London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial center.
It’s one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. Its population
is about 9 million.
London is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world.
Traditionally it’s divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and
the East End. They are very different from each other and seem to belong to different
towns and epochs.
The heart of London is the City, its financial and business center. Numerous banks,
offices and firms are situated there, including the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange
and the Old Baily. Few people live here, but over a million people come to the City to
work. There are some famous ancient buildings within the City. Perhaps the most
striking of them in St. Paul’s Cathedral, the greatest of British churches. St. Paul’s
Cathedral has always dominated the center of London. It stands on the site of former
Saxon and Norman churches. They latter were destroyed in the Great Fire and the
present building, completed in 1710, is the work of the eminent architect Sir
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, containing the remarkable Whispering Gallery, is a
prominent landmark towering above the multistoreyed buildings which line the
river-bank.
The Tower of London was one of the first and most impressive castles built after
the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Since the times of William 1 various kings have
built and extended the Tower of London and used it for many purposes. The Tower has
been used as a royal palace, an observatory, an arsenal, a state prison, and many
famous and infamous people have been executed within its walls. It is now a museum.
For many visitors the principal attraction is the Crown Jewels, the finest precious
stones of the nation. A fine collection of armour is exhibited in the keep.
The security of the Tower is ensured by a military garnison and by the Yeoman
Warders or Beefeaters, who still wear their picturesque Tudor uniform.
Westminster is the historic, the governmental part of London.
Westminster Abbey is a national shrine where the kings and queens are crowned and
famous people are buried. Founded by Edward the Confessor in 1050, the Abbey was a
monastery for along time. The present building dates largely from the times of Henry 3,