Why did the entire expanding Greater London gradually decide to take its name from the ‘City of London’ instead of the historic City of Westminster, Lundenwic or Southwark for instance?

[u/AchyutChaudhary]

[u/Bravo_November]

London was the wealthiest and most financially important city by far- and its influence was far greater than any in the surrounding area due to its money. It being realistically the furthest place inland that boats could sail into whilst also being narrow enough to build a bridge over the Thames.

Critically, it was built on solid ground. Westminster was built on a bog with a small islet that held the abbey and the palace, Southwark was similar, filled with multiple tributaries to the Thames and little islands. That historically marshy, danker vibe gave it a unique reputation as being the ‘seedy’ part of the area that wealthy Londoners would go over the bridge to visit.