London is the capital of Britain. It stands on both banks of the Thames River,in southeastern England. Founded in Celtic times and the Londinium of the Romans, the city has grown to become a vast commercial and trade center. The Greater London area consists of 32 boroughs. It has a population of 8,664,000. With an area of 607 square miles, it is, with Tokyo and New York, one of the three largest cities in the world.
The city owes its prosperity to its geographical position on a navigable river and its large port facilities at a chief entry point into England from the mainland of Europe. The docks are visited by ships from every part of the world, and handle an immense volume of trade. London is a great distributing center from which trunk railroad lines and modern roads branch out in every direction.
London is also a great financial center, and of major importance in banking and insurance. It is also the European center for gold distribution, and holds the gold and dollar reserves of all countries of the sterling area.
The city is the seat of government of the United Kingdom and a royal residence. The houses of Parliament (the Palace of Westminster) on the north bank of both houses of the British Parliament. Buckingham Palace is used by the Queen when in London. London is a great center of culture and education. The University of London (1836), its associated colleges, and many technical institutes of higher education attract students from the Commonwealth and all countries of the world. The museums and art galleries contain valuable collections of unending interest.
London is also a city of churches. Westminster Abbey has been the crowing place of almost all monarchs since the time of William the Conqueror and many are buried in the abbey choir. St. Paul's Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 1600's, stands in the city of London (the financial sector).
*One of London's best known sights is the Famous Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames. It cam be raised or lowered to permit the passage of ships.(see picture).
*Among the many attractions that draw thousands of tourists to London every year are colorful, traditional characters such as the Chelsea Pensioner and the Cockney Pearly King.