Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think it was England but "The City of London", there is a difference.
There are only three city States in the world, Vatican City. City of London and Washington DC. Each of those city states are separate legal entities and not part of the countries they reside.
Vatican City is not technically part of Italy, City of London is not part of England or even London proper and the same is true for DC
Just read the article from the American Herald that I posted and it does say England and is not specific to London. You may be right however, it was the center of commerce at that time. As for the city state of London, you are correct, even the Queen has to ask permission to enter the boundaries of the City of London. Every year when opening Parliament its been a tradition to exemplify this fact with ceremony when entering the City gates.
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