1. -London- -London-

2. Community and people There are over seven million people living in London making it the biggest city in Western Europe. Despite its size, many Londoners are lonely and isolated and for all its prosperity three of the five most deprived boroughs in England are in London. There are over seven million people living in London making it the biggest city in Western Europe. Despite its size, many Londoners are lonely and isolated and for all its prosperity three of the five most deprived boroughs in England are in London. This section looks at some people who maybe socially excluded in London. It also explores ways people who happen to live in the same area can be transformed into a community. Work is being done by central government, local government and voluntary organisations to recognise everyone’s value, regardless of their age, sex, ethnicity or disability. This section looks at some people who maybe socially excluded in London. It also explores ways people who happen to live in the same area can be transformed into a community. Work is being done by central government, local government and voluntary organisations to recognise everyone’s value, regardless of their age, sex, ethnicity or disability.

3. Many parts of London, such as Islington or Highgate, were once villages (small towns). Today, London is a growing city with a population of more than seven million. People have come from all parts of the world to live here. They have brought with them different ways of living and colourful festivals. London is a multicultural city, as it has been since the Roman times. Now about a quarter of the capital's inhabitants are members of the ethnic minorities. Many parts of London, such as Islington or Highgate, were once villages (small towns). Today, London is a growing city with a population of more than seven million. People have come from all parts of the world to live here. They have brought with them different ways of living and colourful festivals. London is a multicultural city, as it has been since the Roman times. Now about a quarter of the capital's inhabitants are members of the ethnic minorities.multicultural cityRoman timesmulticultural cityRoman times

4. Natural environment London has more parks and green areas than any other city of its size in the world. Almost 39 per cent of London's total area is green. But London's green environment isn't just about parks and gardens - it includes London's noise levels, water, energy and air. London has more parks and green areas than any other city of its size in the world. Almost 39 per cent of London's total area is green. But London's green environment isn't just about parks and gardens - it includes London's noise levels, water, energy and air. Our Green London guide telling you all you need to know about outdoor London - from parks and waterways to wild London and city farms. In our How to be green section you’ll find information about how you can do your bit for the environment. Our Green London guide telling you all you need to know about outdoor London - from parks and waterways to wild London and city farms. In our How to be green section you’ll find information about how you can do your bit for the environment.Green London guideHow to be greenGreen London guideHow to be green

5. Big Ben Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, and is often extended to refer to the clock or the clock tower as well. Big Ben is the largest four-faced chiming clock and the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in May 2009 (the clock itself first ticking on 31 May 1859), during which celebratory events took place. Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, and is often extended to refer to the clock or the clock tower as well. Big Ben is the largest four-faced chiming clock and the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in May 2009 (the clock itself first ticking on 31 May 1859), during which celebratory events took place.bellPalace of Westminsterclock toweranniversarybellPalace of Westminsterclock toweranniversary

6. Officially, the Clock Tower's bell is called the Great Bell though it is better known by the name 'Big Ben'. Officially, the Clock Tower's bell is called the Great Bell though it is better known by the name 'Big Ben'. There are two theories for this name's origin. These are that the Great Bell was: There are two theories for this name's origin. These are that the Great Bell was: named after Sir Benjamin Hall, First Commissioner for Works 1855-1858, whose name is inscribed on the bell named after Sir Benjamin Hall, First Commissioner for Works 1855-1858, whose name is inscribed on the bell named after Ben Caunt, a champion heavyweight boxer of the 1850s named after Ben Caunt, a champion heavyweight boxer of the 1850s The first theory is thought to be the most likely. The first theory is thought to be the most likely. The name 'Big Ben' is often associated with the Clock Tower and the Great Clock as well as the Great Bell. It was to the Great Bell that the name originally was given. The name 'Big Ben' is often associated with the Clock Tower and the Great Clock as well as the Great Bell. It was to the Great Bell that the name originally was given.

