London
London was an important city in Roman times. By the Middle ages, when London became the political and commercial capital of England, it was one of the most important cities in Europe. The history of London begins about the year AD 43, when the Romans were in possession of the southern part of Britain and founded a military station on the present site of London. From 369 until412 it was the capital of Britain, when it was the capital of Britain, when it was known as Augusta. In 1665 there was a terrible plague in London, so many people left the city and escaped to the villages in the surrounding countryside. About 69.000 persons died. In 1666 - The Great Fire of London ended plague, but it also destroyed much of the city. The fire spread over 340 acres, burning about 15.000 houses. But nevertheless the city recovered with marked rapidly. In 1840 the present parliamentary building were commenced, and in rapid succession followed the construction of Great parks and different improvements. Nowadays, London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom, with a population of about 6-7 million. It is the largest city in Britain and one of the largest in the word. Historical and geographical circumstances have made London one of the worlds most important commercial and cultural centers, while its range of historical connections and its buildings attract millions of tourists from overseas each year. The gradual growth of the city helps to explain the fact that London does not have just one center, it has a number of centers, each with a distinct character.The first center is the City. It is the heart of London, its commercial and business part. Numerous banks, offices, firms and trusts are concentrated there. The area of the city is about a square mile. The City of is one of the major banking centers of the world and one can find the Banks of many nations here. Only five thousands people live in the City. The second center of London is the government center in Westminster. Most governmental building are situated there. On the left bank of the Themes is Westminster Palace, famous as the House of Parliament. It is the seat of the British Parliament. The clock Tower with hour bell "Big Ben" is known over the world. The Hour - bell is called "Big Ben" after Sir Benjamin Hall, a very tall man whose nickname was Big Ben. The third center is shopping and entertainment center in West End. The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. Fine buildings, theatres, museums and big shops can be found in the West End. The Best streets and parks of the capital are there too. The most famous older buildings in London include Buckingham Palace, the House of Parliament; St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster abbey, and the Tower of London. Buckingham Palace is one of London's most popular historical buildings Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. Later restored by Nash, the present facade was planned by Sir Aston Webb in 1915 when the Queen here, the Royal Mews, in Buckingham Palace. Another ancient building is The House of Parliament. The House of Parliament is considered one of the most popular and widely spread places of London, known all over the world. In this famous palace are also many meeting halls and various parliamentary offices. The length and breadth of London extends over an area of 700 square miles. The whole London is full of buildings of incalculable artistic areas - The City, Piccadilly, and Hyde Park Corner to the banks of the Themes. Piccadilly Circus is the center of night - life in the West End. This is one of the most popular meeting paints of London, probably second only to Trafalgar Squares. It is quite small, and most people are rather disappointed when they it for the first time because they had imagined it would be much bigger. Piccadilly Circus is a picturesque place with a happy atmosphere. My account will be very incomplete, if I don't say any words about Hyde Park. London is a city in which green spaces abound. Hyde Park is one of the most popular points in London. This park is the largest park in London including the Kensington Gardens, the length and breathe of the of the Park extend over an area of 636 acres. Hyde Park has a large and most attractive lake called the Serpentine, whose area of 41 acres is used to swim in and row in Summer. All these places of interest provide an unforgettable and impressive image. To cut a long story short: LONDON IS THE GREAT CITY