In the 2001 UK Census, 71.15% of the population classed their ethnic group as White, including White British (59.79%), White Irish (3.07%) or "Other White" (8.29%, mostly Greek-Cypriot, Italian, Polish and Portuguese). London's large Hindu community is in the north-western boroughs of Harrow and Brent, the latter containing one of Europe's largest Hindu temples, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir London. London is divided into 73 Parliamentary borough constituencies, formed from the combined area of several wards from one or more boroughs. The highest point is Westerham Heights, in the North Downs and on the boundary with Kent, at 245 metres (804 ft). Croydon has had something of a bad reputation for many decades, partly because of its centre filled with unattractive Sixties tower blocks. However, as a major town centre in its own right, yet with affordable prices for London, Croydon deserves a second chance. Eurostat data shows the GDP of Outer London to be 103 billion euros in 2009[54] and per capita GDP of 21,460 euros. Archaically, the urbanised area of London was known as the Metropolis. London was the most populated city in the world until overtaken by New York in 1925. and is still the most populous city and metropolitan area within the European Union with 8.1 million plus people - well over 9 million is you use the Greater London built up area as your area. It is popular with families, who come for the good grammar schools, the wide selection of large family homes, and good local amenities. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Skyline of London from the Golden Gallery above the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, looking west-southwest. A historic area, also Wimbledon boasts some special attractions, like numerous horse riding stables in the area and the last dog racing track in London. At A-level, the average results for LEAs are disappointing compared to their good GCSE results. The county of Greater London was created on 1 April 1965 through the London Government Act 1963. [1], It includes most of the London region – omitting most of its woodland; small, buffered districts; the Lee Valley Park; and the two largest sewage treatment works serving London by the River Thames. Ongoing investment into the area ensures that Croydon's outlook is only going to improve. We are one of the 19 areas of the UK Arts Society and comprise 25 Societies all of whom have wide ranging programmes of lectures, study courses, visits, and opportunities to volunteer further. By the mid-nineteenth century, the first major suburban areas were springing up around London as the city (then the largest in the world) became more overcrowded and unsanitary. The present metropolitan county of Greater London constitutes nearly all of the historic county of Middlesex (which comprises the bulk of Greater London north of the River Thames), parts of the historic counties of Kent, Essex, and Hertfordshire, and a large part of the historic county of Surrey. 10.91% classed themselves as Black British (around 6% as Black African, 4% as Black Caribbean, 0.84% as "Other Black"). At the time of the 2011 Census, the Office for National Statistics defined the Greater London Urban Area as being made up of the following components:.[1]. The Land Clauses Consolidation Act 1845 required railways to sell off surplus lands within ten years of the time given for completion of the work in the line's enabling Act. Irish people, from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, number about 200,000, as do the Scots and Welsh combined. The London County Council had already existed since 1889, but the Greater London county was established as it was felt there needed to be a county to cover nearby, built up, areas around the capital. The City of London has no state schools, just two independent schools. Heathrow is also a short Tube ride or drive away. The term Greater London has been and still is used to describe different areas in governance, statistics, history and common parlance. Kingston is also well-connected by rail to Central London, with a Zone 6 station offering services to Waterloo. The area uses around 4 gigawatts of electricity power. 12.09% classed themselves as British Asian, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and "Other Asian" (mostly Sri Lankan, Arab and other Southern Asian ethnicities). It is now approaching the 1939 peak. Chessington is a quiet suburb on the fringes of South West London, popular with professional couples with children who are looking for more space to live in. Find the latest properties available for sale now in Greater London from leading estate agents. In common usage, the terms "London" and "Greater London" are usually used interchangeably. It was used to refer to the Metropolitan Police District, the area of the Metropolitan Water Board and the London Passenger Transport Area. A major catalyst in the growth in urban sprawl came from the opening of the Metropolitan Railway in the 1860s. A wide range of period and modern property, including a good stock of homes suitable for families, is found in this area. In terms of ceremonial counties, London is divided into the small City of London and the much wider Greater London. The London postal district does not cover all of Greater London.