London

LONDON

Basic information

• London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and the biggest city in England

• population is almost 8 million people

• It is divided into the City of London and 32 districts

• London lies on Thames river /:théms:/

• there are lowlands in London

• it’s one of the largest and the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe

• the city of London is an important business and finance centre

• London has a huge influence on fashion, culture, politics, entertainment, media and sport across the UK and Europe

• there took place Summer Olympic games in year 2012

• London is a seat of the Queen and the Parliament

History

• The city is 2,000 years old

• In year 50 the Romans chose to settle here

  • they created the city of Londinium next to the River Thames

• The River Thames was useful for merchant ships and trading

• today the river is still important for transport and tourism

• in 1066 – William the Conqueror

  • he came to the England from Normandy

  • after the battle of Hastings he became the king of England

  • he chose London as his residence

• in year 1665 was the Great plague epidemic

• in 1666 was the Great fire of London

  • destroyed most of the city

  • started in the Pudding line in the bakery (someone forgot fire in the oven – it spread)

• there were wooden houses, dirty and narrow streets

• an then Sir Christopher Wren – helped to rebuild London (stone buildings, wide streets)

• in 19th century there was the Industrial Revolution

  • after IR began growth of the population

  • after IR were created new railways and underground lines

  • and London became the largest city of the world

• in 1894 was built the Tower Bridge

• during the World War II the city was bombarded by German aircrafts

Sport

• very popular sport in London is football

  • there is a stadium in Wembley

• there takes place Wimbledon

• there took place Summer Olympic games in 2012

Transport

• there are 3 airports – Heathrow (largest), Gatwick, Stansted

• there is rail connection – there is located for example Victoria station

• there is located Underground

  • underground is very popular

  • there is the oldest underground in the world

• there are also Double-deckers – famous red buses

  • these days mostly for tourists

• there are black cabs – they are black taxis

  • they are quite expensive

• and finally water transport

  • there are ships

Places of interest

• THE CITY OF LONDON

  • It's the oldest part of the city

  • There are no roads just streets

• THE HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT

  • Is also called Palace of Westminster

  • It is a political centre of United Kingdom

  • There is the seat of Parliament (it includes House of Lords and House of Commons)

  • Big Ben is part of Parliament House– it’s famous bell (after one fat minister)

  • Big Ben is clock tower

• The Tower of London

  • It's the oldest building in the City

  • It was built by William the Conqueror

  • It served as a residence, royal mint and prison

  • TOWER BRIDGE

    • It’s over the river Thames

    • It’s a characteristic landmark of London

    • It is named after the Tower of London that stands next to it

    • Bridge usually opens when the ship wants to go through