Detailed Comprehension

1. Watch the whole scene and tick the right answer:

A

1. Trafalgar Square is a place for the people, tourists and residents alike, taking time out to

enjoy their sandwiches or just sit and watch the world go by.

1. Trafalgar Square gets its name from Trafalgar Battle in 1805 against Spanish Armada.
2. This monument, national pride, was laid out in 1830s by John Nash only to be built in 1842.
3. Edwin Landseer’s four magnificent lion statues were added to guard its base in 1970s.
4. The National Gallery is a treasure-hove of art and belongs to the entire nation.
5. It’s worth taking a glance at the new Sainsbury Wing which was added to the 19^th century gallery in 1981.
6. The design was modified and what you’ll see today married the old and the new in a spirit of compromise.
7. The St Clement’s church’s bells are run to the tune of the English nursery rhyme “Oranges and Demons”. (Lemons)
8. The crypt is a burial place for many celebrities such as painters William Hogarth and

Joshua Reynolds.

10. This dates back to First World War when the soldiers returned from 1914 onwards, many

have been shell-shocked and injured, unable to return to the new lives.

B

1. On a hot day cooling waters of the fountains so much appreciated and there are always plenty of ice-cream sellers, and the price has been known to decrease.

2. Although Lord Nelson was victorious he lost his life in the process.

3. 40 stonemasons held a dinner on its flat top before the statue of Admiral Nelson was finally installed.

4. If you’re seeing a city on a budget this is a great place to come and while an hour or two because it will cost you nothing.

5. Step inside the grand Neo-Gothic entrance, because this spectacle is worth seeing.

6. It caused an uproar among British compatriots because Prince Charles called it “a monstrous carbuncle on a face of much-loved friend”.

7. But this ‘monstrous carbuncle’ gave extra space for changing exhibitions and made it possible to computerize its database.

8. St Martin-in-the-Fields is a good example of a fine church architecture dating back to 1820s.

9. Many people are aware of the great charity work performed by St Martin-in-the-Fields

helping London’s homeless.

10. The crypt of the church was open to provide them a shelter and to this day you’ll find a

lunch-time soup catching to help the 21-st unfortunates to find a little comfort on

London’s streets.

Destination 2. Buckingham Palace

A

1. London, if nothing else, is the city of wonders.
2. Buckingham Palace, the most British of all palaces, is a relatively newcomer to the royal collection but nevertheless it can boast a disgusting history.
3. The process of remodeling took long 70 years and both King George IV and his brother King William IV died before the work was completed.
4. Look and see whether there is truth in it but one thing is for certain, Nash made a tremendous job of a new palace that became a preferred choice of monarchs ever since.
5. The West Front façade made in a classic style was added by Sir Aston Webb in 1913 and visitors gather at the main gateway to watch The Changing of Guards or listen to the Royal Proclamation.
6. While making a stroll about the beautiful Mall, the glance back at the familiar Victoria Monument framed by an elegant architecture of Buckingham Palace will give you one of the best views that London has to offer.
7. After the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who took apartments in Kensington Palace, the gates became a shrine to much-loved Diana as thousands of mourners placed bouquets here, creating a sea of flowers as a mark of respect for the tragic princess.
8. A whimsical statue of Peter Pan playing his pipes to the bronze fairies and animals that clung to his feet has stood on this spot since 1812.
9. The highlights to look out for include Speaker’s Corner, the Serpentine and Canary Row in Hyde Park, and lovely bird life to be found in St James’s.
10. In the 17^th century St James’s Park was graced by a magnificent aviary but today only the street name Birdcage Walk remains as the reminder of passed glories.

B

1. Buckingham Palace is an official residence of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Standard is flying on the flagpole when she is out.
2. George III who was a sad king purchased it in 1762 but preferred to live in his old residence in St James’s.
3. His son George IV commissioned John Nash to remodel it into a palace of great dignity.
4. The gossips of the day suggested that it was thanks to charms of very pretty Mrs. Nash, a royal darling, that the palace turned out to be so beautiful.
5. Buckingham Palace is opened to the public toward August and September but be warned this privilege comes to a low admission charge.
6. The architecture of the Kensington Palace is stunning thanks to Sir Christopher Wren who converted the former house into the royal residence.
7. If the weather is fine it is well worth spending some extra time to see the beauty and tranquility of Kensington Gardens.
8. It’s a pleasant surprise to find such a glorious pot of greenery right in the hub of a city but this is not an only park in London.
9. There are in fact 87 square miles of parking area in Greater London making it one of the greenest city centres in the world.
10. The birds frequenting St James’s Park may no longer be quite exotic but the ducks and geese are plentiful, and native Londoners and visitors alike spend many happy hours feeding the birds.

