7 Usborne Spotter’s Cards —! Z we ls [Be 4m] ‘eo —— a = — Ses fe ——— | yc en er og Foo mK BO aeUsborne Spotter’s Cards © Things to spot Orn London These cards are packed with facts about London’s landmarks. Find out the age of the Tower of London, the height of the London Eye, and what’s buried beneath Cleopatra’s Needle... 4 Cleopatra's Needle a £5.99 inc. vat) www.usborne.com JFMAM JASOND/13 02288/4 | ili 9 "781409"507970'> Printed in Heshan, Guangdong, ChinaLondon: a brief history ~ Almost 2,000 years ago: The Romans invaded Britain. They built a town beside the River Thames, and named it Londinium. ~~ By the year 200: Londinium was the biggest town in Britain. It had a bustling market square, a fort for Roman soliders, and an arena where savage gladiator battles were fought. ~ Around 400: The Romans left Britain. Over the next 600 years, people called the Saxons, and then the Vikings, lived in London. During this time Westminster Abbey was built. ~ 1066: The Norman ruler William the Conqueror took control of England. He built the Tower of London as his royal palace. At that time, only around 15,000 people lived in London.~ By 1300: London had grown into one of the world’s biggest cities, with around 80,000 people. Its twisting streets were alive with shops and stalls. Horses were bought and sold at Smithfield Market. Inthe 1400s The city expanded, swallowing nearby villages. Grand mansions, such as Banqueting House, were built. The south bank of the Thames was crammed with rowdy inns and lively playhouses like Shakespeare’s Globe. In the 1500s: King Henry VIII had St. James’s Palace built, and St. James’s Park laid out as royal gardens. Ships such as the Golden Hinde set sail from London's busy docks. 1665 - 1666 The Great Plague ravaged London, killing around 100,000 people. The next year, the Great Fire of London broke out, destroying most of the city. Later, the Monument was built to remember those dark days.London: a brief history 2 In the 1700s: London was quickly rebuilt after the fire. Elegant houses were laid around spacious gardens. St. Paul’s Cathedral was built, as well as the Bank of England and the British Museum. The city’s population swelled to around a million. ~ Early in the 1800s: London was the heart of the vast British Empire. The riverbanks were crowded with factories, and the population boomed to around 6 million. Parts of the city became miserable slums, festering with disease. 1830 -1860: In 1837, Queen Victoria moved into Buckingham Palace. Three years later, building began on the Houses of Parliament. Then, in 1851, an exhibition was held in Hyde Park to celebrate Britain’s achievements in science and industry. The V&A and the Science Museum were built from its profits.® 1863: The world’s first underground train line opened in London. Around the same time, steam trains rumbled over London’s bridges, bringing thousands of new people into the city. - Early in the 1900s: London’s growing train network meant that the city itself grew too, as people moved to greener suburbs close by. Westminster Cathedral was built in 1903. © 1940s: In the Second World War, the city was devastated by a series of air raids known as the Blitz. Over 20,000 Londoners died, and millions were left homeless. As the bombs fell, the British government met in the secret underground Cabinet War Rooms. ~ London today: London recovered from the war, and got bigger. Around 8 million people now live there. Striking new office buildings such as City Hall, the Lloyd’s Building and 30 St. Mary Axe sit side-by-side with famous places from the past.30 St. Mary Axe30 St. Mary Axe The official name of this distinctive glass building is 30 St. Mary Axe, but its often known as ‘the Gherkin’ because of its unusual shape. It is 180m (590ft) high, with 40 floors of offices, and London’s highest restaurant at the top (which is only for people who work in the building). The outside is covered in 7,429 panes of glass — enough to cover five football fields. Did you know? When 30 St. Mary Axe was built, the grave of a teenage Roman girl was discovered buried in the ground beneath. It’s still there now. Look out for... ...the glass on the outside. Even though the building is curved, every pane of glass is flat, except for one — the piece at the very top. Other things to spot close by: Lloyd's building, Bank of England, The MonumentNational GalleryNational Gallery There are over 2,300 paintings on display in the National Gallery, which is free to go inside. Here, you can see works by some of the most famous names in the history of art, such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh, or Monet. You can also watch films and listen to talks telling you more about some of the gallery's most famous paintings. Did you know? During the Second World War, all of the National Gallery’s paintings were moved to a quarry in Wales, to protect them from enemy air raids on London. Look out for... ..