At the time the metropolitan area—commonly called the Metropolis—had its origins in the area of the Bills of mortality that had expanded from the tiny City of London into three surrounding counties[which?]

The area become fixed in 1847 with the addition of Lewisham Poor Law Union and the parish of Hampstead.

[4] In 1855 the Registrar General area, with the addition of Penge, was used to define the district of the Metropolitan Board of Works.

The area was adjusted in 1900 when Penge was transferred to Kent and South Hornsey was gained from Middlesex.

Only the North Woolwich area of Newham fell within the former County of London, however, and the council's advocacy has not borne fruit.

[11] Figures before 1971 have been reconstructed by the Office for National Statistics based on past censuses in order to fit the 2001 limits.

The area's population from World War I began a steady decline as that of Outer London continued to increase.

The war damage and early 20th century slums had physical and psychological hence property price effects and focus on New Towns and suburban development reflected a drive among urban planners for greener, less dense settlements.

10% of public sector employment is focused on Westminster around the Government of the United Kingdom.