Vocabulary. London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial center

London

London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial center. It's one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. The population is about 8 mln. London is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world. It is situated on the river Themes and traditionally it's divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They are very different from each other and seem to belong to different towns and epochs. The heart of London is the City, its financial and business center. Numerous banks, offices and firms are situated there, including the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange and the Old Bailey. Few people live here, but over a million people come to the City to work. There are some famous ancient buildings within the City. Perhaps the most striking of them is St. Paul's Cathedral, the greatest of British churches.

The Tower of London was one of the first and most impressive castles built after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Since the times of William 1 various kings have built and extended the Tower of London and used it for many purposes. The Tower has been used as a royal palace, an observatory, an arsenal, a state prison, and many famous and infamous people have been executed within its walls. It is now a museum.

Westminster Abbey is a national shrine where the kings and queens are crowned and famous people are buried. Across the road from Westminster Abbey is Westminster Palace, or the Houses of Parliament, the seat of the British Parliament. The Parliament consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

The Clock Tower, which contains the hour-bell called Big Ben, is known the world over. The bell is named after Sir Benjamin Hall.

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen.

The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. It is the symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, shops, restaurants, clubs, and theatres are situated there.

Trafalgar Square is the geographical center of London. It was named in memory of Admiral Nelson's victory in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The tall Nelson's Column stands in the middle of the square. On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum - the biggest museum in London. It contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures and is famous for its library.

The East End is the poorest district of London. There are a lot of factories, work- shops and docks here. The streets are narrow, the buildings are unimpressive. The East End is densely populated by working class families.

Vocabulary

 

capital - столица

epoch - эпоха

the Stock Exchange - Биржа

the Old Bailey – Центральный суд

ancient - древний

striking - поразительный

St. Paul's Cathedral – Собор святого Павла

impressive - впечатляющий

castle - замок

invasion - вторжение

royal - королевский

palace - дворец

prison - тюрьма

to execute - казнить

shrine - гробница

to crown - короновать

to bury - хоронить

the House of Lords – Палата лордов

the House of Commons – Палата общин

wealth - богатство

luxury - роскошь

battle - битва

densely populated - густо населенный

work-shop - мастерская

 

1. Pronounce the following: London, commercial, largest, Europe, traditionally, divide, epochs, heart, financial, few, ancient, striking, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Tower, castle, invasion, William 1, execute, Westminster Abbey, crowned, buried, hour-bell, official, wealth, luxury, hotels, restaurants, theatres, Trafalgar Square, sculptures.

 

2. Give Russian equivalents: Коммерческий центр, поделен на несколько частей, принадлежать к разным эпохам, сердце Лондона, Биржа, древний, самый поразительный из британских церквей, Лондонский Тауэр, впечатляющий замок, Норманнское завоевание, королевский дворец, многие были казнены, национальная гробница, через дорогу, часовой колокол, Букингемский дворец, символ богатства и роскоши, Трафальгарская площадь, бесценная коллекция, густо населенный.