-Leonardo da Vinci’s painting The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptist, which hangs in a specially darkened room to protect the fragile canvas from harmful light. Other things to spot close by: Trafalgar Square, Admiralty ArchOld Bailey ~ To get there: St. Paul’s underground stationOld. Bailey The Central Criminal Court of Great Britain is usually known as Old Bailey, after the street it stands on. The court was built in 1907, and has been used ever since for major criminal cases, such as the trials of murderers or traitors. An inscription above Old Bailey’s main entrance reads Defend the Children of the Poor & Punish the Wrongdoer. Did you know? Old Bailey stands on the site of a notorious old prison (Newgate Gaol). Until 1868, criminals were marched from their cells and executed outside the prison’s gates. Look out for... ...the golden statue on top of the dome, called Lady Justice. lt shows a woman holding a sword in one hand and weighing scales in the other. Other things to spot close by: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Smithfield MarketShakespeare’s Globe nd station To get there: London Bridge undergrouShakespeare’s Globe Shakespeare’s Globe is an almost perfect reconstruction of a playhouse that stood very close to here over 300 years ago. Finished in 1987, the Globe was built as close as possible to the original style, with oak timbers, wooden pegs instead of nails, and the first thatched roof in central London since the 17th century (when they were banned in case of fires). Did you know? William Shakespeare was one of the owners of the original Globe. Several of his famous plays were first performed on its small wooden stage. ~ Look out for... ...the exhibition in the building next door, where you can find out more about the Globe’s fascinating history. Other things to spot close by: Tate Modern, = = The Golden Hinde ee ——Cleopatra’s Needle To get there: Embankment underground stationCleopatra’s Needle Named after the ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra, this 21m (68ft) high granite obelisk was a gift to Britain from the Egyptian government. It was brought to London in 1878 on a specially designed ship. Six sailors died in the treacherous voyage. The monument is almost 3,500 years old. It’s inscribed with Egyptian hieroglyphs and guarded by statues of mythical beasts called sphinxes. ~ Did you know? There’s a box buried beneath the obelisk containing items from the 1870s, including newspapers and several old coins. > Look out for... ...several chips in the base of one of the sphinxes. They were caused by a bomb that landed nearby during the First World War. ) Other things to spot close by: Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden MarketThe British Museum To get there: Tottenham Court Road or Russell Square underground stations |The British Museum Established in 1753, the British Museum is the oldest public museum in the world, and one of the biggest. It’s free too. Its vast collection includes Egyptian mummies and priceless medieval manuscripts. At the heart of the museum is the beautiful glass-roofed Great Court, and a huge round library called the Reading Room. Did you know? The British Museums famous Parthenon Marbles were taken from an Ancient Greek temple over 100 years ago. Today, the Greek government wants them back. Look out for... ...Ginger,” a 5,000 year-old body discovered in the Egyptian desert. He’s so well preserved you can still see tufts of his ginger hair. Other things to spot close by: Covent Garden Market (EZBank of England Pr Aue E EE ary “at © To get there: Bank underground stationBank of England The Bank of England looks after the British Government’s money. Its concrete-lined vaults contain around 300,000 solid gold bars, worth over £73 billion. The Bank has been operating since 1694. You can learn about its history in its museum, where you can also lift a real gold bar, and see some of the weapons once used to defend the Bank against robbers. » Did you know? The Bank of England is nicknamed the ‘Old Lady of Threadneedle Street’, after the street it stands on. Look out for... ...examples of every coin ever - made in Britain, which are in the museum. You can also see Heater Site) a reconstruction of how one ye of the Bank’s offices would have looked in 1790. E Other things to spot close by: Wee WA The Monument, Airs ae pre St. Paul’s CathedralSt. Jamegs’s Park > To get there: St. James’s Park underground stationSt. James’s Park This is one of London’s prettiest, and oldest, parks. A small lake runs through it, where you can spot all sorts of birds and wildfowl, including ducks, geese, swans and pelicans. The bridge across the lake (called Blue Bridge) offers great views of Buckingham Palace. In the other direction is Horse Guards Parade, where traditional military ceremonies are held in June each year. Did you know? St. James’s Park was created for King James | in 1603. Back then, exotic beasts such as camels, crocodiles and elephants were kept in the Park to entertain the royal family. ~ Look out for... ...feeding time at the lake. Every day at 2.30pm, you can watch the pelicans being fed by the Park’s wildlife officers. Other things to spot close by: St. James’s Palace, Buckingham PalaceTate Modern To get there: London Bridge underground stationTate Modern This vast old power station has been transformed into one of London’s largest and most popular art galleries, displaying modern art from all over the world. Inside you'll find paintings, sculptures and photographs by almost every famous artist from the past hundred years, including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. Did you know? The gallery’s huge central hall, called the Turbine Hall, used to contain the electricity generators for the power station. The tower was the station’s old chimney. Look out for... ...the amazing views from the top floor of the gallery, up and down the River Thames. Other things to spot close by: Shakespeare’s Globe, The Golden Hinde, Southwark CathedralLondon Zoo @ To get there: Regent’s Park underground stationLonden Zoo London Zoo has changed a lot since it opened in 1828. Back then it was just a place to look at animals. Today, the zoo is more concerned with