London

LONDON

London is the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is one of the world's oldest and most historic cities. London traces its history back nearly 2,000 years. The city grew up around two old, historic cities - the city of London and the City of Westminster. London was nearly destroyed twice, by fire in 1666 and by German air raids during World War II.

London can be divided into three main parts. They are: the City, the West End, and the South Bank.

The City is London's financial center. Only about 5,000 people live in the City. But almost half a million office workers crowd its buildings during working day. The City is the oldest part of London. It consists largely of modern bank and office buildings. The City also includes some of the capital's landmarks, such as St. Paul's Cathedral; Mansion House, the home of the City's lord mayor, and a 202 - foot stone column called the Monument, which stands near the spot where the Great Fire started.

The West End is the center of Britain's government, London's trade and night life. It is also the most fashionable residential area.

Britain's chief government buildings are in the City of Westminster. The Houses of Parliament with the famous Clock Tower and Big Ben are located there. From Parliament, the government buildings extend along abroad avenue called Whitehall. Number 10 Downing Street, which is the home of Britain's prime minister, is located off Whitehall. Buckingham Palace lies a short distance of the prime minister's home. Each morning, the famous changing-of-the-guard ceremony takes place in the palace's front courtyard. A street called the Strand links the West End and the City. Whitehall, the Strand, and some other streets meet at Trafalgar Square, an area of open pavement with statues and fountains. The huge Nelson Column towers 185 feet (56 meters) above the square. It consists of a tall granite column with a giant stone statue of the British naval hero Horatio Nelson on top. Piccadilly Circus forms the center of London's largest entertainment area. Many of London 's finest shops are in this area, along Bond, Oxford , and Regent streets. The area extends northward into Soho, a district crowded with restaurants and nightclubs.

The British Museum , one of the worlds most famous museums, is in the West End. It houses a priceless collection of objects from ancient civilizations as well as Britain's 15-mil lion - volume national library. Other famous museums in London include the Victoria and Albert Museum, which has one of the world's largest collections of decorative art; the Natural History Museum; and the Science Museum. The Tower of London has served as a fortress, a palace, and a prison. Today, it is a national monument and museum.

London's art galleries include the National Gallery, on Trafalgar Square; the Tate Gallery, in south Westminster; and the Wallace Collection, housed in a mansion south of Regent's Park.

St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey are the most famous churches in London. St. Paul's Cathedral was built by the great English architect Sir Christopher Wren between 1675 and 1710. The history of Westminster Abbey reaches back more than 900 years. Almost all the country's monarchs have been crowned there.

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