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London is not located within another modern English county. Most of the capital forms Greater London, which is an official region of England and a ceremonial county. However, the historic City of London has a separate ceremonial status.
The simplest answer is that London is in Greater London. This is usually the correct county to enter when a form requires one.
The full answer is more complicated because parts of present-day London historically belonged to Middlesex, Essex, Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire.
What County Is London In?
London is generally considered to be in the ceremonial county of Greater London. It is not officially part of neighbouring counties such as Essex, Kent, Surrey or Hertfordshire.
Greater London covers the capital’s 32 London boroughs. The City of London, commonly known as the Square Mile, is geographically inside the Greater London region but forms a separate ceremonial county.
The distinction can be summarised as follows:
| Area | Current Status |
| Greater London | An English region and ceremonial county |
| The 32 London boroughs | Local government areas within Greater London |
| City of London | A separate ceremonial county and local authority |
| Central London | An informal geographical description |
| Inner London | A group of boroughs closer to the centre |
| Outer London | A group of boroughs farther from the centre |
For most everyday purposes, the correct short answer is Greater London.
Is London A City, County Or Region?
London can be described as a city, a region and, in certain contexts, a county. These descriptions refer to different geographical and administrative arrangements.
London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. Greater London is also one of England’s nine official regions. For ceremonial purposes, most of the region is treated as the ceremonial county of Greater London.
This means London does not fit neatly into just one category. It is better understood as a large metropolitan area containing multiple local authorities and two ceremonial counties.
London as a City
In everyday language, London refers to the entire capital. This includes the central districts, the surrounding boroughs and the outer suburban areas contained within the Greater London boundary.
However, there is no single local authority called “London City Council”. Local responsibilities are divided between the London borough councils, the City of London Corporation and the Greater London Authority.
London as a Region
Greater London is one of the nine official regions of England. The other regions include the South East, South West, East of England, West Midlands and North West.
Although London is geographically situated in the south-east of England, it is not administratively part of the official South East England region. London forms its own separate region.
London as a County
The 32 boroughs collectively form the ceremonial county of Greater London. The City of London has separate ceremonial arrangements and is not included in the Greater London ceremonial county.
Therefore, saying “London is in Greater London” is normally correct, but it simplifies a more complicated local government structure.
What Is Greater London?
Greater London is the official administrative region covering the modern capital. It was created in 1965 to bring the expanding urban area under a more appropriate local government structure.
The region covers approximately 607 square miles and contains 32 London boroughs plus the City of London.
It stretches from areas such as Enfield and Barnet in the north to Croydon and Bromley in the south. It also extends from Havering in the east to Hillingdon in the west.
The 32 London boroughs are:
| Inner and Central Areas | Outer Areas |
| Camden | Barking and Dagenham |
| Greenwich | Barnet |
| Hackney | Bexley |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | Brent |
| Haringey | Bromley |
| Islington | Croydon |
| Kensington and Chelsea | Ealing |
| Lambeth | Enfield |
| Lewisham | Harrow |
| Newham | Havering |
| Southwark | Hillingdon |
| Tower Hamlets | Hounslow |
| Wandsworth | Kingston upon Thames |
| Westminster | Merton |
| Redbridge | |
| Richmond upon Thames | |
| Sutton | |
| Waltham Forest |
The exact grouping of Inner and Outer London can vary slightly depending on the legal, statistical or policy definition being used. The City of London is usually considered part of Inner London for statistical purposes, although it is not a London borough.
Is Greater London A Ceremonial County?
Yes. Greater London is a ceremonial county covering the 32 London boroughs. A ceremonial county is an area used for the appointment of a Lord Lieutenant, who represents the monarch locally.
Ceremonial counties do not necessarily operate local public services. They are different from administrative counties that have elected county councils.
Greater London does not have a traditional county council. The former Greater London Council was abolished in 1986. The Greater London Authority was later established in 2000 to oversee strategic matters across the capital.
The Greater London Authority is responsible for areas such as:
- Transport strategy
- Strategic planning
- Policing priorities
- Fire and emergency planning
- Economic development
- Environmental policy
- Housing strategy
Day-to-day local services are primarily handled by the individual borough councils and the City of London Corporation.
Why Is The City Of London A Separate County?