conservation programmes to protect endangered species around the world. But there are still plenty of amazing animals to see here — including tigers, lions, gorillas, and Komodo dragons. @ Did you know? There are over 7,000 animals at London Zoo, from around 700 different species. ®@ Look out for... ... feeding time at the penguin pool. This is at 2pm every day. Zoo keepers will also tell you more about how they look after the penguins and other animals at London Zoo. @ Other things to spot close by: Regent's ParkRegent's Park To get there: Regent’s Park underground stationRegent’s Park Regent’s Park is one of London’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, filled with lovely rose gardens and ornate fountains. There are also playgrounds, an outdoor theatre and a lake where you can hire rowing boats, or watch the herons and swans around the banks. In the summer, brass bands play in the Park’s bandstand. Did you know? Regent’s Park was designed early in the 1800s by John Nash, for the Prince Regent (who later became King George IV). Nash also built the grand houses that surround the Park. Look out for... ...Regent’s Canal, which runs right through the Park. You can take day trips along it on canal boats. Other things to spot close by: London Zoo, Madame TussaudsKensington Gardens SSS by, we SE SA SSiiNSs > = 7 eal i — To get there: Queensway or South Kensington underground stations )Kensington Gardens This elegant park was created in 18th century for King William III, who lived at nearby Kensington Palace. Today the park is more famously associated with Diana, Princess of Wales, who also lived at the Palace. The Diana Memoral Playground is themed around Peter Pan, whose magical adventures were partly set in these gardens. You can find a bronze statue of Peter Pan in the park too. Did you know? The design of the park’s beautiful ‘Sunken Garden’ is based upon a similar garden at King Henry VIII’s lavish Hampton Court Palace. Look out for... ...a 900 year-old tree stump in the park, called the ‘Elfin Oak’. It’s carved to look as if tiny elves and gnomes are hiding inside its bark. Other things to spot close by: Royal Albert Hall, Albert MemorialSt. James’s PalaceSt. James’s Palace Built in the 1530s, St. James’s Palace was the main residence of the royal family for around 300 years. Queen Mary | died here, and King Charles | spent his last night in the palace before being executed the next day. The Palace is actually a sprawling complex of buildings, which include royal apartments, a chapel, dining halls and reception rooms. Did you know? St. James’s Palace is home to the oldest and most valuable stamp collection in the world, which is owned by the Queen. Look out for... ...the Palace’s imposing red-brick gatehouse. Most of the Palace was damaged by a fire in 1809, but the gatehouse still stands from the original building. Other things to spot close by: St. James’s Park, Buckingham Palaceg House in. The Banquet © To get there: Charing Cross or Westminster underground stationsThe Banqueting House Designed in the 1600s by English architect Inigo Jones, the Banqueting House was the first of many buildings in London to be inspired by Ancient Greek and Roman architecture, with grand columns on the outside. The Banqueting House was originally used by the Royal Family for hosting elegant banquets and balls. It still is today, whenever foreign leaders visit London. Did you know? In 1649, King Charles | had his head chopped off outside the Banqueting House, after he lost the Civil War against the English Parliament. © Look out for... ..the stunning ceiling of the main hall, which was painted by famous Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. ) Other things to spot close by: Houses of Parliament, No. 10 Downing StreetThe London Fye To get there: Westminster or Waterloo underground stationsThe London Eye This huge observation wheel was built to celebrate the new millennium. It was only meant to be up for five years, but was so popular it was made a permanent addition to London’s skyline. The London Eye is 135m (450ft) high - that’s three times higher than Tower Bridge. Its 32 glass capsules travel in a slow circle as the wheel turns. From the top, passengers inside get spectacular views across London. Did you know? Each capsule takes about 30 minutes to go all the way around. They travel slowly, so passengers can step on and off without the wheel having to stop. Look out for... ...the stunning views from the top. On a clear day, you can see for over 40km (25 miles), all the way to Windsor Castle. Other things to spot close by: Houses of Parliament, Westminster AbbeyWestminster Abbey The first abbey (monastery church) on this site was built over 1,000 years ago, although the soaring building you see today was constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. Since 1066, all of Britain’s kings and queens have been crowned at Westminster Abbey in glittering ceremonies. Most of them are buried here too, as well as famous British writers, politicians, soldiers and scientists. Did you know? The building’s official name is the Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster. But most people just call it Westminster Abbey. Look out for... ...the Coronation Chair. This is the wooden throne on which British kings and queens have been crowned for almost 1,000 years. Other things to spot close by: Houses of Parliament, Westminster CathedralWestminster Cathedral To get there: St. James’s Park or Victoria underground stationsWestminster Cathedral This distinctive cathedral