City status in the United Kingdom can be associated with having a cathedral or a university, a particular form of local government, or having a large population.
Although any of these might be used to justify the popular use of the term ‘city’, in formal terms UK city status is granted by the monarch, on the advice of ministers.
There are 76 cities in the UK – 55 in England, eight in Scotland, seven in Wales and six in Northern Ireland – includes the six new cities created in the UK during the Queen’s Jubilee in May 2022.
It is well established that London is the biggest city in the UK – containing more then ten million residents.
Brighton ranks within the top twenty on the list. The seaside location was granted city status in 2021; and sees itself ranked above Swansea, Southampton and Stoke-on-Trent with a population of more than 270,000.
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But what are the smallest cities in the UK? And where does Sussex’s oldest city Chichester rank with it’s population of less then 30,000?
According to the stats gathered by UK Population Data, here are the top 10 cities by population in the United Kingdom.
9. Ely - 20,256
With a population of 20,256, Ely is built on a 23-square-mile of Kimmeridge Clay island in East Cambridgeshire district. Rugby World Cup 2003 winning manager Clive Woodward was born in the city. Photo: Google Maps
10. Chichester - 26,795
With a population of 26,795, Chichester is the only city in West Sussex and is the county town. Chichester was one of the fortified towns established by Alfred the Great in 878-9. Photo: Google Maps
11. Newry - 29,946
With a population of 29,946, Newry is found on the main route between Belfast and Dublin. The city is an entry to the "Gap of the North", five miles from the border with the Republic of Ireland. Photo: Google Maps