The City of London (The Square Mile)

Painting of the City of London

The City of London, often simply called "the City" or "the Square Mile," is the historic and financial heart of the British capital. With a history stretching back nearly two millennia, it remains a unique and powerful district - part of London, but very much its own entity. This one-square-mile patch of central London packs a staggering amount of heritage, commerce, and architecture into a compact footprint.

A Brief History

The City of London traces its origins to the Roman settlement of Londinium, founded around 43 AD. By the 2nd century, the Romans had walled the city, establishing its boundaries - boundaries that still define the Square Mile today. Remarkably, the City has remained more or less the same size since then, making it one of the most historically consistent urban areas in the world.

Before Westminster rose to prominence, the City of London was effectively the capital of Britain, serving as the administrative and commercial hub for centuries. Although the political power eventually moved westward to Westminster with the royal court and government institutions, the City retained immense importance due to its financial and trading prowess.

Map of the City of London

Size and Governance

At just over one square mile (1.12 square miles or 2.9 square kilometers), the City is the smallest ceremonial county in England. Despite its tiny size, it has its own independent local authority - the City of London Corporation - and even its own police force, separate from the Metropolitan Police.

Finance: The Lifeblood of the City

Today, the City of London is one of the world’s leading financial centres, rivaling New York and Hong Kong. It is home to the London Stock Exchange, the Bank of England, and countless banks, insurance companies, law firms, and investment institutions. Financial services remain the core industry, and thousands of global businesses maintain offices here.

Skyscraper Central

The City of London has the highest concentration of skyscrapers in the UK. While London generally has a more modest skyline compared to cities like New York or Dubai, the Square Mile is an exception. Known informally as the "Eastern Cluster," the City's skyline includes:
These modern towers rise beside medieval churches and centuries-old livery halls, creating one of the most visually unique urban landscapes in the world.

Transport: Underground and Beyond

Despite its small area, the City is extremely well connected. The following London Underground stations serve the area:
Other major transport services include:

Streets in the City of London

Places of Interest in the City of London

City of London on Google Street View

(Jul 2022)