Amidst the often toxic political debates about immigration and asylum seekers, it can be overlooked that we are a nation of international heritage - and have been for millennia.
Here we celebrate just 10 examples of the millions of people who have found sanctuary in the capital city of this drizzly little island, and look at what they have added to society.
Most of us will contribute in our own small ways during our lives, but some will go on to become Olympians, pop stars, actors, politicians or business leaders.
And that is no different among those who find asylum by travelling here to escape from war-torn nations and despotic regimes.
Whether it is Sir Mo’s incredible, gold-medal exploits on the track, the tale of The Tiger Who Came To Tea or the talented singers behind Bohemian Rhapsody, Don’t Stop Me Now or Your Song we have a lot to be thankful for.
Their contributions stretch from our dinner tables, to our incredible range of restaurants, to music venues and theatres and the seats of power.
London is a diverse, cosmopolitan metropolis due to the arrival of people from around the world.
LondonWorld is proud to celebrate that here.
9. Zoë Wanamaker - actor
While people seek refuge from different circumstances all around the world, perhaps a more unusual example is Zoë Wanamaker, whose family resettled from New York to London. In 1952, at the height of McCarthiyism, her father, the actor and director Sam Wanamaker was blacklisted for his communist views. After training at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Zoë joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and won two Olivier Awards in 1979 and 1998 for her performances. Her father played a huge role in restoring Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and in 1997 Zoë was the first person to speak on its stage. She became a British citizen in 2000. (Picture: Max Nash/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
10. Lucian Freud – painter
Born to a Jewish father in Berlin, and the grandson of famous psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud, Lucian Freud fled to London in 1933 with his family to escape Nazi Germany. He was expelled from Bryanston School, Dorset, for disruptive behaviour but did better as an art student in London at Central Saint Martin’s then Goldsmith’s. He established himself as one of the leading figurative British artists, forming part of “The School of London” of which Francis Bacon and Frank Auerbach were also members. (Picture: Scott Wintrow/Getty Images) | Getty Images