London
• London Area
|
1,572.1 km2 (607 sq mi)
|
• London
|
7,825,200
|
• Density
|
4,978/km2 (12,892/sq mi)
|
8,278,251
| |
13,945,000
| |
London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia,its history going back to its founding by the Romans, who called it Londinium. London's ancient core, the City of London, largely retains its square-mile mediaeval boundaries. Since at least the 19th century, the name London has also referred to the metropolis developed around this core. The bulk of this conurbation forms the London region and the Greater London administrative area, governed by the elected Mayor of London and the London Assembly.
London is a leading global city, with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport all contributing to its prominence. It is the world's leading financial centre alongside New York City and has the fifth-largest city GDP in the world (and the largest in Europe). London has been described as a world cultural capital. It has the most international visitors of any city in the world and London Heathrow is the world's busiest airport by number of international passengers. London's 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education in Europe. In 2012 London will become the first city to host the modern Summer Olympic Games three times.
London has a diverse range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries. In July 2010 Greater London had an official population of 7,825,200, making it the most populous municipality in the European Union, and accounting for 12.5% of the UK population. The Greater London Urban Area is the second-largest in the EU with a population of 8,278,251, while London'smetropolitan area is the largest in the EU with an estimated total population of between 12 million and 14 million. London had the largest population of any city in the world from around 1831 to 1925.
London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret's Church; and the historic settlement of Greenwich (in which the Royal Observatory marks the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) and GMT). Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium. London is home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries, sporting events and other cultural institutions, including the British Museum, National Gallery, British Library, Wimbledon and 40 theatres. The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world and the second-most extensive (after the Shanghai Metro).
Tower Bridge. Opened in 1894, Tower Bridge is an enduring symbol of London.
Though river traffic is far less than a hundred years ago the twin bascules are still opened for river traffic several times a week. The London Bridge Experience offer a chance to climb the towers, and view the River from the glass sided walkways, some 140 feet above the Thames, as well as seeing the original steam engines powering the lifting mechanisms for raising the bascules.
Though river traffic is far less than a hundred years ago the twin bascules are still opened for river traffic several times a week. The London Bridge Experience offer a chance to climb the towers, and view the River from the glass sided walkways, some 140 feet above the Thames, as well as seeing the original steam engines powering the lifting mechanisms for raising the bascules.
The Tower of London. Dating from Roman times , indeed part of the Roman Walls are visible immediately outside the entrance to the nearby Tube Station. The Tower itself dates from the time of William The Conqueror. Castle, Prison, Royal Mint, one time Zoo and still home of the Crown Jewels. Be dazzled by The Imperial State Crown, set with the 530 carat Culinan I, one of the largest cut diamonds in the World.
The White Tower where Anne Boleyn, the 2nd of Henry VIII's wives was imprisoned and then beheaded by sword on 19th May 1536. The Bloody Tower, dating from 1225. Where Walter Ralegh and his wife were incarcerated from 1603 to 1616, Ralegh was executed here on 29th October 1618. Climb the steps of the Beauchamp Tower, housing yet more important prisoners. The intricate detail of the stone carvings on the walls, carved by the prisoners, to help while away the years of incarceration are most sobering. Explore the the Royal Armouries on display in the White Tower, the mounted horsemen are so grand.
The British Airways London Eye. At 135 m high the World's largest observation wheel. Offering fine views over the Capital , west looking down on the nearby Houses of Parliament, north across to Buckingham Palace, over to Canary Wharf in the East . On a really clear day Windsor Castle some 25 miles away can be seen.
The Houses of Parliament
'The Mother of all Parliaments' more properly called the Palace of Westminster. The original palace dating back to the times of Edward The Confessor was burnt down in 1834, leaving only Westminster Hall and one of the Towers the Jewel Tower remaining. Westminster Hall itself is a particularly fine example of a medieval hall, over 240 long, accessible to the Public only with Guided Tours. Public Access is also available to the Public Galleries. The liveliest debates are during Prime Ministers Question Time. The Gothic masterpiece that are the present Houses of Parliament, were constructed between 1840 and 1888 .
'The Mother of all Parliaments' more properly called the Palace of Westminster. The original palace dating back to the times of Edward The Confessor was burnt down in 1834, leaving only Westminster Hall and one of the Towers the Jewel Tower remaining. Westminster Hall itself is a particularly fine example of a medieval hall, over 240 long, accessible to the Public only with Guided Tours. Public Access is also available to the Public Galleries. The liveliest debates are during Prime Ministers Question Time. The Gothic masterpiece that are the present Houses of Parliament, were constructed between 1840 and 1888 .
Big Ben the 320 foot high Clock Tower is named after the largest bell, weighing over 13 tons, and was cast in 1858 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in East London. To this day one of the largest bells they have ever cast. Each clock face is over 7m in diameter. When the Houses of Parliament | sits by night a light in the Clock Tower burns above Big Ben. Old pennies act as counterweights to ensure Big Ben keeps time to the nearest second.
Buckingham Palace. 'The Official Principal Residence of the British Monarch', in other words the London home of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. When Her Majesty is in residence her Royal Standard flies from the mast.
Buckingham Palace facts and history. Originally a country house built for the Duke of Buckingham. In 1825 George V1 commissioned John Nash to remodel the existing house into a palace where he could then hold Court and conduct official business. In 1837 only three weeks after her Accession Queen Victoria took up residence, adding a new wing in 1840. In 1913 the East Facade was remodeled to what you see today. One of the most famous buildings in the World.
The National Gallery.
On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery, housing an extensive collection of European Painting- All the Major Schools are represented in the Collection, from 13th Century Italian works , to examples by Mattisse and Picasso. Masterpieces such as the Rokeby Venus by Valazques, to 'The Cartoon' a large scale drawing by Leonardo Da Vinci.
National Portrait Gallery
Founded in 1856 when Victorian Optimism was at its height. Facing onto Charing Cross Road, opposite St Martins in the Fields. Opened on the present site in 1896. Now housing over 10,000 portraits, from the only authenticated likeness of William Shakespeare, to images of Drake and Raleigh, Sir Christopher Wren. Well loved names such as the Bronte Sisters, Beatrix Potter, most Kings Queens and Bishops.
British Museum, London.
British Museum. Founded in 1753, housing a stunning and vast collection of exhibits ranging from Ancient Egypt to the Elgin Marbles to reliefs from Assyrian Palaces to the Romans and Celts, to Medieval Europe to exhibits right up to the present day. One of the best and most visited museums in the world.
Somerset House and The Courtauld Institute
With views across the River Thames, and an courtyard with fountains, all the more impressive at night as seen in this photo left. Housing not only the Couthauld Gallery with its Old Master and Impressionist paintings, but The Gilbert Collection of decorative arts- from European silver to gold snuff boxes. Admire the architecture of Sir William Chambers. Eat in fine restaurants. As their own publicity literature states- "open as a place for enjoyment refreshment and culture". Admission free.
London Underground. Providing a convenient, clean and efficient way to travel around London. Long gone are the days of graffiti covered rolling stock, and litter strewn platforms. Trains run from 5.30 am to past mid-night every day (from 7.30am to 11.30pm on Sundays). Lines are denoted by colour, for example the Circle Line is coloured yellow on the map, whilst the Bakerloo Line is marked in brown, making routes easy plan and follow. Above ground stations are rarely more than a short walk away from most of the Attractions, station entrances are marked by signs displaying the logo shown left. At peak times services run every 5 minutes or so. Don't forget to mind the gap.
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