City of London

: For London as a whole, see the main article London.

History

: Main article: History of London.

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The area of the City of London has been administered separately since 886, when Alfred the Great appointed his son-in-law Earl Ætheldred of Mercia as Governor of London. Alfred made sure that there was suitable accommodation for merchants from north west Europe, which were then extended to traders from the Baltic and Italy.

Related Topics:
886 - Alfred the Great - Earl Ætheldred of Mercia - Baltic - Italy

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The City developed its own code of law for the mercantile classes, developing such an autonomy that Sir Laurence Gomme regarded the City as a separate Kingdom making its own laws. The City was composed of wards governed by Aldermen, who chaired the Wardmotes. There was a folkmoot for the whole of the city held in the shadows of St Paul's Cathedral. In the tenth century, Athelstan permitted eight mints to be established, compared to six in his capital, Winchester, indicating the wealth of the city.

Related Topics:
Laurence Gomme - Aldermen - St Paul's Cathedral - Tenth century - Athelstan - Mints - Winchester

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Following the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror marched on London, to Southwark and failed to get across London Bridge or to defeat the Londoners. He eventually crossed the River Thames at Wallingford, pillaging the land as he went. Rather than continuing the war Edgar Ætheling, Edwin of Mercia and Morcar of Northumbria surrendered at Berkhamstead. William rewarded London in granting the citizens a charter in 1075; the City of London was one of the few institutions where the English retained some authority.

Related Topics:
Battle of Hastings - William the Conqueror - Southwark - Wallingford - Edgar Ætheling - Edwin of Mercia - Morcar of Northumbria - Berkhamstead - 1075

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However, William insured against attack by building 3 Castles nearby so as to keep the Londoners subdued:

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• Tower of London
• Baynard's Castle
• Montfichet's Castle

In 1132, Henry I recognised full County status for the City, and by 1141 the whole body of the citizenry was considered to constitute a single community. This was the origin of the Corporation of London.

Related Topics:
1132 - Henry I - County - 1141 - Citizen - Corporation of London

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The City burned nearly to the ground twice, first in 1212 and then again (and more famously) in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Both of these fires were referred to as the Great Fire.

Related Topics:
1212 - Great Fire of London - 1666

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The City elected four members to the unreformed House of Commons, which it retained after the Reform Act 1832 and into the 20th century. Today it is included wholly in the Cities of London and Westminster constituency, and statute requires that it not be divided between two neighbouring areas.

Related Topics:
Unreformed House of Commons - Reform Act 1832 - 20th century - Cities of London and Westminster

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The City's population fell rapidly in the 19th century and through most of 20th century as many houses were demolished to make way for office blocks. This trend has now been reversed as the Corporation is encouraging residential use, although the resident population is not expected to go much above ten thousand people. Some of the extra accommodation is in small pre World War II commercial buildings which are not suitable for occupation by the large companies which now provide much of the City's employment. The largest residential section of the City is the Barbican Estate.

Related Topics:
19th century - 20th century - World War II - Barbican Estate

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Since the 1990s, the City has diversified away from near exclusive office use in some other ways as well. For example, several hotels have opened and also the City's first department store. However, large sections of it remain very quiet at weekends.

Related Topics:
1990s - Department store

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