London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom. It is the 9th largest city in the world - it´s population is about 10 million. London is situated on the river Thames in south-east England. The Romans came to London in 43 A. D. They built a small town on the Thames, its name was Londinium. In 1066 William the Conqueror came to England. He came from Normandy after the battle of Hastings. He became the King of England. On Sunday 2nd September 1666, there was a great fire, which destroyed almost all the city.

There are many places of interest. We can see them by walking or going by various means of transport. London´s famous red double-deckers go almost everywhere. To be faster, we can use the underground. It´s the oldest underground in the world. There are also 3 airports in London (the most important are Heathrow and Gatwick).

How I have said, in London we can find a lot of places of interest. We can start our sightseeing tour in centre on Piccadilly Circus. When we walk from Piccadilly Circus threw Regent street and Oxford Street which are the most famous shopping centres, we come to Hyde park, which is the largest green park in London..

From Hyde park, we can go to Buckingham Palace. It is the Queen’s residence in London. Here is one of the biggest London’s parades - Changing the Guard. Near the Buckingham Palace there is the Victoria Station. Victoria station is railway station, where the trains from France threw the Channel tunnel come. When we go threw Victoria street, we come to Westminster Abbey. It was founded in the 11th  century. Britain´s Kings and Queens have been crowned here and many of them are buried here.. It is an excellent example of gothic architecture.

Then we can visit The Houses of Parliament. They are in gothic style but they were built only in 1840 after the old building had burnt down. The only part which escaped the fire was Westminster Hall. There is also a famous clock-tower with Big Ben and its characteristic bell-ringing. The best photo you can take from  the Westminster Bridge.

Then we can go along Whitehall, in which takes place Horse Guards Parade, come we to the Downing Street 10, which is the official home of British Prime Ministers since 1731. At the end of Whitehall is Trafalgar Square. It was named after Admiral Nelson’s victory over Napoleon. Here is a Nelson’s statue. This place is very popular place for demonstrations and meetings. At Christmas time a big Christmas tree stands here.

One part of London is called The City. It is the oldest part of London around St. Paul´s. There are many banks e. g. the Bank of England. St. Paul´s Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. This great renaissance dome is the work of the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren and it was built in the 17th  century after the great fire. The Cathedral is known for its Whispering Gallery.

The next interesting place is The Tower of London. It was built in the 11th century. It served as royal palace first, then prison and fortress. It is a museum now. The Crown Jewels are kept here. Tower Bridge is one of the most famous symbols of London. It was built only in the last century. It can open in the middle and let large ships go through.

The British Museum is the largest museum in the world. There is a collection of Egyptian mummies and antiquities from ancient Greece. The admission is free. The Post Office Tower is the tallest building in Great Britain. It is 190 m high.

With 40 theatres and music halls London is the centre of cultural life. The most important are: The National Theatre, The Royal Festival hall and The Royal Albert Hall. In Kew Gardens we can find the largest collection of living plants in the world. Greenwich is the seat of the National Maritime Museum.