WESTMINSTER, London, England, a metropolitan and Parliamentary borough, for merly the ancient city and Liberty of Westmin ster, which still retains its civic title and certain privileges. Area, 2,502 acres. It is bounded on the south and east by the river Thames; east by the city of London, from which it was separated by the former Temple Bar; north by Holborn, and Paddington, and west by Kensington and Chelsea. It is connected with Lambeth by Vauxhall, Lambeth, West minster and Waterloo bridges. It has the high est valuation of any of the London boroughs (i6,821,491 in 1915), not excepting the Ceti of London. The city contains some of the finest and most imposing buildings in London and teems with historical and literary associations. All the metropolitan royal palaces are within its limits and also Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, a fine modern Roman Catholic cathedral, the principal government buildings, the headquarters of the metropolitan police force, the National Gallery and the Tate Gallery. Burlington House. Somerset House and
the principal theatres and opera-houses. It is divided into three Parliamentary constituencies, each returning one member, Saint George's. Hanover Square, the Abbey and Strand.
The History of Westminster goes back to a very early period. It became a city when, in 1540, Henry VIII made it the see of a bishop, and even though the see was suppressed 10 years later it retained the right to the style of city. The only (Anglican) bishop of Westmin Off was Thomas Thirlby. Since 1831 a branch of the Grosvenor family has borne the title of marquis, and since 1874 of Duke of Went:sin ner. In 1850 a Roman Catholic archiepiscopal see of Westminster was created by L1. the first occupant being Cantina: +\ Pop about 160261. Consult Besant. ‘Weet minster' (1895); Terry, 'Greater Vs • • • •. • iltici9); Waken, 'Westminster) (toes/. zee Lommit.