Standard Visitor visa requires online application and visa centre appointment. Applications can be submitted up to 3 months before travel. Some nationalities don't need visa or ETA for up to 6 months
London grew from three distinct centers: Roman settlement, Southwark, and Westminster. City retained medieval boundaries while suburbs developed independently. Population exceeded one million by 1800, reaching 6.5 million by 1900. Physical expansion spanned 30 miles from east to west by 1950
UK joined EU in 1973, becoming only member state to withdraw. 1975 referendum showed 67.2% support for continued EC membership. Eurosceptic groups existed throughout UK's EU membership period
First minted as testoon in 1503-1504, named after Italian testone coin. Value of shilling set by Normans after English conquest. First coins featured real monarch portraits on obverse
Pound sterling emerged in England around 800 as a unit of account. King Offa of Mercia introduced first sterling coin in 757. Initially divided into 240 silver pence, later standardized to 240 silver coins
UK comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Total area is 94,354 square miles, population over 68.2 million (2023). London is capital with 14.9 million inhabitants. English is world's most widely spoken language