Englisch LONDON

London

Facts:

London is Europe´s largest city, with almost 7 million people. London city is the capital of the United Kingdom. It is situated in Southeastern England along the Thames River. London´s climate is generally mild an damp.

The region around London is one of the driest parts of Britain. The average is annual rainfall is only 750 mm/m2. The weather is generally cloudy and foggy. London has warmer summers than most of the island. The urban territory is divided into 33 political units.

History:

Known as "Londium" the town was located at the nothern end of the bridge, that the Romens  had built across the Thames. It is still possible to see remnants of Roman handwork in London. London grew into a major city during the middle ages. London was a place it has maintained since the 17^th century.

Queen Elisabeth 1. lead during the late 15 century. The 18´s century saw the next growth priod of London. The city grew and grew and wanted to become the world´s largest city.

Projects such as the Tower Bridge, the house of Parliament transformed the city. By the end of the 19^th century London was seat of the most powerful empire of the world. This century was influenced by Queen Victoria´s rennaissence. However, many of Great Britain´s colonies want Independence.

In 1940 German bombings (World War 2) devasted big areas of London, particulary in the city and the East End. 30.000 Londoners died and another 50.000 were injured. Many houses were destroyed. After the war contractors tore down older buildings and put up concrete and glasstowers.

In the "swinging sixties" London was the center of youth culture, pop music, fashion and film. London suftered some growing pains through it´s history, but it would always continue to be one of the world´s greatest cities.

Sights:

1.) Trafalgar Square:

Trafelgar Square is the public square in central London, that shows the victory of British Commander Nelson at the battle of Trafelga. It is also a populare tourist spot, and it is often the sight of political demonstrations as well as trditional clocation of new year celebrations.

2.) Hyde Park:

Hyde Park owns 140 hectare park. The most famous place of the Park is speaker´s corner, the meeting place of soapbox.

3.) Tower of London

Tower of London is the historic fortress of city of London on the North bank of the Thames River, which was built by the Romans.

William ordered the work which begun in 1078. It was designed by Gundolf, a bishop, and complete in 1097. The tower complex contains 8 hectares. The tower was used as royal residence as well as for a prison.

Now it is a showplace and museum. It holds the Crown jewels of England and it is one of the greatest tourist attractions.

4.) Buckingham Palace 

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch since 1837. Built by John Sheffield, first duke of Normandy in 1703. The palast was purchased for the Royal Family in 1761 by George 3. Buckinham Palace has about 600 rooms and 20 hectares of garden.

It is also famous for its fine collection of paintings.

Other sight s are: Saint Paul Cathedral, Madame Tussard and my favourit is the London Dungeon!

Vocabulary:

capital - Haupstadt

situated in - plaziert in

damp - feucht

driest parts - trockensde Rgionen

average - Durchschnitt

foggy - nebelig

urban territory - Stadtgebiet

located at - plaziert bei

Romans - Römer

remnants - Überreste

major city - Großstadt

middle ages - Mittelalter

maintain - entwickeln

transform - formten

independence - unabhängig

injure - verletzt

contractores tore down - Maschinen reisen nieder

suffer - erleiden 

victory - Sieg

soapbox - Seifenkiste

fortress - Festung

crown jewels - Kronjuwelen

duke - Graf 

purchase - versteigern, verkaufen