LONDON Ontario, seat of Middlesex County located on the Thames River mid way between Toronto and Detroit in South Western Ontario, was incorporated as a city 1854. Settled in 1826, the city is named after London, England. It was damaged by a flood in 1937. Current population is about 350,000. Situated in an agricultural region, the city often referred to as the "Forest City" is vibrant, prosperous and the location of many corporate offices and medical and educational facilities. It also is a manufacturing, distribution, and financial center. Institutions of higher education include the University of Western Ontario (1878) and its affiliated institutions, Huron College (1863), Brescia College (1919), and King's College (1912); and a large community college. Among the city's many museums are the Banting Museum, the McIntosh Gallery (1940), the London Museum of Archaeology, the Royal Canadian Regiment Military Museum (1962), the London Regional Art Museum, Storybook Gardens and a children's museum. Also here is Pioneer Village, a reconstructed mid19th-century community.

Famous Londoners:
Guy Lombardo (1902-1977) bandleader, (naturalized 1937 US). Formed dance band (1920) which, under name Royal Canadians (from 1927), became extremely popular as purveyor of "the sweetest music this side of heaven"; his broadcasts on New Year' s Eve from New York became a national tradition; appeared in films and was a noted international speedboat racer.