2. London is the capital of Great
Britain, its political, economic and
cultural centre. It's one of the
largest cities in the world.
Its population is more than 11
million people. London is situated on
the river Thames. The city is very old
and beautiful. It was founded more
than two thousand years ago.
3. Traditionally London is divided
into several parts:
The City, the West End, the
East End and Westminster.
4. The City is the oldest part
of London, its financial and
business centre.
Here is situated the
Tower of London. The Tower
was built by William the
Conqueror who conquered
England in 1066. It was used
as a fortress, a royal
residence and a prison. Now
it is a museum of armour.
5. In present days, just as
many centuries ago, the
Ceremony of the Keys
takes place at its gates.
Every night when the
guard is changed at each
gate there is the cry:
“Halt! Who goes there?”
Then the guard replies:
“The Keys.” “Whose
Keys?” “Queen Elizabeth’s
Keys!” “Pass, Queen
Elizabeth’s Keys! All’s
well.” And so the Tower
of London is safely closed
for the night.
6. The West End is the
richest and most beautiful
part of London. The best
hotels, shops, restaurants
and theatres are situated
here
7. The East End is
the poorest part of
London. There are a
lot of factories and
docks here.
8. Piccadilly Circus is a square in the
central part of London.
It is called a circus because it is round,
not square like many other places.
9. London’s best – known
theatres and cinemas and
most famous restaurants are
on Piccadilly Circus. In the
square you can see people of
many nationalities and hear a
lot of different languages.
10. Westminster is the historic
centre of government. Not far
away, in Westminster is
Westminster Abbey. It is the
historic building in London.
11. The Abbey was
founded in the 11th
century.
Many English
sovereigns, painters
and poets are buried
here.
12. Across the road from Westminster Abbey
is Westminster Palace, the seat of
the British Parliament.
Its two towers stand high above the city.
13. The higher of the two contains
“Big Ben”. “Big Ben” is the name
of the great bell which strikes
the hour.
14. London has many places of
interest. One of them is
Buckingham Palace. It's the
residence of the Queen. The
English are proud of Trafalgar
Square, which was named so in
memory of the victory at the
battle.
15. Today London is a great political centre,
a great commercial centre, a paradise for
theatre-goers and tourists, but it is also a
very quiet place with its parks and its
ancient buildings, museums and libraries.