The City of London is the historic centre from which the wider capital developed. It covers an area of approximately one square mile, which is why it is often called the Square Mile.
It has maintained a distinctive system of local government for centuries. The City of London Corporation manages the area, while the Lord Mayor of London serves as the head of the Corporation and represents the City’s financial and commercial interests.
The City of London has its own:
- Local authority
- Ceremonial arrangements
- Police force
- Lord Mayor
- Electoral system
- Historic boundaries and traditions
For ceremonial purposes, the City of London is separate from Greater London. It has a Commission of Lieutenancy rather than following exactly the same arrangements as most other English ceremonial counties.
Despite its special status, the City of London remains part of the Greater London region.
What Is The Difference Between The City Of London And London?
The terms “City of London” and “London” do not mean the same thing.
London normally refers to the entire Greater London urban area, including all 32 boroughs and the City of London.
The City of London refers to the small historic and financial district located near St Paul’s Cathedral, the Bank of England and the Tower of London.
The difference can be shown clearly:
| London | City of London |
| Covers the wider capital | Covers approximately one square mile |
| Contains 32 boroughs and the City | Has its own local authority |
| Governed locally by multiple councils | Governed by the City of London Corporation |
| Has the Mayor of London | Has the Lord Mayor of London |
| Population measured in millions | Resident population measured in thousands |
| Includes residential, commercial and suburban areas | Primarily known as a financial and business district |
The Mayor of London and the Lord Mayor of London are also different positions. The Mayor of London is elected to provide strategic leadership across Greater London. The Lord Mayor of London is associated specifically with the City of London.
What Is The Difference Between London And Greater London?
In normal conversation, “London” and “Greater London” are often used interchangeably. Officially, however, Greater London describes the complete administrative region created in 1965.
London may also be used more loosely. Depending on the context, it could mean:
- The entire Greater London region
- Central London
- The City of London
- The continuously built-up urban area
- The wider metropolitan commuter area
Greater London has a legally defined boundary. Informal descriptions such as “the London area” or “the London metropolitan area” may extend beyond that boundary into parts of Essex, Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
A town can therefore have strong transport and economic connections with London without officially being located in Greater London.
When Was Greater London Created?
Greater London was created on 1 April 1965 under changes introduced by the London Government Act 1963.
Before 1965, the administrative boundaries did not accurately reflect the size of the capital. London’s built-up area had expanded significantly into surrounding counties, but many suburban districts were still governed by authorities outside the County of London.
The creation of Greater London brought together:
- The former County of London
- Most of Middlesex
- Parts of Essex
- Parts of Kent
- Parts of Surrey
- A small area historically connected with Hertfordshire
The new region was divided into 32 London boroughs. The City of London retained its separate local government structure.
The Greater London Council was created to manage services across the new area. It operated from 1965 until its abolition in 1986. The Greater London Authority began operating in 2000, restoring a form of strategic government for the capital.
What Was The County Of London?
The County of London was an administrative and ceremonial county that existed between 1889 and 1965.
It was governed by the London County Council and covered what was then the main built-up area of the capital. It included places such as Westminster, Chelsea, Islington, Hackney, Greenwich, Lambeth and Southwark.
However, the County of London was much smaller than modern Greater London. Many places now recognised as London boroughs remained in surrounding counties. Croydon, for example, was in Surrey, while Romford was in Essex and Bromley was in Kent.
As London continued to expand, the County of London boundary became increasingly outdated. It was replaced by Greater London in 1965.
The term “County of London” is now historical and should not normally be used for a modern address.
Was London Previously Part Of Middlesex?
Much of north, west and central London was historically part of Middlesex. However, London as a whole was never entirely contained within Middlesex.
Middlesex covered numerous places that are now recognised as London districts, including:
- Brentford
- Ealing
- Enfield
- Hammersmith
- Harrow
- Hounslow
- Uxbridge
- Wembley
- Willesden
- Tottenham
- Twickenham
The County of London was created from parts of Middlesex, Surrey and Kent in 1889. Middlesex continued to exist outside the County of London until the local government changes of 1965.
When Greater London was established, most remaining Middlesex districts became London boroughs. Middlesex County Council was abolished, although the historic county name did not disappear entirely.
