OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. About 9 million people live there. The city sits along the River Thames, and people have lived there for nearly 2,000 years since the ancient Romans built a town on that spot.

London is home to Buckingham Palace, where the king lives. Guards in tall furry hats stand outside the palace and are not supposed to smile or move. Big Ben is a famous clock tower that has been keeping time since 1859. The Tower of London is an old castle that once held prisoners and still keeps the royal crown jewels safe inside.

London is in the southeast part of England. It sits on the banks of the River Thames, not far from where the river meets the sea.