Why London, England Was Named After London, Ontario, Not York

It's a curious fact that the English city of London was named after the city of London in Ontario, Canada, rather than the city of York, which is the capital of Ontario. This article delves into the reasons behind the naming and the historical context of these cities.

The Roman Legacy: Londinium

The city of London, England has its roots in the Roman Empire. The Romans invaded Britain and established a settlement in what is now London in the 1st century AD. They named this settlement Londinium, a name that gradually evolved into London as the city grew and the Roman influence waned.

The Naming of London, Ontario

When the British began their settlement in what is now Ontario, they named the city after the famous Roman site, not York. In 1793, British Army General John Graves Simcoe chose the name London for the new settlement, which was founded to serve as the capital. The decision to name it after London, England, rather than York, was likely due to the strategic decision to align the new colony with English culture and tradition.

York: The Canadian City

York is the capital of the province of Ontario in Canada. However, York was not the first choice for the city that later became known as Toronto. The city's original name was Banting, but it was soon changed to Toronto. Interestingly, the name York is a recognition of the Canadian Vikings, who founded a settlement called Jorvik near York in the 10th century. Over the years, the name Jorvik became corrupted to York. York is now known for its rich historical heritage, including the Jorvik Museum, which recreates the original Viking village.

The Capital Discrepancy

Another interesting aspect of these city names is their capitals. While London, England, is the largest city in the United Kingdom, its counterpart in Ontario, Canada, is not its capital. The capital of Canada is actually Ottawa. This highlights the confusion and potential misinterpretation that can arise when discussing political geography and historical naming conventions.

Historical Complexities

It's important to note that the naming of these cities reflects historical complexities. The city of Toronto, for example, was founded by British settlers but took its name from a Huron-Iroquois village. Similarly, the city of Ottawa is named after the Algonquian nation, the Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) who refer to it as Ad Awata ('toward the place of confessing' or 'peace and clarity place').

These historical facts showcase the diverse cultural and historical influences that shape the naming of places. While London, England, was named after the Roman Londinium, it is not the only city to bear an English name in a different part of the world. The naming of cities is complex and often reflects the cultural and historical ties between different regions and peoples.

Conclusion

The naming of cities is a fascinating subject that often reveals much about historical events, cultural influences, and the evolution of languages. While London, Ontario, was named after London, England, and not York, the story of both cities is rich with historical significance and underscores the interconnectedness of global history.