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London

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43 views3 pages

London

Uploaded by

Cristina Saghin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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LONDON

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, the largest metropolitan area in United Kingdom and the largest urban zone in
the European Union. Located on River Thames, London is a leading global city with strengths in
arts, commerce, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services,
research and development, tourism and transport.

London is a world cultural capital and is third in the world when it comes to the number
of foreign visitors. London Heathrow is the world’s busiest airport by number of international
passengers.

There is a wide and diverse range of people and cultures. The latest official estimates of
the population of London come from the Office for National Statistics. According to their data,
the estimated population of Greater London in 2016 was 8,787,892.

London climate is mild and humid in general; although not a stable region, it is one of the
UK's driest and annual precipitation is 750 mm only. The weather is cloudy and rainy in general
half of the year. With an average temperature in July of 18 ° C, in London summer is warmer
than the rest of the British Isles, although heat waves are not frequent and do not last long. The
temperature rarely exceeds 26 ° C. Winters are relatively cold and the average temperature in
January is 4 ° C.

London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, the site
comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St. Margaret’s Church. It also
has the historic settlement Greenwich in which the Royal Observatory marks the Prime Meridian
(0 degrees longitude).

Other famous landmarks are: Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, St.
Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Wembley Stadium and Big Ben.

There are also a lot of art galleries, libraries, museums, cinemas: British Museum,
National Gallery, Tate Modern, British Library and Madame Tussaud Museum.

The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world and
the second most extensive. It was built in 1863. This one was very helpful during the Second
World War, because lot of people could save their lives refuging there. Londoners call their
underground “the tube”. Although it may not seem easy to believe, tourists don’t find it difficult
to travel by tube in London as all the lines have different signs and different colours.

Buckingham Palace was made the official residence of the sovereign by Queen Victoria
whose memorial is in front of the palace. The Royal Guards change at 11.30 a.m. every day,
much to the delight of the tourists.
The British Museum shows the works of man from prehistoric times to the present day .
Its façade resembling a Greek temple makes it an impressive building. There are permanent
displays of antiquities from Egypt, Western Asia, Greece and Rome. It also includes one of the
most famous libraries in the world.

Westminster Abbey, built in the Gothic style, has been the scene of the coronation of
sovereigns from William the Conqueror in 1066 to Elizabeth II in 1953. One of the greatest
treasures of the Abbey is the oaken Coronation Chair, made in 1300. It also contains the graves
of kings and queens, politicians and churchmen, and the famous Poets’ corner.

The Houses of Parliament, also called the Palace of Westminster, range along the Thames
with Victoria Tower at one end and Big Ben, the famous bell in the Clock Tower, at the other.

10 Downing Street has been the home of the British Prime Minister since 1732. It is the
symbol of British political power.

Trafalgar Square, named in commemoration of a great British naval victory, is dominated


by the statue of the victorious Admiral, Lord Nelson. People gather here to see and enjoy the
fountains, the lions and the beautiful buildings around.

Piccadilly Circus is one of the busiest junctions in the city and the heart of London’s
theatreland. The fountain with the statue of Eros on top is a favourite meeting place for young
people. At night, the Circus becomes a mass of couloured changing lights.

The Tower of London is one of the world’s most famous fortresses and has seen service
as royal palace, prison, armoury and even a zoo. The ancient stones hold within them dark
secrets, as fortified vaults shine with priceless jewels and historic uniformed Beefeaters stroll the
grounds. Situated in Central London, just a stone’s throw from the River Thames, the Tower of
London is one of the city's premier attractions.

Tower Bridge, opened in 1894, is one of London’s best landmarks with its two neo-
Gothic towers. The two 1000-ton drawbridges used to be raised to let big ships pass. The glass
covered walkway, 142 ft above the Thames, gives a splendid view of the river. 43 m

The National Gallery, with its elegant dome and graceful colonnades, dominates the
north side of Trafalgar Square, housing a very rich collection of paintings. Most famous are the
Renaissance and Impressionist works.

St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren’s baroque masterpiece, was built after the
Great Fire. The Great Dome is the second largest in the world. Nelson, the Duke of Wellington
and Wren himself are buried here.

As one of central London’s royal residences, Kensington Palace has been a home and
refuge to the royal family since the 17th century. Now, it is the official residence to the Duke
and Duchess of Cambridge – otherwise known as our familiar Kate and Wills. Built in 1605, it
has roots in Jacobean architecture and was first known as Nottingham House. Now it is one of
London’s most exquisite palaces and comes with acres of manicured gardens and the world
famous Orangery.

Madame Tussaud’s exhibits wax models of famous historical characters, Royalty,


international statesmen, film and sports stars, artists and entertainers.

The Barbican Arts Centre is a good example of modern architecture in Britain. The
complex of glass, concrete and steel buildings includes a concert hall, a theatre and art galleries.

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