is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church in Britain. Completed in 1903, it was built to look more like a Byzantine church than an English cathedral, with soaring domes, balconies, and elegant towers. The interior is just as impressive. The walls and columns are made of over 100 different types of marble, and decorated with intricate mosaics. Did you know? Before a cathedral was built here, this site was used for bull fights, a rubbish dump, a market, a maze, and a notorious prison. Look out for... ...the views from the bell tower. You can climb the steps inside (or take the elevator), for great views of Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. Other things to spot close by: St. James’s Park, Westminster AbbeyHouses of Parliament To get there: Westminster underground stationHouses of Parliament The Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) is where the British government meets to make new laws. Inside are over 5km (3 miles) of corridors, 100 flights of stairs, and around 1,100 rooms. The most famous rooms are the House of Commons, where MPs debate political issues, and Westminster Hall, the only remaining part of a medieval palace that was once here. Did you know? The House of Parliament's tallest tower is called Victoria Tower. If a flag is flying from the top, that means the politicians are meeting inside. » Look out for... ...the famous Clock Tower, often called Big Ben. In fact, Big Ben is the nickname of the huge bronze bell inside, not the tower itself. ) Other things to spot close by: Westminster Abbey, No. 10 Downing StreetNatural History Mugeum “ALY Rit - ares m0 ut aw = ee © To get there: South Kensington underground stationNatural History Museum This striking Victorian building contains a vast collection of animals, plants, rocks and fossils from all around the world. Among the natural wonders on display are a snarling model of a Tyrannosaurus rex, one of the world’s biggest trees, a living colony of ants, and a life-sized model of a blue whale hanging from the ceiling of the Mammal Hall. Did you know? The museum owns over 17 million specimens of insects. One of them came from the museums own garden, where a new species was discovered in 2007. Look out for... ...the spectacular new Darwin Centre, where you can watch scientists studying plants and creepy crawlies. Other things to spot close by: Science Museum, Victoria and Albert MuseumLloyd’s building To get there: Aldgate or Bank underground stationsLloyd’s building Home of the insurance company Lloyd’s of London, this striking building was designed by architect Richard Rogers, and opened in 1986. Unlike other skyscrapers, the Lloyd’s building has staircases, elevators and water pipes on the outside, so there’s more space for offices inside. Because of this, it’s nicknamed the ‘inside-out building’. Did you know? There’s an 18th century dining room inside this modern skyscraper. It was brought in bit-by-bit from the previous Lloyd’s building across the road. Look out for... ...the small cranes on top of the building. These helped to build the Lloyd’s building, but were then kept in place as decoration. Other things to spot close by: 30 St. Mary Axe, Bank of EnglandVictoria and Albert Museum © To get there: South Kensington underground stationVictoria and Albert Museum The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is London’s museum of art and design. It has over 4.5 million objects, including ceramics, sculpture, fashion and furniture from all over the world. Some of the museum’s collections are thousands of years old, while others, such as the 11m (36ft) high glass chandelier in the main reception, are dazzlingly new. Did you know? The V&A owns the earliest photograph of London. Taken in 1839, it shows Trafalgar Square before Nelson’s Column was built. Look out for... .-- ippoo’s Tiger. It’s an 18th century model of an Indian tiger attacking a solider. Organ keys make the tiger growl and roar. Other things to spot close by: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, HarrodsAlbert Memorial To get there: South Kensington underground stationAlbert Memorial Queen Victoria ordered this extravagant monument to be built in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, who died in 1861. The seated statue of the Prince in the middle is covered in glimmering gold leaf. It’s surrounded by a canopy with intricate mosaics of angels, and a gold cross on the top. Sculptures around the memorial represent the different continents. Did you know? Prince Albert said he didn’t want a statue of him made after he died. Queen Victoria obviously didn’t listen. » Look out for... ...the marble frieze around the base of the memorial (called the Frieze of Parnassus). It shows 169 famous people from history, including poets, painters and composers. ) Other things to spot close by: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington GardensGerrard Street To get there: Leicester Square underground stationGerrard Street Decorated with red lanterns, stone lions, and brightly painted gates, Gerrard Street is at the heart of London’s Chinese community, in a bustling area known as Chinatown. Shops here sell Chinese goods that aren’t available in other parts of the city. The best time to visit Chinatown is at the end of January, when parties are held to celebrate Chinese New Year. Did you know? Some of London’s first Chinese people came to live there in the 18th century. They were sailors for British trading companies. Today, tens of thousands of people of Chinese origin live in the city. Look out for... ...the street signs around Gerrard