Lambeth is a London borough in south London, England, which forms a part of Inner London. Its name was recorded in 1062 as Lambehitha, translating as 'landing place for lambs', and in 1255 as Lambeth. The borough covers an overall area of roughly 10.36 square miles. Lambeth is a long, thin borough, being about three miles (4.8 km) wide and 7 miles (11 km) long. Brixton is its civic centre, and there are other town centres.
The biggest shopping areas are (in order of size) Streatham, Brixton, Vauxhall, Clapham and West Norwood. The borough is the home of the geographical centre of London at Frazier Street close to Lambeth North tube station. In line with population estimates made during 2014, Lambeth has a permanent population of around 318216 inhabitants. In spite of the borough's population density, Lambeth has open spaces. They include Brockwell Park and Lido, Streatham Common, half of Clapham Common, West Norwood Cemetery, Archbishop's Park, Norbury Park, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and Ruskin and Kennington Parks.
Along and around the South Bank, a tourist area has evolved around the previous Greater London Council headquarters of County Hall and the Southbank Centre and National Theatre. Also on the river is the London Eye and Shell Centre. Nearby is St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace as well as the Florence Nightingale Museum. A landmark within the centre of the borough is the Art Deco Sunlight Laundry on Acre Lane. Nearby is Brixton, home of Lambeth Town Hall as well as the Brixton Murals.