The History of London Roman London (AD 43 - AD 410) | |
They invaded England in AD 43. They landed in Kent, made their way to the River Thames and sailed up it. The Romans knew it was important to control a crossing point at the river Thames, so they decided to build a settlement on the north bank. They chose a spot in two small hills and where the river became narrower. They built a bridge over the Thames, and there has been a 'London Bridge' in the same area ever since. The Romans laid out buildings, streets and a port, and shortly afterwards they built a bridge. They called the settlement Londinium. |
Facts about London  | |
London is made up of two ancient cities which are now joined together. They are: · the City of London, known simply as 'the City' which is the business and financial heart of the United Kingdom. It is also known as the Square Mile (2.59 sq km/1 sq mi). It was the original Roman settlement (ancient Londinium), making it the oldest part of London and already 1,000 years old when the Tower of London was built. · the City of Westminster, where Parliament and most of the government offices are located. Also Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen and the Royal family are located there too. Together they all make up a region known as Greater London.
· London has the highest population density in Britain, with 4,699 people per square kilometre,
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London's Government
The British government runs the UK. The leader of the government is the Prime Minister.
Great Britain (UK) is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional Monarch as Head of State.
The principle behind British democracy is that the people elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons in London at a general election, held no more than five years apart. Most MPs belong to a political party, and the party with the largest number of MPs in the House of Commons forms the government.
Although predominantly white and Anglo-Saxon, more than a quarter of London's population is from an alternative ethnic background, making up half of the Britain's total ethnic minorities. This gives London the largest non-white population of any European city and is an important part of its cosmopolitan feel.
Over 250 languages are spoken in the city, making the capital the most linguistically diverse city in the world.
More Interesting and Fascinating Facts About London
1. Believe it or not, If London was a country it would be the 8th biggest in Europe.
2. Angel Tube Station, has Western Europe’s longest escalator with 318 steps, I suppose you could call it a tourist attraction. It does seem to go on forever.
3. It takes 61 seconds to open Tower Bridge, which opens about 1,000 times a year.
4. The Houses of Parliament also known as the Palace of Westminster, has over 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 3 miles (5 km) of corridors, as well as 19 bars and restaurants.
5. Big Ben is not actually the name of the clock or the tower, but the 13-ton bell inside the clock. The tower is known as St Stephens Tower.
What to see and do in London
London attracts very large numbers of visitors and tourists and can be an expensive place to visit. However, there is still much you can see and do for free.
Tourist attractions are mainly in Central London.
click hereLondon Olympic Games 2012
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will be held in London from 27 July to 12 August 2012, followed by the 2012 Paralympic Games from 29 August to 9 September.
We expect 205 nations to take part in 300 events at the Olympic Games in 2012. 147 nations will take part in the Paralympic Games.
The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well."
Olympic Creed
Olympic Creed