A talk about London in English
The oldest part of London is ›the City‹. Only 5,000 people live there, but about 300,000 work there. Greater London has got more than 12 million people. Lots of people live in suburbs, so they have to go to work to London every day. That's why there are many cars in the morning and in the evening (rush hour). The people use the Underground (Tube), the bus and the train to come to work. London has two main airports, Heathrow and Gatwick where many tourists arrive.
The people visit London's many famous sights. The Tower of London was first a castle, later a prison and is now a museum where you can see the Crown Jewels. Tower Bridge is the most famous bridge across the River Thames. It can also open when big ship has to go up- or downstream. The Queen (Elisabeth II) lives in Buckingham Palace. St. Paul's Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Westminster Abbey is the place where the kings and queens are crowned. The first was William the Conqueror.
Lots of people like to go shopping in Harrods (rather expensive) or in the department stores in Oxford Street. The best is to visit the street markets in Petticoat Lane, Portobello Road or in Camden. There you can get cheap and curious things as well.
London Dungeon, an old underground station shows London's violent history.
Street artists can be watched in Covent Garden.
The Houses of Parliament are on the River Thames next to the Clock Tower with Big Ben.
The London Eye, a Ferris wheel, is about 135m high.
The highest building in Western Europe, the Shard, was erected from 2009 to 2012.
The Prime Minister lives in 10 Downing Street.
Hyde Park is a marvellous place for relaxing.
The West End is an excellent place for going to cinemas, theatres or discos.
History:
- 55 B.C. – A.D. 43 Roman Invasions (Londinium)
- after A.D. 410 Invasions of the Angles, Saxons and Jutes
- about A.D. 886 Danish Invasion
- 1066 Norman Conquest (William the Conqueror)
- 1215 Magna Carta
- 1665 The Great Plaque
- 1666 Great Fire
| Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| City of London | 2.6 square kilometres |
| population (London) | 7.8 million |
| area Greater London | 1,580 square kilometres |
| population (Greater London) | 13.9 million |
| boroughs | 32 and City of London |