London Borough of Southwark

---

London Borough of Southwark is a borough of Greater London. It is located to the south of the River Thames, across from the City of London, and is one of the boroughs of Inner London. Southwark covers 28.85 sq km (11.1 sq mi). It has a population of 280,000 (2011 estimate).

The London Borough of Southwark borders the City of London and the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Bromley, Croydon, Lewisham and Lambeth.

Southwark is "unique" in that, although Greater London consists of 32 boroughs, when people talk about "Borough" in London without further context, they are usually talking about the area around Borough High Street in Southwark. This area, commonly known as Borough, is near London Bridge and includes landmarks like Borough Market.

The name comes from Southwark historically being a borough of the City of London before it became part of Greater London. To be exact, Southwark was never fully part of the City of London, but rather, it had a unique historical relationship with it. The City of London has always been a self-governing entity with its own borders. Southwark, located just across London Bridge, was historically an important suburb of the City but was never fully incorporated into it.

In 1550, however, the City of London acquired jurisdiction over part of Southwark and made it a "Ward Without", meaning a ward outside the City's main boundaries. This area became known as Bridge Without, since it was outside the bridge leading into the City.

How to reach Southwark

You can take the London Underground to Southwark. Among the stations located there include Bermondsey, Borough, Canada Water, Elephant & Castle, Kennington, London Bridge and Southwark.

Sights in Southwark

Districts of Southwark

Places of Worship in Southwark