LONDON

LONDON
   1) (5,633), on the Thames, 50 m. from the sea, the capital of the British Empire, is the most populous and wealthiest city in the world. An important place in Roman times, it was the cap. of the East Saxons, and has been the metropolis of England since the Norman Conquest; it possesses, therefore, innumerable historic buildings and associations. Often devastated by plague and fire, its progress has never been stayed; its population has more than quadrupled itself this century, and more than doubled since 1850. The City of London proper occupies one square mile in the centre, is wholly a commercial part, and is governed by an annually elected mayor and aldermen; is the seat of a bishopric, with St. Paul's for cathedral. The City of Westminster is also a bishopric under a high steward and high bailiff, chosen by the dean and chapter. These two cities, with twenty-five boroughs under local officers, constitute the metropolis, and since 1888 the county of the city of London, and send 59 members to Parliament. Streets in the older parts are narrow, but newer districts are well built; the level ground and density of building detracts from the effect of innumerable magnificent edifices. Buckingham, Kensington, and St. James's are royal residences; the Houses of Parliament are the biggest Gothic building in the world; St. Paul's, built by Sir Christopher Wren, contains the remains of Nelson and Wellington, Reynolds, Turner, and Wren himself. Westminster, consecrated 1269, is the burial-place of England's greatest poets and statesmen, and of many kings; the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand were opened in 1882. London has a University (an examining body), 700 colleges and endowed schools, among which Westminster, Christ's Hospital, and the Charterhouse are famous, many medical hospitals, and schools and charitable institutions of all kinds. London is the centre of the English literary and artistic world, and of scientific interest and research; here are the largest publishing houses, the chief libraries and art-galleries, and museums; the British Museum and Library, the National Galleries, &c., and magnificent botanical and zoological gardens. London is also a grand emporium of commerce, and the banking centre of the world. It has nine principal docks; its shipping trade is unrivalled, 55,000 vessels enter and clear annually; it pays more than half the custom duties of the kingdom, and handles more than a quarter of the total exports; its warehouse trade is second only to that of Manchester; it manufactures everything, chiefly watches, jewellery, leather goods, cycles, pianos, and glass. The control of traffic, the lighting, and water-supply of so large a city are causing yearly more serious problems.
   2) (30), the cap. of Middlesex county, Ontario, near the S. end of the peninsula, in the middle of a fertile district, and a rising place.

The Nuttall Encyclopaedia. . 1907.

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  • London —    The capital of the Empire and from early times an important centre of trade and commerce. On the northern bank of the River Thames.    The first authentic mention of Londinium, as it was called by the Romans, occurs in Tacitus, Annales, Lib.… …   Dictionary of London

  • London Records —    These are perhaps sufficiently indicated in the list of authorities set out at the commencement of this work, but it may not be amiss to deal with them somewhat more in detail.    London is rich in municipal records, and in spite of numerous… …   Dictionary of London

  • London Bridge —    Extends across the River Thames from Adelaide Place and King William Street to High Street, Southwark. Architect, J. Rennie.    Erected 1824 31. Opened by King William IV. in 1831.    It is made of granite, with 5 elliptical arches (Gent. Mag …   Dictionary of London

  • London Wall, Street —    West from Old Broad Street to Cripplegate (P.O. Directory).    A street on the line of the old Wall of London (q.v.). In Broad Street Ward, Bassishaw Ward, Coleman Street Ward and Cripplegate Ward Within.    First mention of the street : In… …   Dictionary of London

  • London House Yard —    1) North out of St. Paul s Churchyard, at Nos. 74 and 79, to Paternoster Row (P.O. Directory). In Castle Baynard Ward.    First mention: O. and M. 1677.    The site was formerly occupied by the Bishop of London s Palace (q.v.).    Converted… …   Dictionary of London

  • London Stone —    A rounded block of stone set in a large stone case, in which is an oval opening through which it can be seen. Built into the south wall of St. Swithin s Church on the north side of Cannon Street (O.S.).    Earliest mention: Stow says it is… …   Dictionary of London

  • London Bridge Wharf —    On the east side of London Bridge and the south side of Lower Thames Street (P.O. Directory). In Bridge Ward Within.    Earliest mention: O.S. 1848 51.    It occupies the site of the Waterworks of Old London Bridge …   Dictionary of London

  • London Prentice Yard —    East out of the Minories. In Portsoken Ward (Boyle, 1799).    Former name : Ship Yard (O. and M. 1677).    First called London Prentice Yard in Rocque, 1746.    When the Old Fountain Inn was pulled down in 1793, Fountain Court seems to Have… …   Dictionary of London

  • London and St. Katherine's Dock Co.'s Warehouses —    See Port of London Authority s Warehouses …   Dictionary of London

  • London Bibliography —    Many works on this subject have been produced from time to time, and valuable bibliographies are available at the present day in such works as the following : The General Catalogue of the British Museum, London Library Catalogue, and other… …   Dictionary of London

  • London Bridge Square —    On London Bridge, in Bridge Ward (P.C. 1732).    Not named in the maps …   Dictionary of London

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