First, let’s get the geography straight. The City of London is not London. It’s a tiny, one-square-mile blob inside the massive sprawl. It’s the ancient Roman core, a walled financial fortress.
It has its own police force. They don’t wear the same hats as the Met. Their motto? “Domine Dirige Nos” — Latin for “Lord Guide Us.”
This one square mile has its own government. It’s called the City of London Corporation. It’s older than Parliament. Yes, older than the country that contains it.
The Lord Mayor: A Guy Who Takes His Job Seriously
Every year, there’s a massive parade called the Lord Mayor’s Show. It’s bonkers. Floats, horses, and a man in a golden carriage.
But here’s the kicker: the Lord Mayor is not the Mayor of London. That’s Sadiq Khan. The Lord Mayor only rules the Square Mile. His title is ancient and quirky.
When the Lord Mayor steps outside the City, he must ask for the Queen’s (now King’s) permission. It’s a medieval rule that still exists. Bizarre, right?
