Текст 2 Royal London
Modern yet historical, cosmopolitan and also traditional, intensely busy but elsewhere deeply tranquil, today`s London is a city of contrasts that has something different to offer everyone who visits this famous capital. The royal palaces and the pageantry (великолепие) are among the main attractions of London. Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of the royal family since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. Built by the Duke of Buckingham, this splendid palace has 661 rooms, including the state rooms, which are open to the public each year throughout August and September. The palace is also the starting point for the famous Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Kensington Palace was built in the early 17th century for the Earl of Nottingham and was converted into a palace by Sir Christopher Wren for William of Orange. In more recent times it has been the residence of Princess Margaret and the late (недавно умершей) Diana, Princess of Wales. The state apartments are open to the public from May to October.
St James` s Park in The Mall is one of the royal parks and offers fine views of Buckingham Palace, St James`s Palace and Horse Guards Parade. This beautiful space contains a delighted array of flowers, shrubbery and trees, and a large lake that attracts many varieties of bird, including pelicans.
The Royal Albert Hall in Kensington Gardens was erected as a monument to Queen Victoria` s consort (супруг) and was opened in 1871. This huge concert hall now hosts many events, including the world-famous “Proms”.
London is steeped in history. Magnificent churches such as Westminster Abbey and St Paul` s Cathedral, along with landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, are famous the world over.
Westminster Abbey embodies much of British history and is the burial place of kings, queens, eminent politicians, scientists and clergy. The present abbey was built on the site of an earlier church established by the Saxons. It was consecrated (освящена) by Edward the Confessor in 1065 and since that date nearly every British monarch has been crowned here. Among the abbey`s many attractions are Poets` Corner, where some of England` s finest writers are buried, the Memorial to William Shakespeare, and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, which commemorates the many soldiers who died in World War One. Opposite the east end of Westminster Abbey lies Parliament Square, which, along with the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Hall, comprises the Palace of Westminster. In Parliament Square the statues of famous statesmen can be seen. The ornate Victorian building of the Houses of Parliament accommodates both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, while Westminster Hall remains the oldest surviving part of the original Palace of Westminster, dating from the late 14th century. The clocktower, known popularly as Big Ben, is undoubtedly the most recognizable feature of the Houses of Parliament. The unusual nickname was originally given to its enormous bell.