London

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.

Traditionally London is divided into several parts: The City, the West End, the East End and Westminster.

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.

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.

The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. The best hotels, shops, restaurants and theatres are situated here

The East End is the poorest part of London. There are a lot of factories and docks here.

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.

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.

Westminster is the historic centre of government. Not far away, in Westminster is Westminster Abbey. It is the historic building in London.

The Abbey was founded in the 11th century. Many English sovereigns, painters and poets are buried here.

Across the road from Westminster Abbey

is Westminster Palace, the seat of

the British Parliament.

Its two towers stand high above the city.

The higher of the two contains “Big Ben”. “Big Ben” is the name of the great bell which strikes the hour.

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.

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.