What is the Difference Between the City of London and London?

In discussions about London, the terms 'the City of London' and simply 'London' are commonly used, yet they refer to distinctly different areas within and around the historic metropolis. Understanding the differences is crucial for anyone looking to explore or discuss the urban landscape of this quintessential city.

The Official Definition of the City of London

The City of London is officially defined as a small area within the bounds of the modern metropolis of London. It is essentially the original medieval city, situated in the eastern part of central London. The City of London has a ceremonial official, the Lord Mayor of London, who holds a position of great historical and symbolic significance.

Demographics and Landmarks of the City of London

Despite its historical and ceremonial importance, the City of London is remarkably small. Its population is less than 10,000 people, and only a handful of London landmarks are located here, including St Paul’s Cathedral. In contrast, while the historic City can be described as the financial district of London, it does not host major landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, which are located in the neighboring City of Westminster.

The Notion of Greater London

Greater London is a much broader term, roughly encompassing the area inside the M25 motorway. This includes the City of London, the City of Westminster, and 31 other boroughs such as Hackney, Barnet, and Southwark, among others.

Postal Addresses and Geographical Confusions

It's worth noting that when reference works mention the population of London or describe the city, they are often referring to Greater London, with a population of around 8 million people. However, when people refer to 'London,' they usually mean the area that has a postal address in the city. This can lead to some confusion, as not all areas within the boundary of Greater London share the same postal address. Half of Greater London has a London postal address, while the other half has an address from a different Greater London posttown, such as Croydon or Enfield.

Geographical and Administrative Divisions within London

The City of London, also known as the Square Mile, is a concept that spans just over one square mile in the heart of London. It is a distinct area under the authority of the City of London Corporation and is led by the Lord Mayor of London. It is not a London borough but is counted as a separate county, the smallest in the UK, roughly matching the old Roman boundaries of the city.

The City of London has its own police force that specializes in financial crime, given the area's role as the UK's financial district. This contrasts with the broader urban landscape of Greater London, which is managed by the Mayor of London through the Greater London Authority (GLA), responsible for London Transport, the Metropolitan Police, and other critical services.

The red area on maps usually identifies the City of London, while Greater London encompasses a much wider area, including several towns and cities beyond the ceremonial city of London.

All images used in this article are sourced from Wikipedia.