Street. Several of them are written in Mandarin, a language spoken by many Chinese people. "> Other things to spot close by: Covent Garden Market, Trafalgar Square’s Cathedral St Paul nderground station To get there: St. Paul’s u:St Paul’s Cathedral The soaring dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Inside, the Cathedral is decorated with intricate wooden carvings, and dazzling mosaics made of around 30 million pieces of glass. You can climb up the dome too. It’s 550 steps to the Golden Gallery at the very top, where you get stunning views across London. Did you know? The Cathedral was completed in 1710, and designed by the architect Sir Christopher Wren. It’s 111m (364ft) high dome is the second largest in Europe (after St. Peter’s in Rome). Look out for... ...the huge crypt. Among the famous people buried down there are the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Lord Nelson. Other things to spot close by: Old Bailey, Museum of London, Bank of EnglandSouthwark Cathedral To get there: London Bridge underground stationSouthwark Cathedral There’s been a church on this site for over 1,000 years, although the current building was completed in the year 1420. During the 16th century, Southwark Cathedral was visited by actors and playwrights who worked in nearby playhouses (such as the Globe). These included William Shakespeare, whose brother Edmund is buried here. ~ Did you know? Around 400 years ago, Southwark Cathedral was used as a court, where men were sentenced to death for belonging to the wrong religion. Look out for... ...the stained glass window that shows scenes from the plays of William Shakespeare. Other things to spot close by: The Golden Hinde, Shakespeare’s GlobeThe Golden Hinde poe aes To get there: London Bridge underground station ghThe Golden Hinde This magnificent ship is a replica of a Tudor warship that sailed around the world from 1577 to 1580. The original ship’s captain, Sir Francis Drake, wasn’t just an explorer — some people called him a pirate too. Using the Golden Hinde’s powerful guns, he attacked other ships along his voyage, stealing their chests of golden treasure. Did you know? This replica ship has sailed over 225,000km (140,000 miles) - that’s much further than the original Golden Hinde ever sailed. Look out for... ...the golden ‘hinde’ (female deer) on the ship’s crest. This is the symbol of Sir Christopher Hatton, the man who paid for Sir Francis Drake’s ship. Other things to spot close by: Southwark Cathedral, Shakespeare’s GlobeThe Monument LOO SF > Z- LH sey coyomaseneeryrem senses — pt rF : a ce es Zot pe. 5 shy al aE =I eat i \ f Bot “Ay is a [SS oe || | sees Fie hoa Nt | -—The Monument The tallest free-standing stone column in the world, the Monument was built in 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London, which ravaged this part of the city 11 years earlier. The copper urn at the top symbolizes the flames. For great views, you can climb the 311 winding stairs inside the column to the viewing platform at the top. Did you know? The Monument is 61.5m (203 ft) high. That’s the exact distance from its base to the spot where the Great Fire of London broke out. ~ Look out for... ...the sculptures around the base of the Monument. They show King Charles Il and his advisers planning how to rebuild the ruined city after the Great Fire. Other things to spot close by: Bank of England, Lloyd’s building, 30 St. Mary AxeFortnum & Mason @ To get there: Green Park underground stationFortnum & Mason For over 300 years, this exclusive department store has specialized in selling fancy goods to high society. Fortnum & Mason is especially famous for supplying food to the Royal Family, as well as for selling luxury picnic hampers and expensive foreign teas. Around Christmas, most of the store’s mail order goods are delivered by horse and carriage. © Did you know? In 1851, Fortnum & Mason invented Scotch eggs. They were also the first ever store to sell tins of baked beans. ® Look out for... «the clock on the front of the shop. As it strikes the hour, figures of the shop’s founders, William Fortnum and Hugh Mason, slide out and bow politely to one another. @ Other things to spot close by: Buckingham Palace, St. James's ParkTemple Bar A, aa se RIE > To get there: St. Paul’s underground stationTemple Bar For over 200 years, this grand stone arch stood in Fleet Street, as one of the official gateways to the City (the financial heart of London). In the middle of the 19th century, Fleet Street had to be widened for extra traffic, so Temple Bar was dismantled. In 2003, the gateway was re-erected where it now stands, close to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Did you know? Temple Bar is made of the same type of stone as St. Paul’s Cathedral (Portland stone). It was designed by the same person, too — famous architect Sir Christopher Wren. Look out for... ...the four royal statues that decorate the front of Temple Bar. They show Charles |, Charles II, James | and his wife Queen Anne of Denmark. Other things to spot close by: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Old Bailey, Museum of LondonTrafalgar Square @ 10 get there: Charing Cross or Leicester Square underground stations )Trafalgar Square This famous square was built to celebrate the British naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. In the middle of the Square stands Nelson’s Column, topped with a statue of Admiral Lord Nelson, who led the famous victory. Today the Square is a popular place for national celebrations, political rallies and outdoor displays of modern