Angličtina

22. LONDON

31. 1. 2010

22. LONDON

- Situated in southeast England on the river Thames

- It is the largest city in Europe

- The population of London is about 7 million. London is multiethnic: there were two main groups of immigrants in the past: the first group of people came from Asia, the second group were black people (from Africa and from the Caribbean – the Jamaicans brought here their Rastafarian well known for reggae artists such as Bob Marley)

- In the centre is Central London – it includes the City of London (the heart of the city), the City of Westminster (the seat of the government), the West End

- In 1666 there was a devastating fire. Most of the City was destroyed and had to be rebuilt

The City of London

- It is the financial centre: the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange are situated here

- It is also the historical centre of London and its oldest part. The Romans founded the town called „Londinium“ in 43 AD

- historical monuments:

· Saint Paul´s Cathedral – designed by English architect Christopher Wren – he built a new church because the original church was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles had their wedding here. The cathedral is known for its Whispering Gallery: you can clearly hear what is whispered on the opposite side a hundred feet far from you!

The Tower of London – a large castle complex. It was founded by William the Conqueror. It served as a palace, then as a prison, and a fortress. It is a museum now. Crown Jewels are kept here – guarded by Beefeaters in their traditional uniform

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Tower Bridge – one of the symbols of London. It can open in the middle and let large ships go through. Inside the Bridge there is an exhibition about the history of the Bridge.

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The City of Westminster

· Its „heart“ is Westminster Abbey – it is used for state occasions such as royal coronations and funerals. More than 3.000 important people are buried here.

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Next to Westminster Abbey are the Houses of Parliament: huge buildings in Gothic style. At the end is St. Stephen´s Tower with the famous clock and the bell called „Big Ben“ – its voice is broadcast as the BBC time signal

· The Monarch´s residence: Buckingham Palace. Nowadays, it is the seat of Queen Elisabeth II. Changing the Guard in front of the Palace is a big parade.

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London Eye – the largest Ferris Wheel in Europe. It is located near the Houses of Parliament. You have a wonderful view over London from the top of the Wheel.

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Trafalgar Square – was named after the Battle of Trafalgar: Admiral Nelson defeatet Napoleon Bonaparte (1805). There is a high column with Nelson´s statue on the top. There are fountains and also pigeons (people like to feed them). It is a favourite place for meetings and demonstrations. On New Year´s Eve people gather here at midnight and they sing and celebrate.

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In Trafalgar Square is the building of the National Gallery – with paintings by great European artists. The admission is free!

The West End

· Covent Garden – the center of shopping and entertainment. There is the Royal Opera House and lots of theatres, then lots of cafes, cinemas, restaurants and bars and a large market.

· Piccadilly Circus – another center of entertainment (cafés, restaurants, shops). In the middle is the Statue of Eros (the God of Love), buildings have neon signs with advertisements on them.

· The British Museum - is the biggest museum in the world: it houses big collections of animals, minerals and rocks, antiquities from ancient Greece and Rome, Egyptian mummies etc. The admission is free.

Royal Parks of London

· St. James´s Park

· The Regent´s Park

· Kensington Gardens

· Hyde Park – famous for its Speaker´s Corner where everyone can have a speech

Hyde Park gates

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