Why Are the City of London, City of Westminster, and Greater London Not Integrated Like Other Global Cities?

Have you ever wondered why the City of London, City of Westminster, and Greater London are not integrated into one cohesive unit, similar to how cities like Greater Manchester or Seoul are presented? This article explores the historical and administrative complexities that have led to their current state and the reasons why they remain separate entities.

Distinct Urban Centers

Just like Greater Manchester consists of the City of Salford and the City of Manchester plus numerous towns, the historical development of London has led to the creation of distinct urban centers that have their own identities and governance. The City of Westminster, in particular, grew up at a considerable distance outside the walls of the City of London. Additionally, the other parts of what now constitutes Greater London were mostly farmland, forest, and marsh before the area saw significant development.

Historical Separation and Administrative Evolution

Both the City of London and the City of Westminster were established and designated as cities centuries ago when they were clearly separate. Over time, both urban areas have expanded and eventually merged with each other. However, it wasn't until 1889 that any formal administrative changes were made, with the establishment of the County of London for better coordination of local services. This was further updated in 1965 when Greater London was created, abolishing Middlesex in the process.

Greater London is not a city in the conventional sense but rather an artificial construct designed to cover a continuous urban area served by London public transport and the Metropolitan Police. The lack of a clear definition of what "London" is reflects the complexity of the region's administrative boundaries and the evolution of urban planning and governance.

The City of London: A Historical Anomaly

While the modern City of London is now technically part of Greater London, it retains its historic name and many ancient privileges. This area, established by the Romans in the first century AD, was abandoned following the Roman departure in the early 400s and re-settled about 500 years later. The strategic importance of the City of London during the Norman Conquest in 1066, with its privileged status, led to the establishment of two castles on the Thames and the signing of a deal with William the Conqueror. By the Victorian era, the urban area had expanded significantly, leading to the formation of the County of London and eventually Greater London.

The administrative hierarchy of Greater London is unique. The City of London maintains its ancient privileges, which were affirmed by Magna Carta. It is not a London Borough nor a local authority but an authority that exercises the powers of a local authority over its area. It elects its own Lord Mayor annually and two Sheriffs each year, which are the oldest elected offices in England dating back to pre-Norman times.

Conclusion

The legacy of historical development, administrative decisions, and the unique structure of London's governance explain why the City of London, City of Westminster, and Greater London remain separate entities. Understanding these factors helps to appreciate the complexity of urban planning and governance in one of the world's most influential cities.