Around London

Task 1. How much do you know about London? Read the statements below and say whether they are True (T) or False (F).

Task 2. Now read the text and find out whether your predictions were correct.

London is situated on the river Thames about forty miles from its mouth. It is divided into two unequal portions by the river: 1) the more important, with most of the chief buildings, standing on the north bank, and 2) the south bank. The term " London" was originally restricted to the City of London proper, which has an area of only 677 acres and an estimated resident population of 4, 600. Westminster, for instance, was a separate community, named from its position in relation to the city. But with the growth of the capital from the eleventh century onwards, the surrounding districts were absorbed one by one to make up the vast metropolis which is London today.

London today stretches for nearly thirty miles fromnorthto south and for nearly thirty miles from east to west. This is the area known as " Greater London". Greater London with its nine million population includesnot only the City and the County of London, butthe outer suburbs. It has no definite boundaries like the County of London which was established only in 1889. Within the boundaries of the County of London there are twenty-eight metropolitan boroughs, each with its own mayor and its own council. It isLondonmunicipal authorities that are responsible for many of the public services, housing, education and town-planning.

The two landmarksthatare a guide to the growth of London are St. Paul's Cathedral in the City and the group of buildings near Westminster Bridge, the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey at Westminster. Round St.Paul’s is the original London, the oldest part, with a history of almost two thousand years. Old St.Paul’s was built during Norman times. It was burnt in the Great Fire that destroyed London in 1666. The cathedral that replaced it, the most striking building in the City today, was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the arhitect who designed many of the other City churches. Many of these were destroyed or badly damaged by bombing during the Second World War. St.Paul’s, though it was hit, escaped the fires that destroyed many of the buildings all round it. St.Paul’s Cathedral is a beautiful sight standing out above the other buildings. The massive dome is topped by a gold cross which glitters when the sun strikes. You may climb up the three hundred and sixty five steps to the dome if you wish. Half way up you reach the Whispering Gallery, where, if you press your ear to the wall, you can hear the softest whisper from the other side of the dome.

Westminster, with its Palace and Abbey, is six hundred years younger. Westminster Abbey is regarded as the centre of theWestminsterarea. In this lovely building we can learn much about events of long ago. Most of the kings and queens of England since William the Conqueror have been crowned here, and you may see the ancient Coronation Chair. Many great men have been honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey, and the church is full of memorials to kings, queens, statesmen, writers, scientists and explorers, all of whom have played a part in shaping Britain's history. The most beautiful and oldest part of the abbey is the Chapel of Henry VII, built at the turn of the fourteenth century. It is noted for the fan-shaped decoration of its ceiling, and the animals carved on the seats. There are many old buildings in the Westminster area, including the Houses of Parliament, which were also rebuilt in the late nineteenth century because the original House was destroyed by fire, and the facade of Buckingham Palace, which was finished at the beginning of the twentieth.

To the west of the City there are finest theatres, cinemas and concert halls, the large museums, the most luxurious hotels, the largest department stores, and the most famous shops. The name " West End" came to be associated with wealth, luxury, and goods of high quality.Visitors with plenty of money to spend andwho come chiefly for enjoyment are likely to spend most of their time in the West End. Those who come to learn about London's history will find much to interest them in the City.

The Port of London is to the east of the City. Here are miles and miles of docks, and the great industrial areas that depend upon shipping. This is the East of London, unattractive in appearance, but very important to the country's commerce. Ships up to 6, 000 tons can come as far as London Bridge, below which is the part of the river called the Pool. You'll be interested to know that London Bridge was originally made of wood, and the first stone bridge wasn't built until 1176. It lasted 650 years, and became famous for the houses, inns and shops crammed in upon it from end to end. A new London Bridge replaced this in 1931, but you won't find this London Bridge now either, as it was sold to America in 1972. It was taken there stone by stone to be reassembled as a tourist attraction.

9— LISTENING& SPEAKING