7. Warners of Norton near Stockton-on- Tees cast the new bell in August 1856. It was transported by rail and sea to London. On arrival at the Port of London, it was placed on a carriage and pulled across Westminster Bridge by 16 white horses. Warners of Norton near Stockton-on- Tees cast the new bell in August 1856. It was transported by rail and sea to London. On arrival at the Port of London, it was placed on a carriage and pulled across Westminster Bridge by 16 white horses. The bell was hung in New Palace Yard. It was tested each day until 17 October 1857 when a 1.2m crack appeared. No- one would accept the blame. Theories included the composition of the bell's metal or its dimensions. Warners blamed Denison for insisting on increasing the hammer's weight from 355kg to 660kg. The bell was hung in New Palace Yard. It was tested each day until 17 October 1857 when a 1.2m crack appeared. No- one would accept the blame. Theories included the composition of the bell's metal or its dimensions. Warners blamed Denison for insisting on increasing the hammer's weight from 355kg to 660kg. Warners asked too high a price to break up and recast the bell so George Mears at the Warners asked too high a price to break up and recast the bell so George Mears at the Whitechapel Foundry was appointed. The second bell was cast on 10 April 1858. Whitechapel Foundry was appointed. The second bell was cast on 10 April 1858.

8. This bell was 2.5 tonnes lighter than the first. Its dimensions meant it was too large to fit up the Clock Tower's shaft vertically so Big Ben was turned on its side and winched up. It took 30 hours to winch the bell to the belfry in October 1858. The four quarter bells, which chime on the quarter hour, were already in place. Big Ben rang out on 11 July 1859 but its success was short-lived. In September 1859, the new bell also cracked and Big Ben was silent for four years. During this time, the hour was struck on the fourth quarter bell. The total cost of making the clock and bells and installing them in the Clock Tower reached £22,000. The total cost of making the clock and bells and installing them in the Clock Tower reached £22,000.

9. The River Thames The River Thames is the second longest river in the United Kingdom and the longest river entirely in England, rising at Thames Head in Gloucestershire, and flowing into the North sea at the Thames Estuary. It has a special significance in flowing through London, the capital of the United Kingdom, although London only includes a short part of its course. The river is tidal in London with a rise and fall of 7 metres (23 ft) and becomes non-tidal at Teddington Lock. The catchment area covers a large part of South Eastern and Western England and the river is fed by over 20 tributaries. The river contains over 80 islands, and having both seawater and freshwater stretches supports a variety of wildlife. The River Thames is the second longest river in the United Kingdom and the longest river entirely in England, rising at Thames Head in Gloucestershire, and flowing into the North sea at the Thames Estuary. It has a special significance in flowing through London, the capital of the United Kingdom, although London only includes a short part of its course. The river is tidal in London with a rise and fall of 7 metres (23 ft) and becomes non-tidal at Teddington Lock. The catchment area covers a large part of South Eastern and Western England and the river is fed by over 20 tributaries. The river contains over 80 islands, and having both seawater and freshwater stretches supports a variety of wildlife.United KingdomThames HeadThames EstuaryTeddington Lockcatchment areaUnited KingdomThames HeadThames EstuaryTeddington Lockcatchment area

10. The river has supported human activity from its source to its mouth for thousands of years providing habitation, water power, food and drink. It has also acted as a major highway both for international trade through the Port of London, and internally along its length and connecting to the British canal system. The river’s strategic position has seen it at the centre of many events and fashions in British history, earning it a description by John Burns as “Liquid History”. It has been a physical and political boundary over the centuries and generated a range of river crossings. In more recent time the river has become a major leisure area supporting tourism and pleasure outings as well as the sports of rowing, sailing, skiffing, kayaking, and punting. The river has had a special appeal to writers, artists, musicians and film- makers and is well represented in the arts. It is still the subject of various debates about its course, nomenclature and history. The river has supported human activity from its source to its mouth for thousands of years providing habitation, water power, food and drink. It has also acted as a major highway both for international trade through the Port of London, and internally along its length and connecting to the British canal system. The river’s strategic position has seen it at the centre of many events and fashions in British history, earning it a description by John Burns as “Liquid History”. It has been a physical and political boundary over the centuries and generated a range of river crossings. In more recent time the river has become a major leisure area supporting tourism and pleasure outings as well as the sports of rowing, sailing, skiffing, kayaking, and punting. The river has had a special appeal to writers, artists, musicians and film- makers and is well represented in the arts. It is still the subject of various debates about its course, nomenclature and history.Port of LondonPort of London

