Экзамен - Старые темы - 1999 / London

LONDON

London is the capital of Great Britain. It is considered to be one of the most attractive cities, where the old rubs shoulders with the past and in every part of its complex and busy life there is to be found a special affection for its traditions. London is an old city with rich cultural achievements. The Romans, Saxons and Danes settled here in turn. Then the Norman’s came. London survived the Plague and the great fire, which followed. Little damage occurred during the World War I, but World War II brought tremendous destruction. Many buildings of great historic value were destroyed. Though some of them were spared. Among them there are: the Tower, the Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral. But I’d like to start with the Houses of Parliament, which spread, magnificently on the northern bank of the river Themes. They are famous for its Clock Tower and clock bell Big Ben. It was named so after sir Benjamin Hall, the first Commissioner of works when the Houses of Parliament were rebuilt. In medieval days it was the residence of king. But since 16^th century it became the permanent home of the Parliament.

If you were in London you can’t but visit the Westminster Abbey, the national shrine of England where famous people were buried. One of the biggest attractions of it is the oaken Coronation Chair on which the kings were crowned. W.A. is also noted for its Tumb of the Unknown Soldier and the Poet’s Corner.

The first thing you notice in London is the St. Paul’s Cathedral. Its dome has always dominated the center of the city. It was built by a prominent architect Sir Christopher Wren and it is considered to be the architectural masterpiece. Londoners always have a special affection for the St. Paul’s, which is the largest Protestant Church in England.

One of the most famous sights of London is Trafalgar Square, which was named so to commemorate the Nelson’s victory in the battle of Trafalgar. In the center of the Square there is a Column which is surmounted with the statue of Nelson. The Column is guarded by the four lines in the foot of it. On the north side of the Square there are the National and the National Portrait Galleries, where the richest collections of genuine works of art are exhibited.

I think to visit London without visiting its Tower is unimaginable. It was built by William the Conqueror to protect the city. Then Tower was used for different purposes: as a royal palace, an observatory, an arsenal and a prison. Now there is a museum there, where the Crown Jewels are exhibited. Tower is guarded by a military garrison of Yeoman Warders or “Beafeaters” who are still wearing their picturesque uniform.