Showing posts with label Greenham Close. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greenham Close. Show all posts

Monday, March 17, 2025

"Where is the centre of London?"

Equestrian statue of King Charles I

One of the most common questions that I get asked, when visiting London, is "Where is its centre?"

This is a difficult question to answer, as there is no correct, or true, answer. At least not an answer that will satisfy everyone. 

As London has changed throughout the centuries and its population has grown from 250,000, in 1663, to over 8 million today, its centre is hard to locate.

But, with satellite data, and people 'pinging' their locations, accuracy becomes more important.

So, let's take a look at where the centre of London is... Currently.

London's earliest central point was established, in 1663, with the original Charing Cross. This was erected by King Edward I in honour of his dead queen Eleanor. Today, a plaque marks this spot where all distances to London are measured from. 

Centre of London plaque

The plaque is set into the ground behind the Equestrian Statue of King Charles I, on the traffic island directly south of Nelson's Column. 

However, as London has grown its centre has moved and various people and companies have suggested it to be in different locations.