Now the world’s most important financial centre, the tight knit network of medieval streets known as the Square Mile, once housed not only all the City’s commercial ventures but also London’s entire population.

As London expanded, especially from the early eighteenth century, the City became increasingly commercial. In 1901 the residential population was 30,000 but by 1990 it had declined to a low of 4,500 mainly housed at the Barbican.

The table below shows that by the Millennium this number is predicted to have increased by as much as 80% as the City once again establishes itself as a noteworthy residential address.

With the shortage of development sites in London’s more established residential areas, but a plethora of too-small and outdated commercial buildings in the centre (especially 60s & 70s office blocks) it is perhaps surprising that developers have taken so long to recognise the potential of the City as a place where people want to live.

The combination of 1990’s working hours and the strains of commuting on an historically under-funded transport system have persuaded increasing numbers of professional and business high-flyers to look for homes close to their work where they can enjoy all the amenities of a metropolitan environment.

One of the first residential developments was at Little Britain. House builder, St George created 143 new homes London (some behind an original facade) whilst retaining the oak-panelling architraves and staircases of the original buildings.

Berkeley Homes are creating 150 homes in Ludgate Hill, Bunhill Row, Monument, Carthusian Street, Fleet Street and Trinity Square. Barratts have sold 224 new homes in Aldersgate Street, Pemberton Row and Globe View, Upper Thames Street.

All these homes, though new are located in areas steeped in history and residents can enjoy not only the comfort of high specification finishes and original features but also the social and leisure facilities the city can now offer, including the Barbican Arts Centre, excellent health clubs and superb restaurants and bars.

Shopping is also easy. The new Marks & Spencer in Moorgate is open at the weekend, there is Tesco Metro at Cheapside, Safeway at the Barbican and clusters of stores around Leadenhall Market, Cheapside, Liverpool Street and Fleet Street, all opening longer hours to serve the growing population.

Thus today’s City is much more than the financial centre. The quality of life now attainable places it firmly among the finest places to live in London.