Middlesex is still found in:
- Business and organisation names
- University and school names
- Sports clubs and associations
- Historic documents
- Informal addresses
- Local identities
A person living in Uxbridge or Enfield might still describe the area as Middlesex, but its current administrative location is Greater London.
Which Historic Counties Covered Modern London?
Modern Greater London was created from areas that previously belonged to several counties. This explains why old county names remain common in outer London.
| Modern London Area | Historic County Association |
| Enfield, Harrow, Ealing and Hillingdon | Middlesex |
| Croydon, Sutton and Kingston upon Thames | Surrey |
| Bromley and Bexley | Kent |
| Havering, Redbridge and Barking | Essex |
| Parts of Barnet | Hertfordshire and Middlesex |
| City of London | Separate historic county |
| Westminster and many inner districts | Middlesex before becoming part of the County of London |
| Greenwich and Lewisham | Kent before becoming part of the County of London |
| Lambeth and Southwark | Surrey before becoming part of the County of London |
Some modern boroughs include districts from more than one historic county. Richmond upon Thames, for example, includes places on both sides of the River Thames. Richmond was historically associated with Surrey, while Twickenham was historically in Middlesex.
Modern borough boundaries do not always follow the older county lines.
Is London In Middlesex Today?
London is not officially in the modern administrative county of Middlesex because Middlesex no longer exists as an administrative county.
Middlesex remains a recognised historic county and cultural identity. It may still appear in older addresses and local organisation names, particularly in west and north London.
For current administrative purposes, areas such as Wembley, Uxbridge, Enfield and Hounslow are in Greater London.
When completing a modern form, “Greater London” is usually more appropriate than “Middlesex”, unless the address system automatically displays Middlesex.
Is London In Essex?
London is not in Essex, but several parts of east London were historically located in Essex.
Places with strong historic Essex associations include:
- Romford
- Hornchurch
- Ilford
- Barking
- Dagenham
- Walthamstow
- Chingford
These places became part of Greater London in 1965. Romford and Hornchurch are now in the London Borough of Havering, while Ilford is in the London Borough of Redbridge.
Some residents continue to identify these places with Essex because of historical, cultural or postal traditions. Administratively, however, they are in London.
Areas located immediately outside the Greater London boundary, such as Epping, Brentwood and Loughton, remain in Essex.
Is London In Surrey?
London is not located within the modern county of Surrey. However, several areas of south and south-west London were historically part of Surrey.
These include:
- Croydon
- Kingston upon Thames
- Sutton
- Richmond
- Wimbledon
- Lambeth
- Southwark
- Wandsworth
Some of these places became part of the County of London in 1889, while others remained in Surrey until Greater London was created in 1965.
Croydon, Kingston and Sutton are now London boroughs, even though Surrey continues to be used informally in some addresses and local identities.
Places such as Epsom, Woking, Guildford and Reigate remain in the modern county of Surrey and are outside Greater London.
Is London In Kent?
London is not in Kent, but parts of south-east London were historically within Kent.
Areas with historic Kent connections include:
- Bromley
- Bexley
- Greenwich
- Lewisham
- Woolwich
- Orpington
- Sidcup
Greenwich and Lewisham became part of the County of London in 1889. Bromley and Bexley remained in Kent until the creation of Greater London in 1965.
These areas are now officially part of London. Towns such as Dartford, Sevenoaks and Gravesend remain in Kent because they are outside the Greater London boundary.
Is London In Hertfordshire?
London is not in Hertfordshire. However, parts of the modern London Borough of Barnet were historically associated with Hertfordshire.
Barnet is now officially within Greater London. Towns farther north, including Borehamwood, Watford, St Albans and Potters Bar, remain in Hertfordshire.
The Greater London boundary separates London boroughs from neighbouring county council areas, although the urban landscape may continue across the boundary without an obvious physical break.
Is London Part Of South East England?
Geographically, London is located in the south-east of England. Administratively and statistically, however, London is not part of the official South East England region.
England has nine official regions, including:
- London
- South East
- East of England
- South West
- West Midlands
- East Midlands
- North West
- North East
- Yorkshire and the Humber
London forms its own region. The official South East region surrounds London on several sides and includes counties such as Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
Therefore, it is reasonable to say London is in the south-east of the country geographically, but it should not be described as part of the official South East region.
