Lord Mayor of London

William McArthur, Vanity Fair, 1881-10-08

Error creating thumbnail:

Stained glass illustrating Henry Fitz-Ailwin, Guildhall. London

Error creating thumbnail:

Lord Mayor's Show (Canaletto)

Error creating thumbnail:

Admission ticket to Lord Mayor Thomas Gabriel's reception of H.I.M. The Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz Khan at The Guildhall, 18 July 1867 issued to the Chairman of P. & O. Navigation Company

Error creating thumbnail:

LordMayorprocession2011

Lord Mayor of London is a title for the legal and ceremonial head of the City of London Corporation, within the City of London, which is a historic financial district that today forms part of the wider London. Unlike the Mayor of London, who oversees Greater London, the Lord Mayor's role is primarily focused on representing, supporting, and promoting the businesses and residents in the City of London. The position is one of the oldest continuous elected offices in the United Kingdom, having been established in the 12th century.

History

The history of the Lord Mayor of London dates back to 1189, when the first recorded Lord Mayor, Henry Fitz-Ailwin de Londonestone, took office. The role was created to provide the City with a leader who could enforce the King's regulations and protect its interests. Over the centuries, the position has evolved, but it has always played a key role in the governance and economic life of the City of London.

Election

The Lord Mayor is elected annually by the Livery Companies of the City of London, through a process that involves the City's Aldermen. The election takes place at Guildhall, and the chosen Lord Mayor serves for one year, beginning in November with the spectacular Lord Mayor's Show, a parade that celebrates the new Lord Mayor's inauguration. This event is one of the oldest and most well-known public ceremonies in London.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Lord Mayor's duties are primarily ceremonial and social, acting as a representative of the City of London at various events both in the UK and overseas. The role involves promoting the City as a global financial center, supporting its businesses, and attracting investment. The Lord Mayor also presides over the Court of Common Council, the main decision-making body of the City of London Corporation.

Significance

The position of Lord Mayor holds significant ceremonial importance in the United Kingdom. The Lord Mayor has precedence in the City of London over all individuals except the Sovereign. The annual Lord Mayor's Show, which includes a procession through the streets of London, symbolizes the Lord Mayor's allegiance to the Crown.

Official Residence

The official residence of the Lord Mayor is the Mansion House, a grand Palladian building in the heart of the City of London. It is used for some of the City's and the Lord Mayor's official functions and receptions.

Notable Lord Mayors

Throughout its history, the office of Lord Mayor has been held by many notable figures who have contributed significantly to the City's development and reputation as a financial center. These include Sir Thomas Gresham in the 16th century, who founded the Royal Exchange, and more recently, Sir Michael Bear in 2010/2011.

See Also

• City of London Corporation
• Mayor of London
• Livery Companies
• Guildhall, London
• Mansion House, London