London

‘London is like some huge prehistoric animal, capable of enduring terrible injuries, mangled and bleeding from many wounds and yet preserving its life and movement.’
Winston Churchill

Transformed by Roman settlers from a deserted swamp into a bustling port, the history of London is tied to the River Thames. The river contributed to London’s development as a powerhouse of manufacturing and trade, but also to London’s poor sanitation (not to be resolved until the 19th century).

London is once again going through a period of regeneration, not least in East London, the site of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. Now home to over 7 million people and with a history of outward looking trade, poor sanitation, plague, civil war, theatre and the arts, fire, feats of civil engineering, the blitz and terrorist attacks, London continues to be one of the financial and cultural capitals of the world.

Mayor

Mr Boris Johnson Greater London Authority City Hall The Queen's Walk London SE1 2AA UK mayor@london.gov.uk 00 44 20 7983 4100 00 44 20 7983 4057 http://www.london.gov.uk/