What County Is Central London In?
Central London does not have one universally fixed boundary. It generally includes areas in and around Westminster, the City of London, Camden, Kensington and Chelsea, Southwark, Lambeth, Islington and Tower Hamlets.
Most of central London is within the ceremonial county of Greater London. The exception is the City of London, which has its own separate ceremonial status.
When a form asks for the county of an address in Westminster, Camden or Kensington, “Greater London” will normally be suitable. For an address inside the Square Mile, “City of London” may be used if the form provides that option.
What County Is Westminster In?
Westminster is in Greater London. It forms part of the City of Westminster, one of London’s 32 boroughs.
The City of Westminster contains many of the capital’s best-known institutions and landmarks, including Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square and much of the West End.
Despite being called a city, Westminster is not a county. It is a London borough with city status.
The City of Westminster should not be confused with the City of London. They are separate local authority areas with different boundaries and governing organisations.
What County Are London Boroughs In?
The 32 London boroughs are within the ceremonial county of Greater London. Each borough has its own council responsible for many local services.
These services usually include:
- Council tax collection
- Local planning applications
- Rubbish and recycling
- Social care
- Housing services
- Local roads
- Libraries
- Environmental health
- Some education responsibilities
The boroughs are not counties themselves. A borough such as Camden, Croydon or Hillingdon is a local government district within Greater London.
The City of London is the exception because it is not a borough and has its own unique local government and ceremonial structure.
Do London Addresses Need A County?
A county is generally not required in a modern London postal address. The most important information is the property number or name, street, post town and postcode.
A typical London address may contain:
Recipient’s name
Building number and street
Locality, if required
LONDON
Postcode
Outer London addresses do not always use “London” as the post town. Places such as Croydon, Romford, Harrow, Uxbridge and Kingston upon Thames have their own postal towns.
Royal Mail stopped requiring postal counties in 1996. As a result, Greater London, Middlesex, Surrey, Essex and Kent are normally unnecessary when the correct postcode is included.
An old county name can sometimes be added without preventing delivery, but it should not replace the correct post town or postcode.
Why Do Some London Addresses Still Use Middlesex, Essex Or Surrey?
Historic county names continue to appear because addresses, organisations and local identities change more slowly than administrative boundaries.
A person may have lived at the same property before and after the 1965 boundary changes. Although the property became part of Greater London, residents and businesses sometimes continued using the old county.
County names also remain common because:
- Older databases still contain them
- Businesses retain long-established addresses
- Residents identify with historic counties
- Some outer London districts do not use “London” as the post town
- Sporting and cultural organisations use historic county boundaries
- Property listings sometimes use familiar county names
The presence of “Essex”, “Kent”, “Surrey” or “Middlesex” in an address does not necessarily mean the property is outside London.
The postcode and local authority provide a more reliable indication of whether an address is within Greater London.
Do London Postcodes Match The Greater London Boundary?
London postcode areas do not match the Greater London boundary exactly.
The familiar postcode districts beginning with N, NW, E, EC, SE, SW, W and WC cover much of the capital, but not all of Greater London. Many outer London addresses use postcode areas associated with surrounding towns.
Examples include:
| Postcode Area | London Places It May Cover |
| BR | Bromley and surrounding districts |
| CR | Croydon |
| DA | Bexley and nearby areas |
| EN | Enfield |
| HA | Harrow |
| IG | Ilford and parts of east London |
| KT | Kingston upon Thames |
| RM | Romford and Havering |
| SM | Sutton |
| TW | Twickenham and Hounslow |
| UB | Uxbridge |
| WD | Parts near north-west London |
Some postcode areas extend across the Greater London boundary. A postcode alone does not always confirm whether a property is in London.
For example, an address can have an Essex-style or Kent-style postcode while still being inside a London borough. Similarly, an address outside Greater London can have close transport connections to the capital.
How Can Someone Check Whether An Address Is In London?
The most reliable method is to identify the local authority responsible for the address.
If the property falls under one of the 32 London borough councils or the City of London Corporation, it is within the Greater London region.
Other useful indicators include:
- The council named on the Council Tax bill
- The local authority shown on official records
- The electoral registration authority
- The borough listed in the address database
- The Greater London boundary rather than the postal county
Postcodes and historic county names can be misleading because they were not designed to represent current local government boundaries.
