London is capital as well one of oldest city of UK. It is also one of largest financial centres of the World. London is situated at bank of River Thames. London was established by Romans as Londinium. Gradually it has emerged as the largest city in UK. There are several historical places in London to visit.
WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Westminster Abbey is one of the oldest church in London. It has witnessed several coronations, wedding and burials. Queen Elizabeth has also been buried in this Grand Chruch. After death of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles was coronated as King at this Church only.
TOWER OF LONDON
The Tower of London was established by William the Conqueror in 1078. Tower of London covers around 12 acres of land surrounded by additional six acre of land. Tower of London during its long existence has served as royal residence, armoury, treasury, menagerie, home of crown jewels and royal mint. Town has also been used as Prison and many prisoners were also executed there. The use of Tower of London as prison gave rise to phrase “sent to the tower”. It is popular tourist attraction in London today.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
The British Monarch has several residences across UK. In London the Monarch stays at Buckingham Palace. It also serves as office of the Monarch. It has 775 rooms. Royal hospitality and several public ceremonies are conducted here. The palace was originally a private palace and was acquired by Geroge III in 1761. Buckingham Palace became the principle royal residence from 1837. Queen Victoria was the first queen to reside there. During second world a part of it has been damaged by German bombings which was rebuilt.
WESTMINSTER PALACE
Westminster Palace houses both houses of Parliament in London. Impact of this palace is such that Parliamentary System of Government is called Westminster System of governance. The palace was royal residence till 1512 when fire broke out in royal apartments. After the fire the monarch moved to palace of whitehall. Second fire also damaged the palace in 1837 after which it was again renovated.
CENOTAPH
Cenotaph is was memorial constructed by Sir Edvin Lutyens in memory of British Soldiers who died during First World War. It was completed in 1920. The Cenotaph was unveiled by King Gorge V on 11th November, 1920. Cenotaph is derived from Greek word which means “empty tomb”. The cenotaph is built of portland stone. The base of cenotaph is like a tomb chest at the base which gradually diminishes as it rises. After the second world war, cenotaph was re-dedicated to soldiers died in the Second World War. No separate memorial was built in memory of soldiers killed in Second World War.
GLOBE THEATRE
Globe Theatre is connected with the great play writer William Shakespeare. William Shakespeare was a shareholder in the company which owned the Globe Theatre. Globe Theatre was originally built in 1599. Globe Theater caught fire in 1613 while Henry VIII was being performed. Globe Theatre was closed down by outbreak of first civil war in 1644-45. The Globe Theatre has been reconstructed in 1997 and is now called Shakespeare Theatre. It opened with play Henry V.
THE TOWER BRIDGE
The Tower Bridge is suspension bridge over River Thames. The bridge was built to connect 39% of population of east London between 1886 to 1894. It is one of important landmarks of London. It is 290 meter in length. It consists of two 65 meter two bridge towers. Sometimes it is confused with London Bridge, which is a different bridge on River Thames.
BRITISH MUSEUM
British Museum is a public museum founded in 1753. It is one of the most visited place in London. It has largest collections of works consisting of around eight million works. Its acquisition includes Greek Elgin Marbles and Egyptian Rosetta Stone.
TRAFALGAR SQUARE
Trafalgar Square is a square built in memory of Battle of Trafalgar, wherein the British defeated France and Spain in 1805. It was opened to public in 1844. Nelson;s Column has been built at the centre, which is 169 foot long. The square is often used for public demonstrations.
LONDON EYE
The London eye is an observation wheel situated in London .It is very a popular tourist attraction. When it was opened to public in 2000, it was the highest observation wheel. The structure is 135 meter tall. Now several other taller wheels have been erected in other countries. It was highest viewing point in London till construction of shard.
SHARD
Shard is tallest building in London built in 2013. It is a pyramid shaped building having seventy two floors. The 72nd Floor is having a viewing gallery and observational deck.