11. The Thames passes by some of the sights of London, including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. The Thames passes by some of the sights of London, including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.London EyeLondon Eye The Thames has a length of 215 miles (346 km). Its usually quoted source is at Thames head, about a mile north of the village of Kemble and near the town of Cirencester, in the Cotswolds. This makes it the longest river entirely in England, although the River Severn, which is partly in Wales, is a longer river in the United Kingdom. Seven Springs near Cheltenham, where the river Churn rises, is also sometimes quoted as the Thames' source,as this location is furthest from the mouth adding some 14 miles (22 km) to the length. The springs at Seven Springs also flow throughout the year, while those at Thames Head are only seasonal. The Thames has a length of 215 miles (346 km). Its usually quoted source is at Thames head, about a mile north of the village of Kemble and near the town of Cirencester, in the Cotswolds. This makes it the longest river entirely in England, although the River Severn, which is partly in Wales, is a longer river in the United Kingdom. Seven Springs near Cheltenham, where the river Churn rises, is also sometimes quoted as the Thames' source,as this location is furthest from the mouth adding some 14 miles (22 km) to the length. The springs at Seven Springs also flow throughout the year, while those at Thames Head are only seasonal. sourceCirencesterCotswoldsCheltenham sourceCirencesterCotswoldsCheltenham

12. The Palace of Westminster The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament or Westminster Palace, is the seat of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom-the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Palace lies on the north bank of the River Thames in the heart of the London borough of the City of Westminster, close to the historic Westminster Abbey and the government buildings of Whitehall and Downing Street. The name may refer to either of two structures: the Old Palace, a medieval building complex most of which was destroyed in 1834, and its replacement New Palace that stands today; it has retained the style and status of a royal residence, despite its actual use. The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament or Westminster Palace, is the seat of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom-the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Palace lies on the north bank of the River Thames in the heart of the London borough of the City of Westminster, close to the historic Westminster Abbey and the government buildings of Whitehall and Downing Street. The name may refer to either of two structures: the Old Palace, a medieval building complex most of which was destroyed in 1834, and its replacement New Palace that stands today; it has retained the style and status of a royal residence, despite its actual use.House of LordsHouse of CommonsRiver ThamesCity of Westminster AbbeyWhitehallDowning StreetHouse of LordsHouse of CommonsRiver ThamesCity of Westminster AbbeyWhitehallDowning Street

13. The first royal palace was built on the site in the eleventh century, and Westminster was the primary London residence of the Kings of England until a fire destroyed much of the complex in 1512. After that, it served as the home of Parliament, which had been meeting there since the thirteenth century, and the seat of the Royal Courts of Justice, based in and around Westminster Hall. In 1834, an even greater fire ravaged the heavily rebuilt Houses of Parliament, and the only structures of significance to survive were Westminster Hall, the Cloisters and Chapter House of St Stephen's, the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft and the Jewel Tower. The first royal palace was built on the site in the eleventh century, and Westminster was the primary London residence of the Kings of England until a fire destroyed much of the complex in 1512. After that, it served as the home of Parliament, which had been meeting there since the thirteenth century, and the seat of the Royal Courts of Justice, based in and around Westminster Hall. In 1834, an even greater fire ravaged the heavily rebuilt Houses of Parliament, and the only structures of significance to survive were Westminster Hall, the Cloisters and Chapter House of St Stephen's, the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft and the Jewel Tower.Westminster HallChapel of St Mary UndercroftJewel TowerWestminster HallChapel of St Mary UndercroftJewel Tower

14. The Palace is one of the centres of political life in the United Kingdom; "Westminster" has become a metonym for the UK Parliament, and the Westminster system of government has taken its name after it. Its Clock Tower, in particular, which has become known as "Big Ben" after its main bell, is an iconic landmark of London and the United Kingdom in general, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and an emblem of parliamentary democracy. The Palace of Westminster has been a Grade I listed building since 1970 and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The Palace is one of the centres of political life in the United Kingdom; "Westminster" has become a metonym for the UK Parliament, and the Westminster system of government has taken its name after it. Its Clock Tower, in particular, which has become known as "Big Ben" after its main bell, is an iconic landmark of London and the United Kingdom in general, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and an emblem of parliamentary democracy. The Palace of Westminster has been a Grade I listed building since 1970 and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.Westminster systemBig BenGrade I listed buildingUNESCO World Heritage SiteWestminster systemBig BenGrade I listed buildingUNESCO World Heritage Site

15. Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace in London, England, is not only the official residence of the Queen; over the years this sprawling palace has entertained countless heads of State from around the world, issued official statements during times of war, and as of late has become a major tourist attraction. Until recently Buckingham Palace was not available for public tours, and the only guests allowed in the palace were there by royal invitation. The Buckingham Palace of today, however, welcomes travelers in for a Buckingham Palace Tour 8 weeks out of the year. Much of the rest of the year, the royal family is in residence and often conducting official palace business. Buckingham Palace in London, England, is not only the official residence of the Queen; over the years this sprawling palace has entertained countless heads of State from around the world, issued official statements during times of war, and as of late has become a major tourist attraction. Until recently Buckingham Palace was not available for public tours, and the only guests allowed in the palace were there by royal invitation. The Buckingham Palace of today, however, welcomes travelers in for a Buckingham Palace Tour 8 weeks out of the year. Much of the rest of the year, the royal family is in residence and often conducting official palace business.London EnglandLondon England

16. The 20th century brought with it the reign of the current Queen, Elizabeth II, who agreed to open much of the palace up to the public for Buckingham Palace tours. A tour in Buckingham Palace will now take guests through the State Room, the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room, and the Picture Gallery that features many world-renowned works of art. A Buckingham Palace Tour may only be booked during an 8-week period spanning August and September each year, and tickets may be purchased in advance, or at the palace ticket office on Buckingham Palace Road. Ticket lines for a tour in Buckingham Palace tend to be quite long, so if you are know which day you plan to visit in advance, it is a good idea to purchase your tickets online or over the phone. The 20th century brought with it the reign of the current Queen, Elizabeth II, who agreed to open much of the palace up to the public for Buckingham Palace tours. A tour in Buckingham Palace will now take guests through the State Room, the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room, and the Picture Gallery that features many world-renowned works of art. A Buckingham Palace Tour may only be booked during an 8-week period spanning August and September each year, and tickets may be purchased in advance, or at the palace ticket office on Buckingham Palace Road. Ticket lines for a tour in Buckingham Palace tend to be quite long, so if you are know which day you plan to visit in advance, it is a good idea to purchase your tickets online or over the phone.

17. Another major Buckingham Palace attraction with a firm place in Buckingham Palace history is the Changing of the Guard. Changing of the Guard generally happens once a day at 11:30am, all year long. Tourists should note, however, that due to weather and various security precautions, the changing of the guard is sometimes cancelled at the last minute. Also, though the changing of the guard is often thought to be mostly ceremonial, the guard does in actuality serve and important security role. Security in and around the Palace is taken quite seriously. Another major Buckingham Palace attraction with a firm place in Buckingham Palace history is the Changing of the Guard. Changing of the Guard generally happens once a day at 11:30am, all year long. Tourists should note, however, that due to weather and various security precautions, the changing of the guard is sometimes cancelled at the last minute. Also, though the changing of the guard is often thought to be mostly ceremonial, the guard does in actuality serve and important security role. Security in and around the Palace is taken quite seriously. Whether you plan to take a tour in Buckingham Palace for a voyeuristic look at royal life throughout the ages, or simply marvel at its huge stature from outside the palace walls, guests of London will surely be impressed by the magnificence of this historical place. Whether you plan to take a tour in Buckingham Palace for a voyeuristic look at royal life throughout the ages, or simply marvel at its huge stature from outside the palace walls, guests of London will surely be impressed by the magnificence of this historical place.

18. The Garden Described as a 'walled oasis in the middle of London', the Palace's garden is home to thirty different species of bird and more than 350 different wild flowers, some extremely rare. Visitors end their tour with a walk along the south side of the garden, with splendid views of the west front of the Palace and the famous lake. The State Rooms form the heart of the working palace and are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto; sculpture by Canova; exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture. The State Rooms

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