In general, the phrase "London" suggests that this poem is a kind of travelogue, a description of a location. That is precisely what it is, but it is a very restricted, or "chartered," as the poet puts it, perspective. The view from London was at least partially controlled by its city fathers, who passed laws regulating trade and behavior. These included restrictions on foreign food, which helped make English cuisine distinctive; the need for clean water; and the prevention of public disorder such as street riots. In addition to being descriptive, the poem also implies that London was the center of the world at that time. It played an important role in the exchange of information, goods, and ideas between England and its colonies. At the end of the 17th century, more than half of all ships sailing between Europe and America were British! Finally, the word "London" has other meanings too. It can be used as a proper name, as in "The London Review" or "The London Times." Or it may refer to one of the many corporations that have control over parts of the city's economy, such as the London Bridge Company or the London Docks Company. In short, the title "London" means different things to different people. But they can all agree that this poem describes a lot of stuff going on in and around the city at the time it was written.