13 London and Washington, D.C.

Other than tea, other famous British drinks are: beer; cider; ginger ale; gin; port; and whisky.

Historical sights and interesting places

Parliament is one of the most prestigious buildings in London. Its predecessor was Westminster Palace. It was built during the reign of King Edward and extended during that of William the Conqueror. It is a 286 m long Gothic complex flanked by the 99 m Victoria Tower and 97 m Clock Tower which houses Big Ben. This enormous bell takes its name from the very stout Sir Benjamin Hall who was responsible for hanging it in 1859. The Union lack, the national flag of the UK, flies from the Victoria Tower when Parliament is in session. Also a light shining from the Clock Tower at night signifies the Parliament session.

The typical symbol of the capital of Britain is the Tower of London. Its construction was started by William the Conqueror. The oldest part is the 28 m high White Tower from 11th century. Today the Tower is the best-preserved fortress in the country. Many important personalities were arrested and executed there (e.g. Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey were beheaded here). Most of the prisoners entered the Tower from the Thames through Traitor' s Gate. At the present time it houses a museum. Weapons, armour and instruments of torture and execution are on display in the museum. The Crown jewels may be seen here. You can also see here the Yeomen Warders, or "Beefeaters", wearing a traditional red uniform and black hat.

Tower Bridge stands next to the Tower. This is the last bridge on the Thames before it empties into the sea. It was built in 1894. It has two characteristic Gothic towers with a height of 65 m, the drawbridge and a glassed footbridge.

The Temple is a district with Gregorian buildings and parks. Originally it was the Templar's residence. Buckingham Palace has become the official royal residence. The royal family has lived there since 1837. During most of the year it is not open to the public - the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews may be visited at limited times during the week. The Changing of the Guard may be seen daily during the summer at 11:30. In front of the Palace there is the Queen Victoria Memorial - a seated figure of Victoria made from marble representing victory, motherhood, truth, justice, science and art, peace and progress, naval and military power and industry and agriculture.

Trafalgar Square is one of the most important squares. There are a fountain and the statue of Captain Nelson in the centre of the square. It stands atop a 55 meters-high column.

Hyde Park - the foundations were laid out by King Henry VIII who had the park Westminster Abbey

turned into an English park. In 1635 the area was opened to the public. The park is famous for the Speakers' Corner - a place of free speech. There are a number of interesting monuments and statues to view. Including Kensington Gardens, the park covers about one square mile.

Westminster Abbey is the important historical building in London. The first church was built there as early as the 7th to 8th centuries. The present monastery was established by King Edward. The church is characterized by French Gothic influence. There are many hundreds of monuments to see. Many of England's sovereigns and greatest sons are buried here. Britain's Kings and Queens are crowned here. Worth mentioning are: the Chapel of Edward the Confessor, Poets' Corner and the tomb of the Unknown Warrior.