Task 1. Read the following text. Pay attention to the underlined words to understand the main sights of London.

 

Sights of London

London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial centre. It is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. Its population is about 8 million.

London is situated on the river Thames, it is a very big port. The city is very old. It has more than 20 centuries old history. Traditionally it is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They are very different from each other.

    The City is the oldest part of London, its financial and business centre. Numerous banks, offices and firms are concentrated here, including the Bank of England and the Stock Exchange.

     Few people live in the City but over a million come to work here. Two masterpieces are situated within the city: St. Paul’s cathedral and the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral was built in the 17^th century by the greatest English architect Christopher Wren. It is an architectural masterpiece. Londoners have a particular affection for St. Paul’s, which is the largest Protestant Church in England. Its high dome contains the remarkable Whispering Gallery. The Tower of London was built in the 11^th century by William the Conqueror to protect the City of London. The Tower of London was one the first and most impressive castles. It was used as a fortress, a palace and a prison. Now, it’s a museum. For many visitors the principal attraction is the Crown Jewels, the finest precious of the nation. A fine collection of amour is exhibited in the keep.

    Westminster is the aristocratic official part of London. It includes Buckingham Palace where the Queen lives and the Houses of Parliament, which spread magnificently on the north bank of the Thames. This structure is a remarkable example of gothic architecture. The Clock Tower which contains the hour bell called “Big Ben” is known the world over. The bell is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the first Commissioner of Works when the Houses of Parliament were rebuilt (in 1850). The Houses of Parliament called officially the Palace of Westminster were formerly a palace for kings and queens.

    Westminster Abbey is one of the most beautiful buildings in London. Westminster Abbey is the pleas where coronation of nearly all kings and queens has taken place. Many of them are buried here as well as some other famous people of the country such as Newton, Darwin, and Watt.

    This great church contains the tombs and memorials of Britain's famous citizens. One of the greatest treasures of the Abbey is the oaken Coronation Chair made in 1300. The Abbey is also known for its Poets' corner. Some of the famous English poets and writers are buried in the Poets' Corner (Tennyson, Ch. Dickens, T. Hardy, R. Kipling etc).

    The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. It is a symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, restaurants, shops, cinemas, theatres, museums, clubs, parks and houses are situated there. The rich people live in this region. One of the busiest streets in the West End is Oxford Street. There are many various shops in it which attract customers from different countries of the world.

    Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London. The square was so named to commemorate Nelson's victory at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. In the centre of the square is Nelson's Column with the figure of the great seaman. Trafalgar Square is the place where mass meetings and demonstrations for peace and working people's rights take place. On the north side of the square are the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. They contain the finest art collections in the world. Not far from the National Gallery there is the British Museum famous for its rich library (about 7000000 books).

     The East End is an industrial district of London. There are many factories and the Port of London there. The region is populated by working class families. Old residents of the East End are proud to be called cockneys which means true Londoners. They love the district very much.

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