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London

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Vocabulary

a capital – столица

an economic, political, cultural centre - экономический, политический, культурный центр

to found – основывать

commercial – коммерческий

the Royal Exchange – Королевская биржа

the Stock Exchange – Фондовая биржа

a fortress – крепость

a prison – тюрьма

luxurious – роскошный

expensive – дорогой

places of interest – достопримечательности

during the reign of –во время правления

the royal residence – королевская резиденция

the Changing of the Guards – смена караула

a masterpiece – шедевр

to build – строить

to be crowned – короноваться

to be buried – быть похороненным

residential area– жилой район

a cosmopolitan city – многонациональный город

LONDON

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, its economic, political and cultural centre. It is one of the world’s most important ports and one of the largest cities in the world. More then 11 million people live in London.

London was founded by the Romans in 43 A. D. It was a small Roman town on the north bank of the Thames, and then slowly it grew into one of the world’s major cities.

London is divided into four parts: the West End, the East End, the City and the Westminster.

The City is the oldest part of London. It is commercial and business centre. The Royal Exchange, the Stock Exchange, the Bank of England and the head offices of numerous companies and corporations are situated here.

The famous Tower of London is also here. It was built by William the Conqueror who conquered England in 1066. First the Tower was a royal residence, then it was a fortress, later it was a prison and it is a museum.

The West End is known for its many theatres, cinemas, luxurious hotels and restaurants and expensive shops. There are a lot of places of interests here. They are: Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus. Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s official London residence. Londoners usually watch the changing of the Guards in front of the palace. It lasts about 30 minutes.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece. It was being built since 1675 till 1709. There are many memorials in the Cathedral, including memorials to Wellington and Nelson.

Westminster is the political centre of London. The British Parliament sits in the Parliament in Westminster. Westminster Abbey is also situated in this part of London. It is the most famous historical and religious building. It was built in the eleventh century during the reign of Edward the Confessor. The kings and queens of England are usually married and crowned here and many of them are buried in Westminster Abbey.

The East End is known as the poorer residential area of London. Port of London is also situated here.

London is a cosmopolitan city. People of several races and many nationalities live there.

2. Are the sentences True/False.

1. London is only the cultural centre of Great Britain.

2. It is divided into four parts: the West End, the East End, the City and the Westminster.

3. The City is the youngest part of London. The famous Tower of London is situated there.

4. The West End is known for its many theatres, cinemas, restaurants and expensive shops.

5. Westminster is commercial and business centre of London. Port of London is situated there.

6. The East End is known as the poorer residential area of London.

7. People of several races and many nationalities live in London.