Tourist Information on the City of London - West

The City of London, built on the site of the original walled Roman settlement, is the true heart of the capital. Known as the 'City' or the 'Square Mile', this is the financial district; home to the Stock Exchange and the Bank of England. The west part of the city runs into Holborn and the Strand.

Most of early City was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666 and the Blitz of World War II,now it is a mixture of 17th century churches, grand Victorian buildings and ultra-modern glass and steel office blocks. 

During business hours the City comes alive but by the evening it is almost deserted.  Once one of London's main residential centres, few people have lived here since the 19th century and today the City only has a small population.  ....more >

As well as St Paul's, Wren supervised the rebuilding over 50 churches within the City of London.  Bomb damage during WWII destroyed 11 of these buildings and now only 38 Wren churches remain.  Wren also designed the 'Monument', erected in 1667 - 71, to commemorate the Great Fire of London. 

The buildings around Bank underground station, Mansion House, the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange, form the symbolic heart of the City.  The Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor.  The Bank of England, established in 1694, has the nickname, 'The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street'.  The Royal Exchange almost overshadows the Bank of England and is now a shopping complex. .... top >