London

London is situated on both banks of the river Thames. About 9 millions people live here. London – capital city of England and Great Britain is a city of traditions, historic buildings, theaters, parks and interesting museums. Central London consists of 3 main areas : The City, Westminster, The West End.

THE CITY is oldest part of London. It is the business centre of london, too.
Saint Paul`s Cathedral is the principal church of the City of london. It was built by the famous English architect Sir Christopher Wren. It is one of the largest cathedral in the world. Several great men are buried here (W. Churchil).
By the Thames there is the Tower of London, one of the oldest and most famous building in Britain. The Crown Jewels are kept here and there is also an exptionally fine collection of arms.
The bridge next to the Tower of London is Tower Bridge. It opens in the middle to let ships pass through. Tower of London belongs to the Queen, although she never lives here.
The Monument – this memorial was built in 1671 – 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666. Great Fire destroyed a large part of London. Most of the City. The fire broke up in a baker`s shop. There were a lot of wooden houses so the flames spread fast. The column is 202 feet high. When you climb up you can see many interesting building around.

WESTMINSTER
There are several Royal Palaces and Government offices. Westminster Abbey is the centre of this area. It is a Gothic Church. English kings and queens have been crowned in the Abbey. Many distinguish people have been buried here. There is also Poet`s Corner where several English poets are buried.
Close by Westminster Abbey is Palace of Westminster known as Houses of Parliament. During the time Parliament is in session a flag flies at the top of the Big Ben tower clock. the bell weighs 13,5 tons and was named after one of the ministers in the middle of the alst century Sir Benjamin Hall. He was nicknamed „Big Ben“ because he was very tall.
Buckingham Palace – the London residence of the British royal family. Every day at 11,30 the Queen`s Guard in full dress uniform perform the ceremony of changing the guards. The royal standard is flown when the sovereign is in residence.
The residence of the British Prime Minister can be found at 10 Downing Street. There is the Cabinet room – a long white room where Cabinet meetings are held.
Trafalgar Square is one of the largest squares in London.

It was named after Admiral Nelson`s victory over French fleets in Trafalgar bay. His statue stands up on a column. The square is the place of meetings and demonstrations. At Christmas time a big Christmas tree stands here.

THE WEST END
- is famous for shops and entertaintment. There are such well known streets as Piccadilly. Piccadilly Circus is very famouse square in the heart of London. In the middle there is a statue of Eros – the God of love.
Regent`s Street and Oxford Street are shoping centres. In the centre of West End there is China Town (Soho) where you can taste traditional Chinese food in its typical restaurants. London has many galleries. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is the best known. It contains Britain`s best collection of paintings. Just behind the National Gallery there is the National Portrait Gallery in which portrait of British monarchs can be seen. There are many theatres in London. Most of them are the West End in the neighbourhood of Piccadilly Circus. The National Theatre is the newest theatre in London. The Royal Opera House is simply called Covent Garden. The best British and foreign opera, ballet and danceres perform at Covent Garden.
The Royal Albert Hall and the Royal festival hall are the finest concerts hall in London. Among the most famous London museums, the Victoria and Albert museum, and the british museum should be mentioned. Thousand of visitors visit Madam Tussaud`s museum every year. Waxwork of famous people from all over the world can be found there.
London has a large number of parks and gardens. The best knoen are St. Jame`s Park, Buckingham Palace Gardens, Hyde Park, Regent`s Park and Kensington Gardens.
Hyde Park is the largest of the royal parks. It has its attractions – a little lake (the Serpentine) and the Speaker`s Corner where anybody can make a public speech about any topic.
London is an important centre of transport. There are 2 airports : Heathrow and Gatwick.
Greenwich – the universal meridian passes through the old building of the observatory.

Do you know that :
- Trooping the colours is a military pageant held in London each year to mark the Queen`s Official Birthday. It consist of music and marching.
- Normal London buses are red double – deckers. They have a driver and usually a conductor, to when you pay the fare. Buses which serve the surrounding country districts are green.