art. ® Did you know? More than 15 million people visit Trafalgar Square each year, making it the fourth most popular tourist site in the world. @ Look out for... ...the four lions at the bottom of Nelson’s Column (called Landseer’s Lions, after the artist who designed them). They’re made out of bronze from cannons of old battleships. @ Other things to spot close by: National Gallery, Covent Garden MarketAdmiralty Arch To get there: Charing Cross underground stationAdmiralty Arch This majestic sweeping archway was built in 1912 as a barrier between busy Trafalgar Square and the quieter area around Buckingham Palace. The arch was originally the headquarters of the Royal Navy, or the Admiralty, although today it’s used as government offices. Close by stands a statue of the famous sailor and explorer Captain Cook. Other things to spot close by: Trafalgar Square, St. James’s Park Did you know? Five arched gateways pass through Admiralty Arch. The big one in the middle is only ever used for royal ceremonies. Look out for... ...a stone ‘nose’ that pokes from the wall inside one of the arches. It is said to be a tribute to the Duke of Wellington (who had a famously large nose).City Hall © To get there: London Bridge underground stationCity Hall This strangely shaped glass building is where the Mayor of London works. It has ten floors of busy offices, as well as a viewing platform at the top that gives you great views up and down the River Thames. City Hall’s round shape means it loses heat less than rectangular buildings, which makes it better for the environment. Other things to spot close by: Tower Bridge, Tower of London Did you know? The building was finished in 2002, and cost £43 million. It’s made of over 4,000 tons of steel and glass. Look out for... ...City Hall’s strange shape. Some people say it looks like an onion. Others think it looks like a motorcycle helmet. What do you think?@ to aatthara: Manian Mauce or Landen Bride underaroind stetiansMillennium Bridge This sleek steel footbridge spans the Thames between St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern, linking the north and south banks of the city. The Millennium Bridge is the first new footbridge to cross the Thames in over 100 years. It was built to celebrate the new millennium, and designed to look like a blade of light streaking across the river. Other things to spot close by: Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral Did you know? The bridge opened in the year 2000, but was shut after just two days, when people felt the surface swaying as they crossed. The problem was fixed, but ever since the bridge has been nicknamed the ‘Wobbly Bridge’. Look out for... ...the amazing views of London you get from every part of the bridge.Buckingham Palace © To get there: Victoria or St. James’s Park underground stationsBuckingham Palace Since 1837, this enormous palace has Did you know? been the official home of the kings The Palace has over 600 staff, and queens of Great Britain. Inside including gardeners, cooks and are almost 800 lavishly decorated cleaners. There are even two people rooms, including 52 bedrooms and who look after its 300 clocks. 78 bathrooms. The palace also has @ lockourtor. a chapel, post office and cinema. sollte Changing ihe Gucrd? Most of Buckingham Palace is ceremony. It takes place every private, but you can visit some of morning at 11.30, as new guards the beautiful State Rooms on public come on duty inside the tours in the summer. Palace gates. Other things to spot close by: St, James's Park, St. James’s PalaceCabinet War Rooms To get there: Westminster or St. James’s Park underground stationsCabinet War Rooms As enemy bombs fell on London during the Second World War, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his government met in safety in this secret headquarters 3m (10ft) below the streets of Westminster. Today, the War Rooms have been recreated so you can see how they looked at the time, with maps on the walls, and the sound of falling bombs echoing around the narrow corridors. Other things to spot close by: Houses of Parliament, No. 10 Downing Street » Did you know? Throughout the war, Churchill made radio speeches to the nation from deep inside this underground shelter. © Look out for... ...one of the maps in the Map Room, which has a cartoon on it of German leader Adolf Hitler. The doodle is said to have been made by Winston Churchill himself.} Fyrom ya. -Celscort] Dmmee tora — J S—a/ pil 7g m, He, . : a hy a | Whee Ty } Nyt ind) i (a¥é@) a 4 SD ] ya yyy yo ye) = | aan j 7 a | | b a { (a SS i ' y SsLondon transport London has the world’s largest public transport system. Every day, around 6.5 million people travel on the city’s buses and underground trains. In 1829, London’s first double decker bus was pulled by horses. Then, in 1863, the world’s first underground train line opened. Today, London has almost 300 underground stations — more than anywhere else. You can also get about in black taxi cabs. (ama i aia aE IA SA a SEY Sauce a a4 a RR ie a EN Did you know? The word ‘cab’ comes from ‘cabriolet’ -akind of horse-drawn carriage once used in London. ‘Bus’ comes from ‘omnibus’, which means ‘for all’. Look out for... ...the orange ‘TAXI’ sign on top of black cabs. If it’s lit up, the cab is available for hire.Smithfield Market To get there: Farringdon underground stationSmithfield Market Meat has been bought and sold at Smithfield Market for almost 1,000 years. Until the middle of the 19th century, the area was crammed with cattle and sheep that were driven here to be slaughtered. The current