The City of London covers one square mile and is the financial heart or Britain. It is governed by the City of London Corporation and since 1189 has had its own Lord Mayor and Police Force. The role of Lord Mayor was created in 1189, while the Mayor of London was introduced in the year 2000.
The Corporation of London in turn comprises representatives of the various Livery Companies that have been formed over the centuries. These were originally created to protect the rights and privileges associated with various trades.
Each of the main roads into the City of London are ‘guarded’ by a statue of a Griffin, the legendary guardian of treasure. So if you’re driving down Bishopsgate (one of the traditional gates into the City) and pass the Griffin statue, then you know you’ve entered the City.