2. Scenic Spot and Historical Sites Chapter VII

3. 1. Britain is a small, ancient collection of countries which are plentifully stocked with the artistic and historical legacy of a particularly interesting past. 2. The landscape varies greatly not only from region to region, but from county to county. I. Condition

4. II. Westminster 1. Westminster Palace A. Function: seat of the British House of Parliament and kings lived in it up to Henry VIII. B. Feature: the largest Gothic edifice in England C. Location: in the heart of London D. Westminster hall has witnessed many dramatic events, such as, the condemnation of Charles I.

5. E. It was burnt down in the Great Fire of 1834 and erected in 1840-1867. F. Its antiquity surprises visitors. G. The most symbolic part is the clock Tower, which is famous for the largest and most authoritative clock, the Big Ben.

7. 2. Westminster Abbey A. It has the finest stained-glass window. B. This is where sightseeing in London begins for most travelers. C. Principal architectural features are the transepts with aisles.

8. D. It is a veritable national shrine because many greatest literary, scientific figures, statesmen and monarchs are buried here. E. It enshrines many of the traditions and commemorates many of the achievements of the British people.

9. Video about the Abbey

10. III. The British Museum 1. Features A. It is in London’s Great Russell Street and consists of the British National Museum of Antiquities and Ethnography and the British National Library. B. It was founded in 1753. C. The British Museum Library is one of the largest and richest in the world. D. It is financed by Government funds and managed by a board of 25 trustees.

11. E. Karl Marx came to study and completed most of his famous book Das Kapital. 2. Collection of antiquities is organized into three main departments. A. Greek and Roman, Egyptian, Western Asian, Oriental, British and Medieval antiquities B. Department of coins and metals C. Department of ethnography

13. IV. Hyde Park 1. It is in the centre of London and the world’s most famous city parks. 2. It was part of the manor of Hyde, given by Edward the Confessor to the Abbey of Westminster. 3. It reverted to the crown and was open to the public during the reign of Charles I.

14. Video about the park 4. In 1851, it was the site of London’s Great Exhibition. 5. Marble Arch is famous for its lovely plants and the world-famous Speakers’ Corner.

15. V. The Tower of London 1. It was erected in the 13th century. 2. It is situated on the east of the city and on the northern side of the River Thames. 3. It is an ancient fortress surrounded by ditch, formerly fed by the Thames but now dry. 4. White Tower was built for William the Conqueror.

16. 5. The Norman St. John’s Chapel, London’s oldest church is situated in the White Tower. 6. Executions took place both within the tower and on the tower hill. 7. It was not only a state prison, but also a royal residence. 8. It is under the governorship of a constable.

17. Video about the Tower

18. VI. St. Paul’s Cathedral 1. The original St. Paul’s was built in 1621. 2. It is the biggest and most well- known church in London and is a typical example of the architecture of the Renaissance. 3. It was severely damaged during the Great Fire of 1666, and completed by Sir Christopher.

20. VII. Whitehall 1. It is the most important street in London and named after the ancient sprawling Whitehall Palace that had successive monarchs. 2. Banqueting Hall is one of the most beautiful building in London, in front of which Charles I had his head cut off.

21. 3. Whitehall is a short wide thoroughfare, where some of the most important offices, such as the Home Office, the Treasury, and War Office are located. 4. It is also famous for political demonstrations. 5. The street is dominated by Trafalgar Square.Trafalgar Square

22. VIII. Buckingham palace 1. It was built for the 1st Duke of Buckingham and Normandy and was bought by George III for his wife. 2. It was rebuilt in the Palladian style by John Nash and then the building became known as Buckingham Palace. 3. Victoria made it the royal palace. 4. It is the monarch’s present London home, facing the St. James’ park. 5. Since 1993, it has been open to the public during the summer months only.

24. IX. Greenwich Royal Observatory 1. The old buildings of the Observatory are on the highest hill in Greenwich Park. 2. Now it has moved to Herstmonceux Castle in Sussex on account of the London pollution. 3. Tourists like to watch the time-ball descent at 1 p.m. 4. Video about the ObservatoryVideo about the Observatory

25. X. Madame Tussaud’s 1. It is a famous exhibition of about 300 life-size wax figures in London. 2. it was damaged by fire in 1925, and reopened in 1928. 3. The exhibition is a four-storey building. A. ground floor : “ the floor of terror” B. first floor: wax figures who have something to do with historical events

26. C. second floor: famous wax figures, such as Brazilian footballer Pele, the American boxing champion, Mahammed Ali, Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria D. third floor: modern and contemporary politicians and statesmen: Washington, Lincoln, Churchill, Mao Tsetung

28. XI. Stratford-on-Avon 1. Shakespeare was born there in 1564. 2. it is the seat of the British or more specifically the English soul, while London is the capital of the English character.

29. Thank You