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 365,000. 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, Fanshawe College. Among the city's many museums are the Banting Museum, the McIntosh Gallery (1940), Museum of Ontario Archaeology (1933), the Royal Canadian Regiment Military Museum (1962), the Museum London (Regional Art, Exhibitions), Storybook Gardens, The Banting House National Historic Site and a the London Children's Museum. Also here is Fanshawe Pioneer Village, a reconstructed mid-19th-century community.
London's festivals contribute to its tourism industry, but its economic activity is centred on education, medical research, insurance, and information technology. London's university and hospitals are among its top ten employers. London lies at the junction of Highway 401 and 402, connecting it to Toronto, Windsor, and Sarnia. It also has an international airport, train and bus station.

Famous Londoners:

Frederick Banting (1891-1941) doctor and Nobel laureate noted as one of the main discoverers of insulin
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.

More current Londoners:
David Suzuki, Eric Lindros, Karen Baldwin, Justin Bieber