market building, with its iron arches and domed towers, opened in 1868. Animals aren’t killed here any more, but it still supplies meat to restaurants all over London. Other things to spot close by: Museum of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral Did you know? In the Middle Ages, this area was known as ‘smooth field’ because of the grassy fields on which the cattle grazed. Over time, the name got changed to Smithfield. Look out for... ...stone sculptures of griffins that decorate the building. The mythical beasts are symbols of the City of London.Museum of London SS SS ee er SS SS SS ee —on ; — Le 1 a a sepa =e j . = . \ he ss [ : : i a 1 N aA To get there: Moorgate underground stationfa a a i i Naas |S ASIN mR TY =a ai Ras US deem | 0ediad Ny Museum of London This is the place to find out all about London’s glorious and grisly past - from prehistoric times right up to the present day. You can discover how Romans built the first city on the River Thames, how London was ravaged by the Great Fire and the Great Plague, and wander down a reconstructed street from Victorian London, experiencing its strange sights and sounds. ) Other things to spot close by: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Smithfield Market » Did you know? The museum overlooks part of the ancient city wall, built by the Romans around 2,000 years ago to protect London from enemy invasions. © Look out for... «the golden Lord Mayor’s Coach. Built in 1757, it’s still used every year when the Lord Mayor parades through London’s streets.No. 10 Downing Street To aet there: Westminster underaround stationNo. 10 Downing Street This famous address has been the Did you know? home of British Prime Ministers since Before it became the home of 1735. It’s actually three houses joined British Prime Ministers, No.10 up, with over 100 rooms inside. Downing Street was owned by There are elegant dining rooms, a man named Mr. Chicken. where visiting leaders from other countries are entertained, and the Cabinet Room, where the Prime Look out for... ...the famous front door of No.10 Downing Street. The door looks as Minister and his closest advisers if ivemaderorwooddborinitac: make important political decisions. de reinforced steel, to withstand Other things to spot close by: terrorist attacks. Houses of Parliament, Cabinet War RoomsScience Museum r NX i | Ss 2 i } LA ||| fi = f\ =a P \ “YI : [] as a EN A Al F | SS eS Ah | | = 5 cH |) 7 pte i) KS — ' br or KY) \ A, i} Sa ff \\ i p y W N i a To get there: South Kensington underground stationScience Museum The Science Museum is packed with exciting gadgets and machines to help you understand both the history of science as well as some of the very latest scientific technology. You can see old steam engines and early cars, or learn all about the future of space travel and nuclear power. The museum is full of fun scientific things you can join in and do yourself. ©) Other things to spot close by: Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum Did you know? The museum’s huge 3D IMAX cinema screen is taller than five double-decker buses. Look out for... ...the Apollo 10 Command Module, which carried three astronauts into space in 1969. The marks on the outside were made by searing heat as it re-entered Earth’s atmosphere.Temple ChurchTemple Church Temple Church is one of the oldest buildings in London, although it has changed a lot since it was first built around 800 years ago. The church was constructed in the 1100s by a group of monks called the Knights Templar, who fought in the Crusades, religious wars in the Middle East. A statue on a pillar outside the church shows one of the knights riding a horse. Other things to spot close by: Covent Garden Market, Cleopatra's Needle Did you know? The round front of Temple Church is based on the design of an even older church in Jerusalem, called the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Look out for... ...stone sculptures of the Knights Templars that rise from the church’s marble floor. The knights are shown holding their swords and shields.Tower Bridge > To get there: Tower Hill or London Bridge underground stations[LOE a el Se ea oN Tower Bridge With its distinctive stone towers, Tower Bridge is one of London’s most famous landmarks. It was completed in 1894, and remains the only bridge over the Thames that opens in the middle. The middle of the bridge has two sections (called bascules) that rise up to let tall ships through. They open around 1,000 times a year, and are operated by people that work in the towers. ©) Other things to spot close by: Tower of London, City Hall, HMS Belfast — Did you know? In 1977, Tower Bridge was painted red, white and blue to celebrate the the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. ~~ Look out for... ...the museum inside the towers, which has more information on the bridge’s history. You can also get onto the top walkway for great views.a6) 4 re ee rt hia i == H TE Va Ta To get there: Knightsbridge underground stationHarrods Harrods was just a small grocery shop when it opened in 1849. Today it’s one of the largest and most famous department stores in the world. Harrods has 330 departments, spread over seven floors. They boast that they can sell you anything you want, from anywhere in the world. The Pet Department once even sold a customer a baby elephant. Other things to spot close by: Science Museum, Natural History Museum Did you know? In 1898, the world’s very first escalator was installed in Harrods. Passengers were given a drink at the top to celebrate the ride. Look out for... ...the