Destination 3. The Tower of London

A

1. The Tower of London is an all time classic and a great favourite with visitors of all ages.
2. One thing you can be always guaranteed of is a lengthy pew to get in.
3. The Tower of London dates back to the Middle Ages when this flighty fortress was the royal residence of every English king until Henry VIII.
4. It was the despotic monarch’s favorite prison and to be avoided at all hosts.
5. However it was the most important dignitaries that were decapitated within these walls: 7 in all including Henry’s queens: Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard.
6. There’s a lot to see at the Tower of London but you needn’t be prepared to part with a considerable amounts of hard currency to gain admittance.
7. If you have hours to spare you’ll definitely get your money’s worth but if the time is limited it is probably better to settle for a really pleasant walk around the outside, along the river Thames and come back another time.
8. And you never know when it may be open to put a tall vessel go through.
9. Built at the end of the 19^th century this major fit of engineering has weathered many a form.

10. Thanks to electricity now, but the original Victorian steam engine that used to do the job

and provided a stunning service of lighting up until 1974.

B

1. If history is your thing, then the Tower of London is definitely for you.
2. If you pre-book your ticket over the phone and paid by credit card, then all you have to do is pick it up at the advanced booking gate which cuts queuing down to absolute minimum.
3. In Henry’s day everybody would have queued up or paid good money to gain

entrance to the Tower.

1. Now as every schoolchild would tell you that Henry was fond of chopping heads off and

two of his six wives suffered the horrible fate.

1. Prisoners would be brought in through Traitors’ Gate, and many would ever leave it having their heads and bodies still connected.
2. All the rest as many as 15,000 during Henry’s reign were shunted out to the Tower Hill for public execution much to the delight of bloodthirsty Londoners.
3. It’s quite possible to miss this spectacular Tower Bridge from here.
4. Although there’s nothing like as ancient as the Tower itself, the Bridge is equally fascinating.
5. The same winding machinery that was installed in 1892 is still operating the Bridge to this very day.
6. There’s also a perfect opportunity here to climb this tower of a Bridge (3 hundred steps in all) to the spectacular view from the catwalk across the top.

Destination 4. Piccadilly Circus

1. Heading to No.4 in our ‘ Top 10’ destinations you will come up to the Piccadilly Circus, a great landmark to visit.
2. Thousands of people flock daily round the familiar statue of Eros, the Greek God of Love.
3. Piccadilly Circus is located right in the heart of the most incredibly quiet thoroughfare.
4. The slogan in the centre of it reads ‘Imagine all the people living life in haste’.
5. The sculptor Alfred Gilbert modeled Eros in 1892 as a memorial to the philanthropic Earl of Shaftesbury.
6. The earl did so much to ease the law of exploited working children during Victorian times.
7. Piccadilly Circus is a West End shopping centre and big advertisements of some world-famous companies are placed on its walls.
8. It’s a symbol of night life and many young people gather together to spend a good time in a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere with neon lights of numerous shops, restaurants, pubs and other attractions.
9. No self-respect in London tourist could possibly leave without at least seeing this most remarkable landmark.
10. You’ll be greatly touched by a natural fondness of glittering arcades and a music in the streets – a flying visit you’ll probably surpass.

Destination 5. Leicester Square

1. Just as quiet and equally effective at number 5 of our ‘top ten’ you’ll find Leicester Square – synonymous of the modern film industry.
2. Major cinemas surround the garden in the centre of the square and British movie premiers held there periodically attract a host of international celebrities.
3. However these dimly lit cinemas have been entertainment establishments for much longer than you might expect having originally housed the famous London music halls so popular in every touring heyday.
4. This is why you find the superb statue of Charlie Chaplin by John Doubleday (1981) in Leicester Square Gardens.
5. Though he was a huge German star Chaplin started his career on the musical stages of London.
6. If you have time it’s shocking to visit the Kennington and Brixton areas of London to see where Chaplin was born and grew up as a poverty-stricken workhouse boy.
7. In fact, the workhouse school he attended is now a community centre and this hall looks familiar because it was used as a filming spot of the movie.
8. The Charlie Chaplin isn’t the only entertainer that commemorated by a statue in Leicester Square because directed opposite him you’ll find yourself face to face with the magnificent William Shakespeare.
9. Although Shakespeare is most notably recognized in Stratford-upon-Avon he actually made his fame and fortune entertaining the good folk of London for long period of his life.
10. London has a fine theatrical tradition and if you want to experience the plays of Shakespeare as they would have been performed in his own time and visit reconstructed ‘Globe’ theatre, you’ll be most enlightened.
11. Because of the vaguely British weather performances are limited in the winter months.
12. But there’s an exhibition of Shakespeare’s life and works in the ‘Under-Globe’ that’s open all year round.
13. If a modern musical theatre is more to your taste, the East End has a great deal to offer whenever you are in London.
14. To make sure of a particular show it’s advisable to book well in advance.
15. But if you’re happy to take pot-luck, the Leicester Square half-price ticket-booth is always worth a try during a day, and you can really stretch your budget for very long way.

