At one point prior to Thatcher, the 32 London boroughs and the City of London were joined in their government functions first as the County of London from 1889 to 1965, then the Greater London Council from 1965 until 1986. During Margaret Thatcher’s government, it was decided to bring London’s government under Parliamentary control and its various functions carried out by … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts and Figures About the Greater London Authority
Politics
Great London Buildings – 10 Downing Street – The London Home of the Prime Minister
Long as it has been amongst the symbols of governmental power in the United Kingdom, "Number 10" as it is known, is also one of the most iconic residences for a world leader. The history of the building itself is just as fascinating as those Prime Ministers who resided within and the historical actions of their governments. Everything from its origins to its design and … [Read more...] about Great London Buildings – 10 Downing Street – The London Home of the Prime Minister
10 Interesting Facts about the British Houses of Parliament You Probably Didn’t Know
Parliament—the houses of power for the British Government. Making laws, debating important issues, and using code words such as “the right honourable member” for “that prat on the other side”. With the English Parliament around since the tenants-in-chief forced King John to sign the Magna Carta, and the British Parliament in existence since 1801, this legislative body has … [Read more...] about 10 Interesting Facts about the British Houses of Parliament You Probably Didn’t Know
Britain’s Richest Street Revealed – Picture Inside
The Daily Mail (we read it for amusement) recently published an article about the most expensive streets in Britain and surprise - the most expensive one is in London. It's a street so exclusive - you can't even go down it for a stroll as it's protected by diplomatic security services. Property on Kensington Palace Gardens is so expensive - it costs £1,193 per square feet … [Read more...] about Britain’s Richest Street Revealed – Picture Inside
Cable Car Across the Thames Faces New Delays
According to the London Politics Blog The Scoop, London Mayor Boris Johnson's plan for a cable car across the Thames are facing delays due to safety fears. According to The Scoop: Plans for a cable car across the Thames have been put on hold after campaigners pointed out that it would cross the “crash zone” around London City Airport Neither Greenwich, Newham nor the Mayor … [Read more...] about Cable Car Across the Thames Faces New Delays
What is Londonism? The Economist Investigates
London has a special place in global geography and recently, the Economist Newspaper (itself based in London) recently investigated what it means for London and coins a new phrase: Londonism. From the article: ONCE the world’s largest port, London’s docklands had become so desolate by the 1980s that Stanley Kubrick used them as a backdrop for his Vietnam war film “Full Metal … [Read more...] about What is Londonism? The Economist Investigates
Biggest Tax Cheat in London: The USA Embassy
For those that don't know, London has a congestion toll for the center of London to discourage people from driving into central London. It keeps the roads clear and the air cleaner. It's a policy that actually works. Despite this - there's one organization that refuses to play ball and pay the congestion charge: the US Embassy. From the Guardian: Boris Johnson is "adamant" … [Read more...] about Biggest Tax Cheat in London: The USA Embassy
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!