The BBC’s tribute page for the victims of the July 7 bomb attacks caught my eye this morning. Most have pictures and testimonies from family and friends; while it’s obvious that the obituaries dwell on strengths rather than failings, it is a touching memorial for those who died.

What also struck me was the rich diversity of those struck down. Death’s scythe took young and old, male and female and from a whole range of tribes and tongues. Come to this city and you travel the world. Alas for those journeys that have ended in tragedy and those smiling faces brought to bitter end but may London be one of those places in the world where understanding can be woven across the cosmopolitan tapestry despite such setbacks.

Tags: London, BBC, bombs, cosmopolitan