London - osnova, otázky

Mat. ot. č. 5 LONDON – osnova, otázky

1. Basic facts about London (location, population, river, history)

   London is the capital of the UK. It is the 36th largest city in the world, its population is about 10 milion. London is situated on the river Thames in south-east England. It was founded as a Roman settlement. The great fire in 1666 almost all the city.

2. Transportation in London

   There are many places of interest, We can see them by walking or by various means of transport. London¨s famous red double-deckers go almost everywhere. For fast transport we can go by the Underground. It is the oldest underground in the world. Now it operates 11 lines. In Britain only 3 cities have the underground, London, Glasgow and Newcastle. There are also 3 airports in London, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead.

3. Seat of the Queen, Prime Minister and Lord

   Buckingham is the King’s residence in London since the Queen Victoria reign. Downing Street 10 is the official home of British Prime Ministers since 1731. Lords are seated in the British Parliament in House of Lords.

4. The Houses of Parliament

   The Houses of Parliament known as Westminster palace too are in gothic style but were built only between 1840-1852 after the old building had burnt down. The only part which escaped was Westminster Hall. There is also a famous clock-tower with Big Ben and its

   characteristic bell-ringing.

5. Westminster Abbey

   Westminster Abbey was founded in the 11th century. Britain’s Kings and Queens are crowned here. Famous people from England are buried here in the Poet‘s Corner example. The Abbey is an execelent example of gothic architecture. Since 1066 the Abbey is the place where many royal weddings také place.

6. St. Paul´s Cathedral

   Is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It stands in the City. This building is the work of the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren and i was built in the 17th century. It is known for its Whispering Gallery. Standing on this Gallery you can clearly hear what is whispered on the opposite side. In 1981 Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married here.

7. The City

   Is the oldest part of London around St.Paul. It was founded by Romans and there are many banks and offices here.

8. The Tower, Tower Bridge

   The Tower was built in the 11th century. It was royal palace first first, then prison and fortress. It is museum now. The Crown Jewels guarded by the Beefeaters are kept here.

   The Tower Bridge is one of the most famous symbols of Lonon. It can open in the middle and let large ships go through.

9. Trafalgar Square was named after Admiral Nelson’s victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson’s statue is situated on a high column. At Christmas time a big Christmas tree stands here.

10. Museums, galleries

    The British Museum is the largest museum in the world. There is a collection of all kinds of animals, minerals and rocks, fine and applied arts of all countries, periods and styles. There is also a good collection of drawings by the Czech artist Václav Hollar. The admission is free.

    The National Gallery is in Trafalgar Square.It houses paintings by nearly all the great European artists of the past and a large collection of British paintings and sculptures.

11. Places for shopping

    The most famous shopping centres in London are in Picadilly circus, Regent Street and Oxford Street. The other well-known are Carnaby Street and Pall Mall. Harrods is a really expensive mall.

12. Parks

    There are many parks in London, for example St. James’s Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park. The largest of them is Hyde Park. It is also known for its Speaker’s Corner where anybody can have a speech.

13. Concert halls, theatres

    London is the centre of Britain’s theatre life. The most important are The National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company. The Royal Festival Hall and The Queen Elizabeth Hall are the main concert halls.

14. Greenwich is the seat of the National Maritime Museum where the Royal Observatory is- here is a brass strip which marks the prime meridian.

15. Neighbourhood of London

    Notting Hill is one of the prettiest London’s neighbourhood where almost every street is lined with bright rainbow-colour houses.

16. Have you ever visited London? What was the best of your visit? Tell me more about it. If not, what places/sights would you like to visit one day? Why?