In April, I’ll be posting 26 blogs, one for every letter of the alphabet. I write historical romance set in Regency England, and I’m offering a brief lexicon of words to help you understand the story world of my Regency characters. Follow the links for more in depth information.

C is for The City

Flag of the City of London

Reading about a Regency character visiting the City was always confusing to me, until I understood that the City is a specific, geographical area, the commercial and banking center of London with a distinct governance.

Lord Mayor presenting city sword to His Majesty on his procession to St Paul’s, 1789

The City of London Corporation‘s first royal charter dates to 1067. In 1189, the Corporation was granted the right to elect a Mayor. The subtleties of administration and traditions are hard for this Yank to fathom, but if you see this term used, know that the character is entering the old Roman part of London, probably to engage in some financial or legal business.

Questions? Comments? Visit tomorrow for the letter D!

Images: badge, a-to-zchallenge.com; all others, Wikimedia