Английский язык. Александрова Г.А. - 74 стр.

following day there is procession which is known as the Lord Mayor’s
Show.
       The Tower of London doesn’t belong to the City, though it stood
there for almost nine hundred years. It is more connected with the royal
dynasties, than with the world of business. The Tower was founded by
Julius Caesar and in 1066 rebuilt by William the Conqueror. It was used
as a fortress, a royal residence and a prison. Now it is a museum of armour
and also a place where the Crown Jewels are kept. In present days, just as
many centuries ago, the Ceremony of the Keys takes place at its gates
every night.
       As, during the Middle Ages, London increased in size and wealth,
the old City and the area round the Royal Palace at Westminster became
the two chief centres. The nobles, bishops, judges, and others who were
connected with the Court, lived in or near Westminster. This explain how
the part of London that we now call the West End came into being. And
because Henry VIII was fond of hunting we have, today, three parks that
form a continuous stretch of green: St James’s Park, the Green Park, and
Hyde Park.
       The Court moved to St. James’s in the eighteenth century, and to
Buckingham Palace in the nineteenth century. Both of these are in the City
of Westminster. Here, and farther west, are the finest theatres, cinemas
and concert halls, the large museums, the most luxurious hotels, the larg-
est department stores and the most famous shops. The name «West End»
came to be associated with wealth, luxury, and goods of high quality.
       Not far from Westminster where most of the Government buildings
are situated is Westminster Abbey, at which all British Kings and queens
have been crowned. It dates back to 1049. Many English sovereigns, out-
standing statesmen, painters and poets are buried here.
       Across the road from Westminster Abbey is Westminster Palace,
the seat of the British Parliament. Its two graceful towers stand high above
the city. The higher of the two largest clock in the country and the famous
bell Big Ben that strikes every quarter of the hour.
       The Queen lives in Buckingham Palace for much of the year, but
there are other royal palaces in London.
       Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London. It was so
named in memory of the victory in the battle of Trafalgar, where in Octo-

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