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F G H I J

THE BRITISH MUSEUM – shows the work of man from prehistoric times to the present day. Its façade, resembling a Greek
temple, makes it an impressive building. There are permanent displays of antiquities from Egypt, Western Asia, Greece and
Rome. It also includes one of the most famous libraries in the world.
THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT – also called the Palace of Westminster, range along the Thames with Victoria Tower at
one end and Big Ben, the famous bell in the Clock Tower, at the other.
PICCADILLY CIRCUS – is one of the busiest junctions in the city and the heart of London’s theatre land. The fountain with
the statue of Eros on top is a favourite meeting place for young people. At night, the Circus becomes a mass of coloured,
changing lights.
THE TOWER OF LONDON - Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a
historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. When William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy,
crowned himself as king of England he ordered at once the building of an earth and timber castle within the ancient Roman city
walls. Ten years later, this simple fort was turned into a massive palace – fortress. A great stone tower was built : the White
Tower, which gives the entire castle its name. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was a resented symbol of
oppression, inflicted upon London by the new ruling elite. Since at least 1100, the castle has been used as a prison, although that
was not its primary purpose. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. As a whole, the Tower is a
complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. The general layout established by the
late 13th century remains despite later activity on the site. The Tower of London has played a prominent role in England's
history. It was besieged several times and controlling it has been important to controlling the country. The Tower has served
variously as a royal residence, a prison ( whenever monarchs wanted to get rid of possible rivals to the throne, they sent them to
the tower ), a garrison, an armoury, a treasury, the home of the Royal Mint, a public records office, and the home of the Crown
Jewels of the United Kingdom, along with the historic arms and armours that are put on public show. From the early
14th century until the reign of Charles II, a procession would be led from the Tower to Westminster Abbey on the coronation of a
monarch. In the absence of the monarch, the Constable of the Tower is in charge of the castle. This was a powerful and trusted
position in the medieval period. Today the Tower of London is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions and is
protected as a World Heritage Site.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY- built in Gothic style, has been the scene of the coronation of sovereigns from William the
Conqueror in the 11th century to Elizabeth II. One of the greatest treasures of the Abbey is the oaken Coronation Chair, made in
1300. It also contains the graves of kings and queens, politicians and churchmen and the famous Poet’s Corner.
THE BARBICAN ARTS CENTRE – is a good example of modern architecture in Britain. The complex of glass, concrete and
steel buildings includes a concert hall, a theatre and art galleries.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE – was made the official residence of the Sovereign in the 19 th century by Queen Victoria whose
memorial is in front of the palace. The Royal Guards change at 11.30 a.m. every day, much to the delight of the tourists.
SAINT PAUL’S CATHEDRAL – Sir Christopher Wren’s baroque masterpiece, was built in the 17 th century. The Great Dome is
the second largest in the world.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY – has an elegant dome and graceful colonnades. It houses a very rich collection of paintings, of
which the most famous ones are the Renaissance and Impressionist works.
THE TOWER BRIDGE – opened in 1894, is one of London’s best landmarks with its two neo-Gothic towers. The two 1000-
ton drawbridges used to be raised to let big ships pass. The glass covered walkway, 142 feet above the Thames, gives a splendid
view of the river.