[23][24][25]. It had jumped to 8.6 million by 1939, before making a big decline in 1988 to 6.7 million. Central government has implemented small boundary changes. [14], Coordinates: 51°30′26″N 0°07′40″W / 51.5073°N 0.1277°W / 51.5073; -0.1277, A labelled map of the Greater London Built-up Area, Greater London Built-up Area with administrative borders, sfn error: no target: CITEREFJackson1986 (, Included under Walton-on-Thames subdivision. The few other boroughs with above-average A-level results are Havering, Barnet, Bexley, Redbridge, and Ealing. There is excellent access to green and open space - aside from the river, there are several Royal Parks in the area - as well as the good housing stock and schools. Those who have to commute have their choice of two Zone 5 rail stations, as well as good bus and road links. Transport links and nightlife for young professionals are great, but so are parks and schools for families. We're networking at FunHouse! Conversions were made from hectares to square kilometres and square miles. Wormwood Scrubs; Chelsea, Fulham, and Queens Park Rangers football (soccer) grounds, Becontree housing estate; Cross Keys Inn; manufacturing plants, Royal School of Church Music; major shopping and cultural centres, St. Nicholas Church; Whitehall; Carew Manor. This region forms the administrative boundaries of London and is organised into 33 local government districts—the 32 London boroughs and the City of London, which is located within the region but is separate from the county. For the purposes of the Lieutenancies Act 1997, this area is defined as a county.[27]. At GCSE, the best borough is Kingston upon Thames, closely followed by Sutton. Until 1889 the only part of London that had an administrative existence apart from the historic counties was the historic City of London, which was confined to the area of the medieval city. This article is about the administrative region and ceremonial county. The region's 34 further education colleges are funded through the Skills Funding Agency and the Young People's Learning Agency. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. https://www.britannica.com/place/Greater-London, Official Site of Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Greater London - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Fine period properties are dotted throughout the area, from Georgian gems and red-brick Victorian houses to modern houses, and the gardens of historic homes like the Tudor house Hall Place are local amenities. Enfield has several train stations, as well as good bus and road links, making commuting into Central London easy. The 2008 and 2012 elections were won by Boris Johnson (C). Hayes is a suburban town in West London which is now home to many people who work at Heathrow. The Mayor of London is a directly elected politician who, along with the London Assembly, is responsible for the strategic government of Greater London. Though only being created in 1965, the term Greater London was being used long before its formal creation. Edgware was a village until the 1920s, and its long history is still evident in the half-timbered buildings lining its high street. The population recovered by 2006, and it is now approaching the high numbers seen pre-war. What are the top attractions to visit in Greater London? Coulsdon is a town located in Surrey, which has been absorbed by London. Harrow also offers good access to green space, and yes, good schools - state primary and comprehensive schools, not just the public school. It's a family-friendly area, with a high percentage of residents who are children, affordable family homes, and excellent access to green space. There is a wide range of property available here, but many of the properties would be good for families, including the wide selection of terraces, semis, and detached period and modern houses. The closest and furthest boundaries[clarification needed] are with Essex to the northeast between Sewardstonebury next to Epping Forest and Chingford and with the Mar Dyke between Bulphan and North Ockendon. Although the first thing that springs to mind at the mention of Wimbledon is tennis, the area is also known for having a villagey feel, abundant green space, and easy transport into Central London. Greater London is generally a prosperous region, and prosperous areas generally have good GCSE results. Although the term ‘Greater London’ is used to mean many different things, it generally refers to the parts of the capital which lie outside the City of London. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The 2000 and 2004 mayoral elections were won by Ken Livingstone (L), who had been the final leader of the GLC. Religious practice in London is lower than in any other part of the UK or Western Europe and is around seven times lower than American averages. It is popular with families because of the wide range of comparatively affordable family homes and good selection of schools, as well as the good access to green and open space and the countryside. The area is popular with young families in particular, who appreciate the greenery and riverfront, good schools, and Thirties semis as well as the transport links. The built-up area of the Greater London region continues beyond the region's administrative boundary in some places, while stopping short of it in others. Then, with continued economic growth and the expanding networks of public transport, people (particularly the middle-class) would then slowly migrate towards the suburbs, gradually softening the population density gradient. Omissions? Schools in this area are very good, and there is a lot of green and open space for residents to enjoy, from golf courses and riding schools to heathland and playing grounds. Areas to the west of Westminster were increasingly built up for the wealthy, to live in the suburbs of the city. Large colleges include Kingston College, Havering College of Further and Higher Education, and Croydon College. This is due to a number of factors. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.