Topic. London. Sightseeing.

Exercise 120. Read the text. What interesting facts have you learnt? Find more information and compare Big Ben to the Tsar Bell.

Big Ben has been telling the sharp time since 1859. The erection of this famous Clock Tower began in 1837, when the reign of Queen Victoria began. This time the reconstruction of Westminster Palace was going on, because the fire damaged the building in 1834.

The constructor of the clock was Sir Edmund Greemthorp. The clock is really big: the area of every round face is 23 square feet, the minute hand is 14 feet long (4 m 30 cm) and the hour hand is 9 feet long ( 2 m 75 cm). The big bell standing behind four round

faces weighs 13,5 tons. Just a vehicle with 14 horses could bring the bell to the tower from foundry. This bell has an unusual history.

It was founded twice. After the first founding it cracked, and it was decided to found it once more. But after the second attempt it cracked again. And the bell has been uttering this unusual resonant sound since that time.

Why was the bell called Big Ben? There are two versions. Perhaps it was called so in honour of Sir Benjamin Hall, who managed the erection of the Clock Tower. To another opinion workers who removed the bell from foundry gave it this name. The fact is that boxing was very popular sport with Englishmen, and Benjamin Count was the most popular boxer that time. And the workers called the bell in honour of this sportsman.

Now the famous clock is located in the tower which was built in Neogothic style. Its height is 320 feet (97,5 m). Big Ben sounds every hour, and little bells ring every quarter of hour.

Exercise 121. Read the text. Find more details about the Tower of London and share in class.

The Tower of London.

For over 900 years the Tower has dominated the city of London. Throughout its long history the Tower has served as a royal palace and fortress, prison, armory and jewel house.

The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in the 11^th century to intimidate the citizens of London. The Tower was established during his reign (1066-1078) on the remains of a Roman fortification. Later it became the royal residence. Then the Tower was white washed and it became known as the White tower.

Edward I added a sinister chapel to the Tower’s history when he set up a permanent execution scaffold, and in the 15^th and 16^th centuries increased its reputation as a prison.

James I was the last monarch to use the Tower as a residence. The chief occupants today are the Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters in their Tudor costumes, and the ravens. As the legend goes, Charles II arranged to keep some ravens on the grounds always, after being told that the Tower and the monarchy would fall if the birds ever left. The wings of the birds are now clipped to prevent them from flying away. Ravens are cared for by one of the Yeoman Warders, with the title of Ravenmaster.

About 150 people still live within the Tower walls, mainly Yeoman Warders and their families. The Yeoman Warders are descended from the ancient band of warders who, from early in the Tower’s history, had the responsibility for guarding the gates and royal prisoners. The red and gold state dress is only worn for special occasions, ceremonies, church parades and when royalty visits the Tower. At the Ceremony of the Keys, a version of which has been performed nightly for hundred of years, the outer gates of the fortress are locked and the keys delivered to the Resident Governor of the Tower.

The Crown Jewels have been on public display at the Tower of London since the 17^th century. They include the imperial State Crown, which contains 3000 jewels, and the royal Sceptre which has the largest top quality diamond in the world – the 530 carat the First Star of Africa (Cullinan I).

The Crown Jewels have not always been as securely held as they are today. In 1671, when the jewels were housed in the Martin Tower, ‘Colonel’ Thomas Blood made a daring attempt to steal the crown, orb and sceptre and got as far as Tower Wharf before he and his accomplices were caught. In 1815, a madwoman got hold of the State Crown and wrenched its arches apart causing considerable damage. In 1841 a serious fire again threatened their safety.

Today the Tower of London is still one of the capital’s most prominent landmarks and a world famous visitor attraction.

Exercise 122. Make a presentation “Places to Visit in London”. Choose one of the sights and follow the plan.

1. Introduce the topic. Why did you choose this particular building/place?

2. When and by whom was this building erected/this place founded? Talk about the historical aspect – how did this place develop with the course of time? Was this place restored/renovated? Why did it happen? Talk about the significance of this place. Is this place connected with famous people in history?

3. Talk about the present state of this building/place. Is it available for visitors?

Exercise 123. Test your knowledge.

1. What’s London’s most famous department store?

A. Piccadilly B. Harrods C. The Barbican Centre

2. What street has a long tradition as the home of printing?

A. Sloane Street B. Oxford Street C. Fleet Street

3. What are the famous guards of The Tower of London called?

A. Beefeaters B. The Guards C. Knights

4. Where are the Crown Jewels kept?

A. in the Tower of London B. in the British Museum C. in Westminster Abbey

5. What commemorates Napoleon’s defeat at sea in 1805?

A. Oliver's Column B. Duke of York's Column C. Nelson's Column

6. What line runs through Greenwich?

A. Nine Elms Lane B. The Prime Meridian C. Long Lane

7. Where’s the home of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

A. Downing Street 10 and 11 B. Regent Street C. Fleet Street

8. What did Madame Tussauds start in 1835?

A. a famous bakery B. famous waxworks C. a famous needle-point