London is the capital of the United Kingdom. It is an old city, its history counts more than two thousand years. The population of London is more than 9 million people.

London is both the capital of the country and a huge port. London is situated on the Thames. There are 17 bridges, that cross the river. Tower Bridge, built in 1894, is one of the famous bridges across the Thames.

The history of London goes back to Roman times. Actually, London can be divided into several parts: the City or Downtown of London, Westminster, the West End and the East End.

The City is the oldest part of London. There are many offices, companies and banks in this part of London. The City of London is the financial centre of the UK. Only a few thousand people live there, but in the day-time it is full of people: as about half a million people come to work there. The biggest Banks and offices are situated in the City.

The West End is the centre of London. It is full of richest hotels, largest shops, best cinemas and concerthalls. There are a lot of beautiful houses and gardens. Only rich people can live there.

Another important district of London is Westminster, where most of Government buildings are situated. Westminster Palace was founded in Many great Englishmen were buried in the Abbey: Newton, Darwin and others.

The Towers of the Houses of Parliament stand high above the city. On the highest tower there is the largest clock in the country which is known to the whole world as Big Ben. The clock «Big Ben» was built in Big Ben is the biggest clock bell in Britain.

The official London residence of the Queen is Buckingham Palace. It was built in the 18th century.

T h e r e a r e m a n y n i c e s q u a r e s i n L o n d o n. T h e E n g l i s h a r e p r o u d o f T r a f a l g a r S q u a r e, w h i c h w a s n a m e d s o i n m e m o r y o f t h e v i c t o r y a t t h e b a t t l e. I n t h e E n g l i s h f l e e t d e f e a t e d t h e f l e e t o f F r a n c e a n d S p a i n. T h e r e i s s t a t u e o f L o r d N e l s o n i n t h e m i d d l e o f t h i s s q u a r e.

Madame Tussauds Museum.This famous museum is found in Marylebone Road, near Baker Street. The wax figures of famous people are all life-size. Open daily.

T h e r e i s t h e T u b e ( a n u n d e r g r o u n d ) i n L o n d o n t o o. T h e u n d e r g r o u n d, c o n s t r u c t e d i n L o n d o n, w a s t h e f i r s t u n d e r g r o u n d i n t h e w o r l d.

St.Pauls Cathedral was built by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren, where an earlier cathedral used to be before the Great Fire of London in 1666.