The presentation about London, the capital of England. Made by Ekaterina Dmitrenko and Darya Polesskaya Form 9-2

The British Isles consist of two large islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and about five thousand small islands. The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. So let us tell you about London on the River Thames. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Romans built a small town called Londinium next to the Thames which grew into what is now London. The river helped to make London one of the world's major ports, even though it is 50 kilometres from the sea. London is situated on the River Thames about 40 miles from the coast. Only 338 kilometres long, the River Thames is not the longest river in the UK, but it is the most famous and important.

For more than a thousand years, trading ships sailed up the Thames to London. So it became a successful and important city which was never left empty even after the departure of the legions. The Danes sacked and burnt the city which was re- fortified by King Alfred.

Following the Norman conquest in 1066 one of London's most famous landmarks, the Tower of London, was constructed by William the Conqueror. Over the next centuries London continued to prosper and grow. In 1500 it had a population of about 50,000 which had mushroomed to around half a million in 1700.

Visitors to London can enjoy sightseeing cruises along the Thames, past some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as Big Ben and Tower Bridge. Also London lives a very rich and varied cultural life. There are so many sights, as Shakespeare's theatre, National Gallery and British Museum.

Perhaps London is most famous as the home of the British monarchy. Visitors can witness the timeless traditionssurrounding it. Since Edward the Confessor, William the Conqueror's predecessor, Britain has had 47 rulers.

In 1348, the Black Death killed half its population. In 1665, it struck again and killed over 1,000 a week. In 1666, the Great Fire destroyed nearly all the old city. During the Second World War, bombs destroyed the docklands. Since then, they have been rebuilt as smart residential areas.

Today, the capital has something for everyone. Visitors who want a break can relax in its beautiful parks. Also they can do shopping in the famous London's boutiques. In the evening theaters offer a marvelous range of live entertain- ment.

So we have to agree with Dr Johnson's words:"When a man is tired of London he is tired of life."

Hope that you have Known something new. Thanks) Katya and Dasha)