The Secret City inside of London Revealed

Summary

The City of London, a one-square-mile area within the modern city of London, holds a unique and ancient status. With its own mayor, flag, and traditions, it’s governed separately from the rest of London. Originally founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, the City of London has maintained its independent character throughout history. Despite Westminster becoming the modern political center, the City of London’s wealth, influence, and traditions continue to thrive, even maintaining its own representation in Parliament. Its complex history, including its relationship with monarchs and the rise of conspiracy theories, makes it a fascinating and mysterious place.

Takeaways

• 😀 The City of London is distinct from Greater London, despite their similar names.
• 😀 The City of London is only one square mile in size but has a unique and separate government.
• 😀 The City of London has its own mayor, laws, and even flag, distinguishing it from the rest of London.
• 😀 The Lord Mayor of the City of London holds a prestigious title and has special privileges, including riding in a golden carriage.
• 😀 The City of London has a history that dates back 2,000 years to Roman times, with a wall that helped protect the city.
• 😀 Despite being part of the UK, the City of London has unique autonomy and operates almost like its own entity.
• 😀 The City of London’s wealth and power have made it a source of intrigue and speculation, including conspiracy theories about secret societies.
• 😀 The City of London’s special status was historically acknowledged by monarchs, who often feared its power and wealth.
• 😀 William the Conqueror recognized the City of London’s unique rights after he struggled to conquer it.
• 😀 Laws passed in Parliament often do not apply to the City of London, especially in cases like voting reforms, which are influenced by medieval guilds and modern companies.
• 😀 The City of London has properties and land outside its boundaries, contributing to its immense wealth and influence.

Q & A

What is the City of London, and how is it different from London?

The City of London is a small, historic area located within the larger city of London. While both share a name and some landmarks, the City of London is an ancient financial hub with a unique history, separate government, and distinct customs. It operates independently from the rest of London, which is much larger and serves as the national capital.

Why does the City of London have its own mayor and city hall?

The City of London has its own mayor and city hall because it has historically functioned as a separate entity with unique rights and privileges. This goes back to the time of the Romans, when the city was fortified and governed independently.

What is the title of the mayor of the City of London, and how does it differ from the mayor of London?

The mayor of the City of London is called 'The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London'. He has a more ceremonial role, wearing a fancy outfit and riding in a golden carriage. In contrast, the mayor of London is a more practical figure, wearing a suit, riding a bike, and working in an office building.

How did the City of London come into existence?

The City of London was founded by the Romans around 2,000 years ago, who established a trading post on the River Thames. They built a wall around the city to protect it, and despite the fall of the Roman Empire, the city continued to thrive and maintain its independence.

Why is the City of London considered special in the context of British history?

The City of London is special due to its unique historical and political status. It has been self-governing for centuries, even surviving various monarchs who tried to limit its power. It remains a powerful financial and cultural center, distinct from the rest of London.

What role did William the Conqueror play in the development of the City of London?

When William the Conqueror arrived in Britain, he recognized the strength and independence of the City of London, agreeing to honor its rights in exchange for the city's acknowledgment of his kingship. This established a long-standing relationship where the monarchs recognized the city's autonomy but often distrusted its power.

How did Westminster come to be considered the second 'London'?

Westminster began as a separate area but grew over time as nearby towns merged with it. It became a rival to the City of London when monarchs sought to shift power away from the City by establishing Westminster as the seat of government. This marked the beginning of 'Greater London'.

How are laws in the City of London different from those in the rest of London?

The City of London has a unique status where some laws passed by Parliament don't apply. This includes specific voting reforms, and certain laws are tailored to its medieval guild system and business-friendly practices. The City even has its own representative in Parliament, called the Remembrancer.

What is the significance of the City of London's crest and how does it contribute to its identity?

The City of London's crest is a symbol of its long history and independence. It is used to mark various places and buildings under its jurisdiction, including the Tower Bridge. The crest, along with the city's wealth and autonomy, has contributed to the mystique and conspiracy theories about the City of London’s secretive influence.

Why do some conspiracy theories claim the City of London is controlling the world?

Conspiracy theories often cite the City of London's wealth, its historic ties to powerful financial institutions, and its unique political status as evidence that it secretly controls global finance. These theories are often fueled by the City's mysterious symbols, such as its crest, and its role in international finance, though they are not based on factual evidence.