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London , the capital of the British Empire, and the largest, most populous, and most widely-famed city of the world, lies upon both banks of the river Thames, and on the hills which enclose the river valley, about 50 miles W of the Nore. The dome of St Paul's Cathedral, which stands nearly in the centre of London proper or London city, is situated in 50° 30' 47-55" N lat., and 0° 5' 48.2" W long. of Greenwich. The old city of London is situated wholly in Middlesex, but the town beyond the city limits extends into four counties, Essex and Middlesex on the N, and Kent and Surrey on the S. Articles on many districts of London are dispersed throughout this work. In the present article we shall endeavour to give a comprehensive view of the entire metropolis under the following headings:—