City of Westminster, London

The Political, Royal and Cultural Heart of the Nation

The City of Westminster is one of London's most iconic and significant areas, known for its rich history and monumental landmarks. It is one of the two boroughs within Greater London with city status, the other being the City of London. Located just west of the City of London and north of the River Thames, Westminster is at the heart of British politics and royal history.

Visitors flock to Westminster to see the seat of the British Government, where the famous Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, stands. Within this iconic building is the clock tower that houses Big Ben, the world-renowned bell (though the tower itself is often mistakenly referred to as Big Ben). This landmark, along with its surroundings, has become a symbol of Britain worldwide.

Westminster is also home to other key sites, such as Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, Whitehall, Downing Street (the Prime Minister's residence), and the Royal Courts of Justice. The borough is a living testament to both the history and the political power of the UK.

The City of Westminster borough was formed in 1965 through the merging of the Metropolitan Borough of St Marylebone, the Metropolitan Borough of Paddington, and the previously smaller City of Westminster, which was granted city status on 29 October 1900. This new entity traces its roots back to 1541 when the original City of Westminster was created as the seat of the Diocese of Westminster. Although the diocese was suppressed in 1550, the term "city" continued to be used unofficially.

Neighbourhoods of the City of Westminster

The borough spans from the southern edge of Oxford Street to Bayswater Road, making it one of the most vibrant and diverse areas in London. It is home to an eclectic mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces.

Prominent districts within Westminster include Bayswater, Covent Garden, Holborn, Knightsbridge, Lisson Grove, Maida Vale, Marylebone, Millbank, Paddington, Queen's Park, St James's, Soho (including Chinatown), Theatreland, and the West End. According to the 2001 census, the population of Westminster was 181,279.

The City of Westminster is also well-connected, with major railway stations such as Charing Cross, Marylebone, Paddington, and Victoria, as well as 27 tube stations serving 10 of the 12 Underground lines, making it one of the most accessible areas in the city.

The streets in the City of Westminster that I have described are marked in the map below in red. To read about the street, point your cursor to the red line and click.