Text 2. London and its major attractions
Vocabulary:
to be founded – быть основанным
to attract – привлекать
to explore – исследовать
to include – включать
a wealthy bank – богатый
an insurance company – страховая компания
a trading company – торговая
a picturesque park – живописный парк
an expensive shop – дорогой
a luxurious hotel – роскошный
to represent – представлять
distinguished – выдающийся
to be mentioned in the documents – упоминаться
to remain – оставаться
to crown the king, to be crowned – короновать, быть коронованным
to bury, to be buried – похоронить, быть похороненным
to destroy the original building – разрушить первоначальное здание
to create – создать
to guard the residence, to be guarded by – охранять, охраняться
remarkable – замечательный
outstanding – знаменитый
a castle – замок
a palace – дворец
a mansion – особняк
a bridge – мост
a tower – башня
a cathedral – собор
a mint – монетный двор
a treasury – сокровищница
a tomb – могила
superb – великолепный
London is the capital of Great Britain. It was founded on The Thames river not far from its mouth. It is the largest city in Europe and the oldest one in the world. It is more than two thousand years old.
London can be divided into the following parts: the City, the West End and the East End. The City of London is the financial center. The Britain’s wealthiest banks, insurance and trading companies are here.
There is a great contrast between the West and the East End. The West End is the richest part of the town with its palaces, beautiful monuments of the past, picturesque parks, the best theatres and museums, the most expensive shops and restaurants and luxurious hotels. The East End is the district where the poor people live. Some of them are still live in slums. There are lots of docks and factories there.
The historic buildings of London represent a rich variety of types, styles and periods. Its great monuments, medieval castles and abbeys, palaces and bridges are famous throughout the world.
Westminster Abbey is one of the most distinguished of all buildings in London. It was first mentioned in the documents of the tenth century. Originally it was a church but nothing of it remained today. The present-day building was made in the gothic style. For nearly a century all the kings and queens have been crowned here. Many of them are buried there too. There are many statues, monuments and tombs here.
The Palace of Westminster was built by Edward the Confessor in about 1050 and was used as a royal residence. But in 1547 it became the meeting place for Parliament. The fire of 1834 destroyed most of the original building. The new building was created in the gothic style. The clock tower, called Big Ben, is well known to everybody. Its clock is the most accurate in the world.
The Tower Bridge is a characteristic part of the London cityscape. It was built in the early nineteenth century. The bridge is 240 meters long with two massive towers in the neo-gothic style. A mechanism, which is still remarkable today, can raise and lower the bridge in about two minutes.
The Tower of London plays an important role in the history of the city. This outstanding castle has been a palace, prison, mint, treasury and observatory. Nowadays the Tower is a museum housing the National Collection of Armour and the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. The Tower is still guarded by the Yeomen, who wear the traditional sixteenth century uniform.
One of the finest Renaissance cathedrals in Europe is St. Paul’s Cathedral. It was built in 1710 by the architect Sir Christopher Wren. The church can boast of some superb carving, frescoes and drawings. The famous Whispering Gallery is a masterpiece of acoustics.
Buckingham Palace is the Royal residence. The house is comparatively new and is built in the neoclassical style. Its luxurious interior and gardens are not open to the public. But here you can see one of the most colorful ceremonies in London, the Changing of the Guard.
Answer the questions:
1. What is the capital of Great Britain?
2. Where is it situated?
3. What are the main parts of London?
4. What is the City of London?
5. What is the difference between the West and East End?
6. Why is London so popular among the tourists?
7. What is the oldest building in London? What can you say about it?
8. Where does the British Parliament meet?
9. What can you say about the Tower Bridge?
10. What is so peculiar about the Tower of London?
11. When was St. Paul’s Cathedral built?
12. What is it famous for?
13. Where does the Queen live?
14. What can you see in the National Gallery?