Downing Street

It is an office for the prime minister, a meeting place for the Cabinet, a venue for state events and a home for the prime minister's family. While in office, prime ministers traditionally live with their families in Downing Street in the private flat on the second floor.

The Charles Dickens Museum

It is the world's most important collection of material relating to the great Victorian novelist and social commentator. Synonymous with Victorian England, this is the only surviving London home of Dickens (from 1837 until 1839), author of such classics as 'Oliver Twist', 'A Christmas Carol' and 'David Copperfield'. The museum was opened here in 1925 and is still welcoming visitors from all over the world to its authentic and inspiring surrounding. On four floors, visitors can see paintings, rare editions, manuscripts, original furniture and many items relating to the life of one of the most popular and beloved personalities of the Victorian Age.

Neasden Temple

Situated off the North Circular Road in Neasden is truly one of the best places in London. Visiting this place men and women have to dress decently: no short skirts, shorts, see through garments etc. Admission is free. The whole process of building this temple is astonishing; five thousands of tons of limestone and marble from different parts of Europe was shipped out to India, carved there and brought back to London.

Royal parks

There are ten royal parks in and around London. For example: Hyde Park, Regents Park, London Zoo, etc. Each park has its own character. In summer on open-air theatre which gives performances of Shakespear’s plays.

British Library

After fifteen years of problems and millions of public money spent, the library finally opened its doors to the public in the spring of 1998. The sheer number of books inside will take your breath away. This is actually the largest library in London.

Changing the Guard

There are actually two ceremonies at separate places. The more popular venue is Buckingham Palace where at 11.30 am on most days The Queen`s Guard, accompanied by a band, arrives from Wellington Barracks having marched via Bird Cage Walk to the palace. The ceremony lasts about 40 min. and takes place inside the railings of the palace. A separate ceremony also takes place daily throughout the year at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall at 11am Mon-Sat and 10am on Sun.

Visitors to London can count on hundreds of London activities and sights, spanning a variety of categories, to satisfy even the most adventurous of spirits. Since the 18th century, England has been one of the main cultural centers of Europe. There's no other country in the world where architectural style is a matter of royal concern. Those interested can catch a glimpse of most of the main sights within two hours from the top of one of London’s famous double-decker buses.

Words and expressions

to astonish – удивлять

damage – вред, повреждение

closely – близко, тесно

occasion – случай

splendid – великолепный

view – вид

to bury – хоронить

wedding – свадьба,

to defeat – наносить повреждение

to provide – снабжать

gift – подарок, талант

spectacular – захватывающий

neighbourhood – соседство

desirable – желательный

to survive – пережить, выжить

beloved – возлюбленный, любимый

to accompany – сопровождать, сопутствовать

double-decker bus – двухэтажный автобус

Task 2. Match the English and Russian equivalents.

historic value северный берег

entertain восхищаться

neighbor первая мировая война

the north bank частный

architecture историческая ценность

admire сосед

the First World War много людей

paintings развлекать

packed with people театр под открытым небом

private архитектура

open-air theatre картины

Task 3. Give the Russian equivalents.

Variety of scenes; The official residence of Queen Elizabeth II; Available to visitors; Example of Gothic architecture; The prime minister's family; The London’s famous double-decker buses; The largest Protestant Church in England; The largest bell; A £10.8 million programme of cleaning and repair; A gift huge Christmas tree; One of the world’s most enjoyable cities; A royal palace; The 21-st century games; 16 feet high; Buildings of great historic value; From mid-May to mid-September; The Victorian Age.

Task 4. Translate underlined words and phrases into English.

1. This structure is a remarkable пример of Gothic архитектура.

2. Музей был открыт here in 1925 and is still welcoming visitors со всего мира.

3. Это действительно the largest library in London.

4. Пока на государственной службе, prime ministers traditionally live with their families in Downing Street in the private flat на втором этаже.

5. С 18 века England has been один из главных центров Европы.

6. The Tower of London использовался в разных целях: as a royal palace, an observatory, an arsenal, государственная тюрьма, now это музей.

7. Свадьбы of the Prince and принцессы of Wales, the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill and many other occasions have graced this spiritual centre.

8. Много мест in London are близко connected with королевская власть.