2. London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial centre. It is the chief port of Great Britain. It is one of the greatest cities of the world. Its population is about 9 million people.

3. Firstly here was settlements of ancients people. The origin of the city may be dated as the beginning of the 1st century A. D., when a tribe of the Celtic family settled near the Thames. The Roman town, LONDINIUM, grew up on the two hillocks near St Paul's Cathedral and Cornhill, not far from the Tower of London. The English are very proud of the long history of their capital, because London is 2 000 years old.

4. The city became extremely prosperous during the 16th century. Then in 1665 and 1666 two catastrophes occurred: the first was epidemic of plague which killed 100,000 citizens, and the second was the Great Fire which destroyed the whole of the City, including St Paul's Cathedral.

5. Most of the finest buildings date from the second half of the 17th century. At the beginning of the 19th century England was at the height of her power. Cheapside in 1903 Old Houses, Cloth Fair, 1877

6. Little damage occured during World War I, but World War II brought tremendous destruction to the city: a great number of buildings of historic value were laid in ruins. Yet much was spared, including the Tower, St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey which remain the major tourist attractions of the city. The Salvation Army building on 10 May 1941, the worst night of the Blitz.

7. London manages in a unique way to reflect the past and, at the same time, to live a life of a modern city. There is always something new to be discovered, some fresh approach to a familiar scene, some curious piece of life in the city where the old and the new exist side by side in mutual tolerance and respect.

12. London’s Emblem is white shield with red cross of St. George which protected London. This shield hold two dragons. Legend says this dragons lived in Thames and protected London.

13. Parks of London The London Eye The Tower of London Downing Street, 10 Madame Tussaud’s museum Transport of London Buckingham Palace Theatre Globe The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben Westminster Abbey St. Paul’s Cathedral