Bristol is a city, unitary authority and ceremonial county in South West England, 105 miles west of London, and 44 miles east of Cardiff. With an approximate population of 410,950, and urban area of 550,200, it is England's sixth, and the United Kingdom's ninth most populous city, one of England's core cities and the most populous city in South West England. It received a royal charter in 1155 and was granted county status in 1373.