London

London is the capital of the UK. More than 8 million people live in London. London lies on both banks of the river Thames. It is the largest city in Europe and one of the largest cities in the world. London is an ancient city. It is about 2000 years old.

London is not only the capital of the country, it is also a very big port, one of the greatest commercial centres in the world, a university city, and the seat of the government of Great Britain.

The most important parts of London are: the City, the West End, the East End and Westminster.

The City is the busiest part of London. People do business there. Only about  ten  thousand people live there.

 The Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral are in the centre. The Tower is about 900 years old. Many years ago it was a royal residence, then a prison. Now it is a museum. St. Paul's Cathedral is very large and fine. It was completed in 1710.
The West End is the richest part of London. You can find the best shops, theatres, cinemas, museums, fine parks and squares there. Its houses and streets are the finest in the capital. The rich people live in the West End.

The East End is the part of London where working people live. It is not so rich as other parts of London and there are fewer parks there.

Westminster is the centre of administration. We can see the Houses of Parliament there. It is a beautiful building with two towers and a very big clock called Big Ben. The Houses of Parliament stand in Parliament Square. Westminster Abbey is opposite the Houses of Parliament. Westminster Abbey is one of the most beautiful buildings in London. There are many monuments of great men there. Many great English scientists lie buried there; among them Newton, Darwin and Watt. In the Poets' Corner some of the famous English poets and writers are buried.

To the west of Westminster Abbey you can see Buckingham Palace. It is the royal residence.