london is the capital of england and the united kingdom. it is britain's largest and most populous metropolitan area. a major settlement for two millennia, its history goes back to its founding by the romans, who called it londinium. london's core, the ancient city of london, or the 'square mile' financial district, largely retains its medieval boundaries. since at least the 19th century, the name "london" has also referred to the metropolis developed around this core. today, the bulk of this conurbation forms the london region and the greater london administrative area, with its own elected mayor and assembly.[/bockquote]