Your friend, who has never been to London, wants to learn more about it. Answer his/her questions.

1. What is the population of London?

2. Who founded London?

3. What was the first name of London?

4. What catastrophes occurred in the 17th century?

5. What parts is London divided into?

6. Where is St.Paul’s Cathedral situated?

7. What is the official residence of the Queen?

8. What sights of interest is London famous for?

9. What is the oldest royal residence in London?

3. Finish the sentence…

1. London is the main port of …

2. It was founded by …

3. The Great Fire destroyed …

4. London is divided into …

5. There are a lot of … in the City.

Ask questions to the given answers.

1. 9 million people

2. Londinium

3. in the 16th century

4. the seat of Government

5. Buckingham Palace

Speak about London

Read the texts about the sights in London and answer the given questions.

 

St.Paul’s Cathedral

What is the cathedral famous for?

Who built it?

It is one of the symbols of London. It was built in 1710 by a great English architect Christopher Wren. This cathedral is famous for the Whispering Gallery: if you whisper anything on one side of the gallery, your words will be heard very clearly on the other side.

Every year a special ceremony is held on the occasion of the Monarch’s birthday.

Westminster Palace (Big Ben) When was it constructed? Which tower is the most famous? Why?

 

Westminster Palace is the seat of British Parliament. Another name is the Houses of Parliament. It was constructed in the 11th century. It contains 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 11 halls. It has got 3 massive towers: the Victoria Tower, the Middle Tower and St.Stephen’s Tower. The last Tower is the most famous, because it houses the clock called Big Ben. The Houses of Parliament consist of the House of lords and the House of Commons.

Westminster Abbey

Who was the first monarch crowned there?

Who is buried there?

It’s the oldest and the most important church in England, the official church of the British Monarch. The coronations take place there and many kings and queens are buried there. The first Monarch who was crowned there was William the Conqueror in 1066. (Вильгельм Завоеватель) Here there is the Poet’s Corner where there are monuments to some great British writes: William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Jane Austen and others.

The Tower of London Who founded the Tower of London?

Today its official title is “Her Majesty’s Palace and fortress of the Tower of London”. It was founded by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a fortress. Later it was the Royal residence, the Royal Observatory, a prison, a zoo. Now it is a museum, which contains the national collection of armour and the Crown Jewels.

What can we see there now?

Trafalgar Square

What can we see in the centre of Trafalgar Square?

This is the largest square in the central London. In the centre of it there is Nelson’s Column. It was created in the memory of the victory of Admiral Nelson over Spain in 1805 at Cape Trafalgar. The column is 50 metres high. Around the column there are 4 bronze lions. They symbolize courage.

What do the lions symbolize?

Parks of London

What is the oldest park in London?

London is a green city with lots of parks and gardens. The three best known parks are: Hyde Park, St.James’s Park, Kensington Gardens. The most popular attraction in Hyde Park is The Diana Memorial Fountain in the shape of a heart. St.James’s Park is the oldest park in London. It is famous for the Queen Victoria Memorial.

What can we see in Hyde Park?

Buckingham Palace

How many rooms are there?

It’s the official residence of the British Monarch. It contains 400 rooms, a swimming-pool, a tennis-court, and a large garden with a lake. This Palace is open for visitors during August and September when the Queen is on holiday. In summer the Queen gives three garden parties which usually start at 4 pm. People who have done good work in different fields: scientists, politicians, sportsmen are invited there.  When is this Palace open for visitors?