City of Westminster

City of Westminster is an Inner London borough with city status, located within the Greater London region of England, United Kingdom. It occupies much of the central area of Greater London including most of the West End. Historically, Westminster was part of the county of Middlesex. It is bordered by the River Thames to the south, the Borough of Camden to the east, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to the west. The City of Westminster is home to a large number of notable national and international landmarks.

History

The history of the City of Westminster dates back to the 11th century when Westminster Abbey was built by Edward the Confessor as part of a royal palace complex. Westminster became the seat of the royal court and government, contrasting with the commercial City of London to the east. The Palace of Westminster became the primary residence of the kings of England until a fire in 1512. After the fire, the royal residence moved to the Palace of Whitehall, although the Palace of Westminster continued to be used for parliamentary purposes. In 1965, the borough was officially created from the amalgamation of the Metropolitan Boroughs of St Marylebone, Paddington, and the smaller City of Westminster.

Geography

The City of Westminster covers an area of 21.48 square kilometers. It includes some of London's most prominent areas, including Mayfair, Soho, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly. The geography of Westminster is diverse, featuring residential, commercial, and political districts.

Government

The City of Westminster is governed by the Westminster City Council. It is one of the 32 London borough councils, and it also has city status, which is a rare distinction. The council is responsible for local services such as education, housing, and waste management. The City of Westminster also contains the Houses of Parliament, the seat of the United Kingdom's government, although this is a separate entity from the local government.

Economy

The economy of the City of Westminster is robust and diverse, with significant contributions from the retail, entertainment, and hospitality sectors. Areas such as Oxford Street and Regent Street are among the most famous shopping destinations in the world. Westminster is also a major tourist hub, home to landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Culture and landmarks

The City of Westminster is rich in cultural heritage and landmarks. It houses many of the United Kingdom's most significant cultural institutions, including the National Gallery, the Royal Opera House, and the British Museum (although the main entrance is in the Borough of Camden). The West End of London, known for its theatre scene, is also located within Westminster.

Transport

Westminster is well-served by public transport, with numerous London Underground stations, bus routes, and cycling paths. Major train stations include Victoria Station, Paddington Station, and Charing Cross Station, providing both national and international connections.

Education

The City of Westminster has a range of educational institutions, from primary schools to higher education. Notable institutions include the University of Westminster and the Royal Academy of Music.

See also

• List of schools in the City of Westminster
• Parks and open spaces in the City of Westminster
• List of people from the City of Westminster