London: Context and Location

London is not just the UK's capital city — it is one of the most important cities on the planet. With a population exceeding 9 million (and a metropolitan area of over 14 million), it is the largest city in Western Europe and one of only a handful of truly global cities. For the Edexcel B specification, London serves as the key case study for the "Dynamic UK Cities" section. You need a thorough understanding of its physical setting, historical development, population characteristics, and economic significance.

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Physical Geography

London's location was not chosen at random. Its physical geography has been fundamental to its growth over two millennia.

The River Thames

The River Thames is the defining physical feature of London. It flows 346 km from its source in the Cotswolds through the city to its estuary in the North Sea. The Thames has shaped London's development in several critical ways:

Role	Explanation
Trade route	For centuries, the Thames was London's highway — goods from across the world were brought upriver to the docks
Water supply	Historically (and still partially today), the Thames basin provides drinking water for millions
Defence	The Tower of London and other fortifications were built along the river
Transport	River buses, bridges, and tunnels cross the Thames; it remains a transport corridor
Flooding risk	The Thames has flooded central London multiple times; the Thames Barrier was built in 1984 to prevent this

Flood Risk

London faces significant flood risk from two sources:

1. Tidal flooding — the Thames is tidal up to Teddington Lock. A storm surge in the North Sea can push water upriver. The devastating 1953 North Sea flood killed 307 people in the UK and was a key reason for building the Thames Barrier.
2. Surface water flooding — London's heavily built-up surface means rainwater cannot soak into the ground. Intense rainfall can overwhelm the Victorian-era drainage system, causing flash flooding. In July 2021, parts of London experienced severe flash flooding with roads, hospitals, and Tube stations submerged.

The Thames Barrier at Woolwich has been operational since 1984. It has been closed over 200 times to prevent tidal flooding. However, rising sea levels due to climate change mean it will need to be replaced or upgraded by 2070.

Exam Tip: The Thames Barrier is an excellent example to use when discussing urban flood management. Know the key facts: opened 1984, located at Woolwich, closures increasing in frequency, lifespan expected to 2070.

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Population

London's population has fluctuated dramatically over the centuries.

Year	Population	Key Factor
1801	~1 million	Start of rapid industrial growth
1901	~6.6 million	Peak of the British Empire; London as the world's largest city
1939	~8.6 million	Pre-WWII peak
1981	~6.8 million	Decades of decline due to suburbanisation, deindustrialisation, bomb damage
2001	~7.3 million	Reurbanisation begins; immigration increases
2023	~9.1 million	Continued growth driven primarily by immigration

Population Characteristics

• Young population — London has a younger average age (~36) than the UK average (~40) because it attracts young workers and students.
• Diverse — over 300 languages are spoken in London. Approximately 37% of London's population was born outside the UK.
• Unequal — London contains some of the UK's wealthiest areas (Kensington, Richmond) and some of its most deprived (Barking, Tower Hamlets).

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Historical Growth

Understanding why London grew where it did requires looking at its history.

Roman London (43–410 AD)

The Romans founded Londinium around 43 AD on the north bank of the Thames, at the lowest point where the river could be bridged. This strategic crossing point — roughly where London Bridge stands today — became the nucleus of the city.

Medieval London (410–1500)

London became the largest and wealthiest city in England. The City of London (the "Square Mile") developed as a centre of trade and commerce, while Westminster became the seat of royal and political power. This dual structure persists today.

Industrial London (1750–1900)

The Industrial Revolution transformed London. The docks (West India, East India, Surrey, Royal Docks) handled goods from across the British Empire. Railways radiated outwards, enabling suburbanisation. The population exploded from 1 million to over 6 million in a century.

Twentieth Century

Two World Wars caused enormous damage (the Blitz of 1940–41 destroyed large areas of the East End). Post-war reconstruction, slum clearance, and the creation of the Green Belt (1947) reshaped the city. The closure of the docks in the 1960s–80s led to severe deprivation in East London.

Twenty-First Century

Regeneration projects — especially Canary Wharf, the Olympic Park, and King's Cross — have transformed former industrial areas. London has re-established itself as a truly global city.

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Global City Status