London Sights By Jelena Vassiljeva Tallinna Lasname Phikool

London Sights By Jelena Vassiljeva Tallinna Lasnamäe Põhikool

London Eye is a giant 135 -metre tall wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames in Central London, England.

The Tower of London • It is a castle and scheduled monument in central London • The Tower served as a fortress, a royal palace and a prison. It has also served as a place of execution and torture, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, the Royal Mint, a public records office, an observatory, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

Yeoman Warders • The guards at the Tower of London are called Yeoman Warders. In principle they are responsible for looking after any prisoners at the Tower and safeguarding the British crown jewels, but in practice they act as tour guides and are a tourist attraction in their own right. There are twelve Yeomen Warders. • Their nickname is Beefeater.

The Legend of The Ravens • Ravens have lived at the Tower of London for hundreds of years. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London the White Tower will crumble and a great disaster shall befall England.

The Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is 60 meters long with towers that rise to a height of 43 meters. Its middle section can be raised to permit large vessels to pass the Tower Bridge. Massive engines raise the bridge sections, which weigh about 1000 tons each, in just over a minute. It used to be raised about 50 times a day, but nowadays it is only raised 4 to 5 times a week.

St Paul’s Cathedral

Some Facts • The first St Paul's Cathedral was built in 604 AD but burnt down in 675. The rebuilt cathedral was again burnt down in the Great Fire of London in 1666. • The present St Paul's Cathedral was built between 1675 and 1711 by Sir Christopher Wren. • The dome of St Pauls Cathedral is the second biggest dome in the world, after St Peter's in Rome. • At the dome's base is the Whispering Gallery. A whisper to the wall on one side can be heard on the other.

The Houses of Parliament

• The Palace of Westminster, known also as the Houses of Parliament, is where the two Houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the House of Lords and the House of Commons) conduct their sittings. It is the place where laws governing British life are debated and passed. • The Queen rides in a State coach to Westminster to open each new session of Parliament, usually in the second week in November. • The Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) contain the bell Big Ben that is struck each quarter hour. A light in the clock tower tells when the House of Commons is in session.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is where the Queen lives. When the Queen is at home, you can see her royal flag flying from the flag pole on top of Buckingham Palace.

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace The Queen's Guard changes at 11: 30 am every day in the summer and every other day in the winter.

The City of London

Some Facts The City is today one of the most important international business and financial centres. In the 19 th century, the City served as the world's primary business centre. The City has a resident population of approximately 8, 000, but around 320, 000 people work there, mainly in the financial services sector.

Westminster Abbey

Some Facts • Westminster Abbey is one of the oldest buildings in London and one of the most important religious centres in the country. Many kings and Queens and famous people are buried or commemorated there. Its founder, Edward the Confessor, was made a saint after his death and he is buried in a special chapel dedicated to him. • Every King and Queen has been crowned in Westminster Abbey since William the Conqueror in 1066.

Trafalgar Square

Admiral Nelson’s Column Trafalgar Square was built in honour of Admiral Lord Nelson after his victory in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar. Britain's most famous sea Lord, Nelson died in this famous battle against Napoleon.

Piccadilly Circus The Circus is close to major shopping and entertainment areas in the heart of the West End. Its status as a major traffic intersection has made Piccadilly Circus a busy meeting place and a tourist attraction in its own right.

Madame Tussauds Museum

Transport in London