What County Should Be Entered For London On A Form?
If a form requires a county for a London address, Greater London is usually the safest and most accurate choice.
The best approach depends on the type of form:
| Form Situation | Recommended Entry |
| County field is optional | Leave it blank if the full address and postcode are accepted |
| Address is in a London borough | Enter Greater London |
| Address is within the Square Mile | Enter City of London if available |
| Automated address finder is used | Select the address exactly as displayed |
| System displays an historic county | Use the system-generated version if necessary |
| Overseas form requires a state or province | London or Greater London may be accepted |
A form should not be changed simply to match an old county name if an official address finder provides the correct current address.
What County Should Be Used For A London Business Address?
A London business should normally use the address format recognised by the relevant postal database. The county can often be omitted.
If a county field is mandatory, Greater London is generally appropriate for a registered office or trading address located in one of the London boroughs.
Businesses should avoid assuming that an outer London address belongs to Surrey, Essex, Kent or Middlesex merely because that name is traditionally associated with the area. The local authority and postcode should be checked first.
Consistency is particularly useful when the address appears on business records, invoices, banking documents and company correspondence.
Is A London Borough The Same As A County?
No. A London borough is a local government district, while a county covers a larger geographical or ceremonial area.
For example, Croydon is both the name of a district and the London Borough of Croydon. The borough is within Greater London; it is not a county in its own right.
Similarly:
- Camden is a London borough within Greater London
- Hackney is a London borough within Greater London
- Bromley is a London borough within Greater London
- Hillingdon is a London borough within Greater London
- Havering is a London borough within Greater London
The borough council provides local services, while the Greater London Authority deals with strategic issues across the capital.
Are Towns Outside Greater London Still Part Of London?
Towns outside the Greater London boundary are not officially part of London, even if they are close to the capital or included in its commuter area.
Examples include:
- Watford in Hertfordshire
- Epsom in Surrey
- Dartford in Kent
- Loughton in Essex
- Slough in Berkshire
- Borehamwood in Hertfordshire
- Staines-upon-Thames in Surrey
These towns may be connected to London through rail services, employment, shopping and housing markets. Some may also sit within the wider London built-up or metropolitan area.
However, they are governed by councils outside Greater London and remain part of their respective counties.
Why Does The County Question Cause Confusion?
The question causes confusion because London’s geographical, ceremonial, historical, postal and administrative boundaries do not all match.
A district can simultaneously be:
- Officially within Greater London
- Historically associated with Middlesex, Essex, Kent or Surrey
- Served by a non-London postal town
- Located within a London borough
- Described by residents using an old county name
For example, Romford is officially within the London Borough of Havering and the Greater London region.
It was historically part of Essex and continues to have an RM postcode and Romford post town. Both identities may be used socially, but Greater London is its current administrative location.
Understanding the context is therefore important. The correct answer for a postal address may differ from the historic county identity used by a local sports club or community group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greater London An Actual County?
Yes. Greater London is a ceremonial county covering the 32 London boroughs. It does not have a conventional county council and should not be confused with the wider Greater London region, which also includes the City of London.
Is The City Of London A County?
Yes. The City of London is treated as a separate ceremonial county. It is also a local government area managed by the City of London Corporation.
Is London In Middlesex Or Greater London?
London is officially in Greater London. Middlesex is a historic county name that remains associated with parts of north and west London.
Is Croydon In London Or Surrey?
Croydon is officially in Greater London and forms its own London borough. It was historically part of Surrey, which explains why Surrey may still appear in some older references.
Is Romford In London Or Essex?
Romford is officially in Greater London and forms part of the London Borough of Havering. It was historically in Essex and retains a strong Essex identity.
Is Bromley In London Or Kent?
Bromley is in Greater London and is one of the 32 London boroughs. Before 1965, it was part of Kent.
Is Enfield In London Or Middlesex?
Enfield is a London borough within Greater London. It was historically associated with Middlesex.
Is Westminster A County?
No. Westminster is a London borough with city status. It is situated within Greater London.
Should Greater London Be Written In A Postal Address?
It is not normally necessary. A complete street address, post town and postcode should be sufficient. Greater London can be included when a form makes the county field compulsory.
