London is an ancient city with many historical sites. Since 1066 England’s kings and queens have been crowned in a church called Westminster Abbey. The queen of England lives in Buckingham Palace. The Parliament meets in the Palace of Westminster. Its famous clock tower contains a huge bell called Big Ben.
The Tower of London is one of the oldest buildings in London. For centuries the tower was a prison. Several famous prisoners were held there, including the explorer Sir Walter Raleigh and King Henry VIII’s wife Anne Boleyn. Today, visitors are able to see the tower itself as well as the Crown Jewels of England, which are displayed there.
London has many scenic places. For example, Hyde Park is the largest open area in central London. It is joined with Kensington Gardens to make one large park. Trafalgar Square is a popular plaza containing a monument to the famous British naval officer Lord Horatio Nelson. Piccadilly Circus, near the center of London, is a busy intersection where five roads meet. A memorial fountain stands in the middle of the intersection. The area is famous for its large billboards as well as its many theaters and restaurants.
London is known for its many museums. For example, the British Museum is the world’s oldest public museum. It is full of ancient treasures. London’s art museums include the National Gallery, the Tate galleries, the Courtauld Institute Galleries, and the Wallace Collection.
In addition to museums, London is also home to arts such as theater and music. The Globe Theater is modeled after a theater that was popular in the late 1500s and early 1600s. It holds performances of William Shakespeare’s plays. Many types of productions can also be seen at the National Theatre and in the West End, which is the area near Piccadilly Circus. Music can be enjoyed at the Royal Opera House and the Royal Festival Hall, among other places.
