London

London is the capital of Great Britain and England. It is a city of traditions, historical buildings, theaters, parks and interesting museums. About 9 million people live in London and its suburbs. The river Thames flows through London and divides it into two parts.
Central London consists of three main areas: the City, Westminster and West End.
The City is the oldest with the Tower and the Tower Bridge. In the past the Tower used to be a fortress, a royal palace, and a prison. Now it is a museum of arms and also the place where the crown jewels are kept. The Tower Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in London. Not far from the Tower, stands the greatest of English churches, St. Paul’s Cathedral, built by Sir Wren. Great men of England, such as Wellington or Nelson are buried here.
The second area is Westminster with its Royal Palaces and Government offices. The centre of this area is Westminster Abbey, which has been the coronation church of almost all English kings and most of them are buried there. Close by Westminster Abbey stands the Palace of Westminster known as the Houses of Parliament. The Houses of Parliament are the seat of the British parliament. During the time Parliament is in session a flag flies at the top of the Big Ben tower clock which is famous for its accuracy and for its 13-ton bell.
Another place of interest for visitors of London is Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the British royal family. Every day at 11.30 the Queen’s Guard in full dress uniform performs the ceremony of changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The royal standard is flown when the sovereign is in residence.
The third area of central London is the West End, famous for shops and entertainment. We can find most of London’s theatres, cinemas and nightclubs there. There are such well known streets as Piccadilly, Bond Street, Regent’s Street, Carnaby Street and Oxford Street. One of the most interesting streets of London, where especially young people like to wander, is Carnaby Street. It is full of shops offering the latest fashion.
London’s East End used to be a slum and is historically associated with the Cockney dialect.
One of the largest London squares is Trafalgar Square with the statue of Admiral Nelson in the middle. There are the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery near the square. Among the most famous London museums the Victoria and Albert museum, the British museum and Madam Tussaud’s museum should be mentioned.
London has a large number of parks and gardens. St. James’s Park is the smallest but the oldest of London’s royal parks. Hyde Park is the largest of the royal parks. It attractions are e.g. a little lake or Speaker’s Corner, where anybody can make a public speech about any topic. To the best known count also the Buckingham Palace Gardens and Regent’s Park.
London is an important centre of transport. The world’s first electric underground was opened in London in 1890. There is also the London International Airport Heathrow.