most iconic cities in the world. It is a global hub for finance, culture, and history.
But when it comes to its political status, there can be some confusion. Is London a city or a county? Let’s explore this question in detail.
What is a City?
A city is typically defined as an urban area with a high population density and various amenities such as hospitals, schools, cultural institutions, and government services. In the UK, a city can also be granted official recognition by the monarch through letters patent. This means that it has been given the status of a city by royal charter.
What is a County?
A county is an administrative division of the UK that is typically larger than a city or town but smaller than a region. It usually consists of several towns or villages and has its own local government, including elected officials such as councillors and mayors.
Is London a City?
Yes, London is officially recognized as a city by royal charter. It was granted this status in 1965 by Queen Elizabeth II as part of her Silver Jubilee celebrations. This means that London has its own Lord Mayor and local government which oversees its various boroughs.
London Boroughs
London is divided into 32 boroughs which are each governed by their own council. These boroughs vary in size and population density but all fall under the umbrella of Greater London which is the official administrative region that encompasses all of London’s boroughs.
- 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
- Kingston upon Thames
- Lambeth
- Lewisham
- Merton
- Newham
- Redbridge
- Richmond upon Thames
- Southwark
- Sutton
- Tower Hamlets
- Waltham Forest
- Wandsworth
Is London a County?
No, London is not a county. It is technically part of the ceremonial county of Greater London which consists of the city itself as well as its surrounding suburbs. However, Greater London is not considered a traditional county in the same way that areas like Kent, Surrey, or Essex are.
The City of London Corporation
It’s worth noting that there is one exception to this rule. The City of London Corporation, which oversees the financial district of the city known as the Square Mile, is actually a separate county in its own right. It has its own Lord Mayor and council and is not part of Greater London.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question: Is London a city or a county? The answer is that it is both.
London is officially recognized as a city with its own Lord Mayor and local government, but it is not considered a traditional county. Instead, it falls under the umbrella of Greater London which is an administrative region made up of 32 boroughs. However, the City of London Corporation is a separate county in its own right and oversees the financial district of the city.