sumptuous decoration throughout the shop. The Egyptian Hall is designed to look like an ancient Egyptian temple.Animals in War es { To get there: Marble Arch underground stationAnimals in War There are several memorials in London for dead soldiers, but this is the only one for animals that died in wars. The animals include dogs detecting mines, pigeons carrying messages, and horses hauling heavy supplies. The memorial has bronze sculptures of mules, a horse and a dog, as well as carvings of other animals that have served in war, such as elephants and donkeys. Other things to spots close by: Marble Arch, Kensington Gardens Did you know? Over 8 million horses died working for Allied soldiers in the First World War. Some were killed by bombs and bullets, while others died of exhaustion, starvation or bad weather. Look out for... ...the inscription on the memorial wall. It says They had no choice.Covent Garden Market In the Middle Ages, this area was the vegetable garden of a religious convent, which is how the market got its name. Today, Covent Garden is still a bustling market. But instead of fruit and vegetable stalls, it’s now a buzzing shopping area, packed with craft shops, clothes stalls and lively outdoor cafes. @ Other things to spot close by: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square ® Did you know? Although there’s been a market in this area for hundreds of years, the current glass-roofed building was built in 1830. ® Look out for... ...the street artists who perform in the Piazza (square) outside the Market. These include jugglers, mime artists and musicians.HMS Belfast To get there: London Bridge underground stationHMS Belfast This hulking warship fought in one of Britain’s most important ever battles, when it took part in the 1944 invasion of France during the Second World War. HMS Belfast was taken out of military service in 1963. It’s now a museum about the Royal Navy, where you can learn more about their dangerous missions. Other things to spot close by: City Hall, Tower Bridge Did you know? If the HMS Belfast fired its front guns, the missiles would strike a service station on a motorway, over 18km (around 11 miles) away. Look out for... ...the camouflage on the ship’s steel hull. It’s the same pattern that the HMS Belfast had during the Second World War.Tower of London ©) To get there: Tower Hill underground stationTower of London This ancient fortress is actually a complex of 21 towers, enclosed within thick stone walls. Over the past 900 years, the Tower as been used as a royal palace, an astronomical observatory, and even a zoo. But the Tower is best known as a prison, where enemies of English kings and queens had their heads chopped off. Today it’s a museum, housing the priceless Crown Jewels. Other things to spot close by: Tower Bridge, City Hall, HMS Belfast » Did you know? The Tower has been protected since the 16th century by guards called Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters. You can spot them giving tours in their red and black coats. Look out for... ...the seven ravens living in the grounds. Legend says the Tower will collapse if they ever leave.Marble Arch “> To get there: Marble Arch underground stationMarble Arch This imposing stone archway was built in 1828 as the main entrance to Buckingham Palace. When a new part of the Palace was constructed in 1851, the arch was taken away and put in its current position at the bottom of Oxford Street. The arch was used as a police station until 1950. There are three rooms inside, one on each side and another across the top. Other things to spot close by: Animals in War Memorial, Kensington Gardens Did you know? Because it was once a royal gateway, it is officially illegal for anyone except the Royal Family and royal guards to pass through Marble Arch. But everyone does. Look out for... ...a round plaque on the ground close by. This marks the spot where around 50,000 criminals were hung between 1300 and 1783.Royal Albert Hall “> To get there: South Kensington underground stationRoyal Albert Hall This grand oval concert hall, which opened in 1871, is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. The hall is most famous for hosting classical music concerts, but it has been used for all sorts of other events too — including ballroom dancing, car shows, circuses and even, in 1991, London’s first ever sumo wrestling tournament. Other things to spot close by: Albert Memorial, Natural History Museum ~ Did you know? The Royal Albert Hall was built using the profits from a science and arts exhibition that took place in nearby Hyde Park in 1851. Look out for... ...the long stone frieze around the outside of the hall. It shows dozens of artists, scientists and engineers hard = at work,To get there: Baker Street underground stationMadame Tussauds Madame Tussauds is the world’s most famous wax museum. French artist Marie Tussaud opened her museum on Baker Street in 1835. Since then it has grown into one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. Around two million visitors come here each year to have their pictures taken with the lifelike wax models of famous people such as actors, pop stars and the Royal Family. Other things to spot close by: Regent’s Park, London Zoo Did you know? It takes around four months for Madame Tussauds to create one of its wax figures. The heads alone take five weeks to get right, with each strand of hair being added individually. Look out for... ...the Chamber of Horrors. This is where museum's most grisly wax models lurk — famous murderers and other criminals from history.