London is the capital of Great Britain. The full name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. London is an ancient city. It grew up around the first point where the Roman invaders found the Thames narrow enough to build a bridge. They found a small Celtic settlement then known as Londinium and by A. D. 300 they had turned it into a sizeable port and an important trading centre.
Over 8 million people live in London. The city dominates British life. It is the home of the nation's commerce and finance, the main centre of its legal system and the press. It has the largest university and the greatest possibilities for entertainment and for sport in the country. London is one of the most famous capital cities of the world, and every year it attracts crowds of visitors from home and abroad. They come to explore its historic buildings, to see its museums and galleries, its streets and parks, and its people.
London is a city of great contrasts. Its western part is the richest part of the town with its cosy mansions, beautiful avenues, shops, restaurants and hotels. The East End is the district inhabited by the poor. Quite an army of people live from hand to mouth in its slums and miserable houses lining dreary narrow streets. Industry is chiefly found in that part of the city, grey with soot and smoke.
The heart of London is the City — its commercial and business center. Here is situated 4i the Tower of London that comes first among the historic buildings of the city. St. Paul's Cathedral) the greatest of English churches, is situated not far from the Tower. Not far away, in Westminster, where most of the Government buildings are situated, is Westminster Abbey. Many English sovereigns, outstanding statesmen, painters and poets are buried here. Walking around London one can also see and admire Westminster Palace, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, the British Museum and many other places in the city.