London, with its population about 8.000.000 inhabitants is the 9th largest city in the world. It is situated on the Thames and as the capital of both England and Great Britain has a rich ancient history. In the 16th and 17th century its growth was so rapid that Elizabeth 1. and James1. Issued proclamation against any further extension of the town. Another important milestone in the history of London was the Great Fire which broke out in 1666 and destroyed London`s medieval sights. Over three-quarters of the City were burnt down. The rebuilding of the City brought some impovements: main streets were widened, house were of stone. London has the oldest bridge (10th century) and the oldest underground in the world. There are many places of interest. We can see them by walking, or by various means of transport. London famous double-deckers go almost everywhere.
For last transport we can go by the underground. London consists of the City, the East End and the West End. The City is the oldest part of the town where many banks, sights, offices are situated. There you can find beautiful houses for shops, restaurants, theatres, cinemas for the rich. This is the part of luxury, full of lights and advertisement. The East End is not as beautiful as the West End because poor people live there. the streets are narrow and houses are shaby.
Trafalgar Square: is the biggest square in London, called the true heart of London. It was named in honour of the victorious naval battle at Trafalgar in 1805 where Admiral Nelson won over Napoleon. There is a column-Nelson`s Column to commemorate the victory. There are two beautiful fountains tere in which tourists may refresh themselves. There are many pigeons and tourists feed them while resting on the benches. The square is a very popular place for various meeting and demonstrations. At Christmas time a big Christmastree stand there and on New Year`s Eve people gather here at midnight, they sing and dance. There is also the National Gallery in this square. It houses painting by nearly all the great European artists of the past and a large collection of British paintings and sculptures.
The Tower: is the oldest surving place in London.From the 11th century it served many purposes- fortress, a royal palace, aprison (where many kngs and queens and wellknow people were kept and murdered), royal zoo, a treasury. The oldest part is the White tower built as a fortress and family residence by William the Conqueror in 1078.