In the 2001 census the largest religious groupings are Christian (58.2%).
King Henry Vlll set up the Church of England in 1534. It is still the country's offical church and has many London members.
The city has three great Anglican churches:
- St Paul's Cathedral
- Southwark Cathedral
- Westminster Abbey (where Britain's Kings and Queens are crowned)
Other Religions
The Jewish population is the most heavily concentrated in London, with 56 per cent of the Jewish population of Great Britain living there. London's Jewish community grew in the 19th century, when refugees came from Nazi Germany. London's oldest synagogue is Bevis Marks in the City.
Find out more about the Jewish Religion
Just over half (52 per cent) of Britain's Hindu population live in London. Many of the Indians living in London are Hindus. In 1995 some built a magnificent place of worship in the north-western suburb of Neasden. It is called Swaminarayan Temple, and its many parts were carved from marble and limestone in India, then sent to London to be assembled.
Find out more about the Hindu Religion
Around two fifths of Muslims (38 per cent) live in London. Many members of London's large Islamic community are Bangladeshis and Pakistanis. others such as Arabs and Turks, belong to smaller minority groups. the city's Islamic places of worship, called mosques, range from ordinary local buildings to the impressive Central London Mosque in Regent's Park.
Find out more about the Muslim Religion
31 per cent of the Sikh population live in London.
Of the 149,000 Buddhists living in Britain in 2001, 36 per cent live in London.
Source:
Census 2001, Office for National Statistics
Find out more about Multi Cultural Britain
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