The City of London Corporation
The London Archives is funded and managed by the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the Square Mile.
The City of London Corporation
Based in Guildhall, the City Corporation looks after and promotes the City of London. It is headed by the Lord Mayor with the Court of Common Council being its main decision-making body. We are a uniquely diverse organisation, with a role that goes beyond that of an ordinary local authority. We have our own government (the oldest in the country with origins pre-dating Parliament), our own Lord Mayor and independent police force.
As the governing body of the Square Mile, we are dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. We aim to achieve and support the following objectives:
- Diverse Engaged Communities
- Dynamic Economic Growth
- Leading Sustainable Environment
- Vibrant Thriving Destination
- Providing Excellent Services
- Flourishing Public Spaces.
Our extends far beyond the Square Mile’s boundaries and across private, public and voluntary sector responsibilities. This, along with its independent and non-party political voice and convening power, enables us promote the interests of people and organisations across London and the UK and play a valued role on the world stage.
Find out more about the City Corporation’s vision in our Corporate Plan 2024-29.
What the City Corporation is responsible for
We provide local government services for residents and City workers based in the Square Mile, but not those of other London boroughs. However, our unique role means that our reach does extend beyond the City to include:
- More than 11,000 acres of green spaces, including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest
- Billingsgate, Smithfield and New Spitalfields wholesale food markets
- The Heathrow Animal Reception Centre
- Housing across London
- A range of schools and academies
- And we are London’s Port Health Authority