Langbourn

Langbourn was a historic ward in the City of London, England. It was one of the 26 wards which constituted the ancient governance structure of the City. Its name derives from the "long bourn," a long stream or watercourse that once flowed through the area.

The ward's boundaries shifted over time but typically encompassed an area north of Lombard Street, east of Cornhill, and west of Fenchurch Street. It was a relatively small ward, known for its commercial activity, particularly in banking and finance.

Historically, Langbourn featured a mix of residential and commercial properties. Over the centuries, the residential element diminished as commercial properties became more dominant. The ward was administered by an alderman, who was elected for life by the ward's liverymen (members of the City's Livery Companies). The alderman was responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and representing the ward's interests within the City's governing body, the Court of Aldermen.

The physical landscape of Langbourn has been significantly altered by development and redevelopment, especially following events such as the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the Blitz during World War II. Modern buildings and street layouts now characterize much of the area.

While the ward continues to exist as an administrative division, its practical functions have diminished in recent times as the City of London Corporation has modernized its governance structures. The ward's name, however, remains a historical marker of a specific geographic area within the City of London and evokes a connection to its past as a place shaped by a natural watercourse and centuries of commercial activity.