The Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the most imposing and popular of London’s historical sites. It comprises not one, but 20 towers. The oldest of which, the White Tower, dates back to the 11^th century and the time of William the Conqueror. Nowadays a lot of tourists visit the Tower of London, because of the evil reputation as a prison. The Tower is famous as home of the Crown Jewels. Today they can be viewed in their new jewel house. They include the Crown of Elizabeth the Queen Mother which contains the celebrated Indian diamond.

Many stories associated with British history come from the Tower. In 1483 King Edward IV’s two sons were murdered in the so-called Bloody Tower. Over two centuries later the skeletons of two little boys were found buried beneath steps in the White Tower.

Of course, no visit to the Tower would be complete without seeing the ravens; huge black birds who are an official part of the Tower community. Legend states that if the ravens were to leave the Tower the Crown will fall and Britain with it. Under the special care of the Ravens Master, the ravens are fed a daily diet of raw meat. And there is no danger of them flying away, because their wings are clipped.

 

Exercise 8. Answer the questions.

1. What is the most imposing and popular site I London?

2. How many towers does it comprise?

3. What is the Tower of London famous for?

4. Who is an official pat of London’s community?

5. What kind of other sightseeings of London do you know?

 

Exercise 9. Read the poem “The town”

The streets go up,

The streets go down

And in and out

About the town.

And in the streets

The buses run,

Two by two,

Or one by one.

 

Exercise 10. Match the highlighted words and expressions with their meanings.

1 _______ before you go 2 _______you can buy them 3 _______every day 4 _______to wait in a line 5 _______space (for people or things) 6 _______people who are traveling

room passengers daily in advance to queue are available

Exercise 11. Complete each sentence using one of these verbs in the Present Continuous: do (x2); have; rain; stay.

Frida: Hello.

Gina: Hi, Frida. It’s Gina here.

Frida: Hi, Gina. Where are you?

Gina: I’m with Peter in Scotland.

Frida: (5) What ________________________?

Gina: We’re on holiday.

Frida: (6) ________________________?

Gina: We’re at the Gleneagles Hotel in Perth.

Frida: How’s the weather? (7) ____________________________?

Gina: No, it isn’t. It’s a wonderful day. The sun is shining.

Frida: Oh, good. (8) ____________________________?

Gina: He’s playing golf.

Frida: (9) _______________________ a good time?

Gina: Yes, we are. In fact, we’re having a wonderful time.

Frida: Send me a postcard, okay?