is
on
the
banks
of
the
River
in
southeast
England
.
The
Thames
River
provided
an
essential
source
of
water
,
,
and
transport
for
early
settlers
in
the
.
In
addition
,
the
river
was
a
major
trade
route
that
London
to
the
North
Sea
and
other
important
and
allowed
for
exchanging
goods
and
ideas
with
other
parts
of
the
.
London's
position
on
the
Thames
made
it
a
location
for
military
defence
.
The
river
provided
a
natural
barrier
against
potential
invaders
.
addition
,
the
city's
access
to
the
English
and
the
Sea
made
it
a
crucial
point
for
controlling
sea
trade
routes
.
London's
proximity
to
the
southeast
coast
of
England
also
made
it
a
natural
centre
for
trade
and
commerce
.
The
city's
access
to
international
trade
allowed
for
the
exchange
of
goods
and
ideas
with
other
of
the
world
,
contributing
to
its
economic
and
development
.
Over
time
,
London's
advantageous
location
and
its
access
to
resources
,
trade
routes
,
and
transport
networks
helped
establish
it
as
a
significant
economic
,
political
,
and
cultural
centre
in
England
and
the
Kingdom
.
In
addition
,
the
city
home
to
many
important
institutions
,
including
the
royal
palace
,
the
seat
of
government
,
and
a
thriving
cultural
scene
that
attracted
artists
,
,
and
entrepreneurs
worldwide
.
These
geographical
factors
,
along
with
other
,
political
,
and
cultural
factors
,
have
contributed
to
the
development
of
London
into
the
vibrant
and
diverse
city
it
is
today
.