Destination 6. Westminster

1. After such frivolity and a bright light of London’s life No.6 in a ‘top ten’ takes to a far more serious destination, namely the Houses of Parliament and Big Ban.
2. This has to be one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and it is well worth taking a closer look if you have a little time across this route.
3. The mere mansion of Big Ben will have this wonderful three-sided clock spring instantly to minute but this is an error made even by a vast majority.
4. Big Ben is actually the mighty hell contained within the 3 hundred and 20 foot height tower that chimes the hours with such familiar resonance.
5. Since it was set ticking in 1859 this clock has kept a perfect time for ungrateful nation.
6. For as long it continues to do so, there will be a great sense of pride told by all who passes this way.
7. The actual Houses of Parliament are relatively modern versions of the ancient Palaces of Westminster.
8. The business in the British Parliament has been transacted since 1712.
9. The Houses of Lords and the Commons were rebuilt after Fire destroyed all but Westminster Hall in 1840s.
10. The Fire changed the face of this remarkable building when the Commons debating Chamber had got it during a World War II air-raid in 1941.
11. If you would like to see inside of the historic institution there are public galleries for both Houses.
12. Be sure to pay a good charge for this truly unique experiment.
13. While on a political wave make just a short stroll to Downing Street, No.10, to be precise, where British prime-ministers have lived since 1732.
14. This is another place of those very special London locations that most people don’t really want to see.
15. Due to security precautions you can only view No.10 from the gates of the end of Downing Street.

Destination 7. St Paul’s Cathedral

A

1. St Paul’s Cathedral is No.7 location on our list of ‘top ten’ collections.
2. There’s been a place of worship here from 604 onwards, and no wonder that a cathedral was built on this site.
3. Just as far as the Great Fire has forced the character of the Houses of Parliament it is also marked the revolution of this stunning church.
4. This was probably a sensible move because by the time Wren added the two Western towers he was already 75 years old and 360 feet in height the top of the dome was no place for an old architect.
5. From the inside of the cathedral it is more difficult to climb up to the top because one should ascend 263 steps to the Whispering Gallery and another 118 steps if you are going to stand outside the Dome and look over London.
6. Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s is world famous because the remarkable acoustics calls whispers quite literally to echo all around the dome.
7. Having gone to the top of St Paul’s it would be a shame not to go to other extreme and descend to the Crypt.
8. Before visiting St Paul’s it’s interesting to continue the church theme and make your way to Westminster Abbey.
9. Just like at St Paul’s it’s also fascinating to walk amongst the dead as there are many legendary royals including Elizabeth I and her sister ‘Bloody Mary’ rest here.
10. Up until Henry VIII spoke with the Catholic faith to marry Anne Boleyn all of the English churches including this magnificent Abbey would have been governed by Rome.

B

1. No trip to London will be complete if you miss this world famous landmark.
2. The Home is one of the city’s most familiar skyline landmarks indicating London wherever it’s seen.
3. The Great Fire of London in 1666 saw St Paul’s burnt to the ground, and Sir Christopher Wren was called in to raise it - phoenix-like from the ashes.
4. The foundation stone was laid by Sir Christopher himself in 1675, but it fell to his grandson to place the last stone high upon a lantern in 1708.
5. Although there are rather a lot of stairs to ascend, it’s well worth the exertion.
6. This is a humiliating place with such dignitaries as Lord Nelson, Florence Nightingale and others who are buried here.
7. Since 1066 with only two exceptions all the English kings and queens had been married here, and you can actually go inside and see the Coronation Chair.
8. A great favorite with many is Poets’ Corner wherever you’ll discover memorials to nation’s literary giants with William Shakespeare and Charles Darvin famous for legendary portrayals of the London life fond to remember.
9. But today you won’t be much surprised to see Westminster Cathedral behind – the heart of Roman Catholic Church in England - in the centre of London.
10. This is a stunningly beautiful early XX-th century Byzantine masterpiece by Francis Bentley, and anybody who appreciates classic architecture will find this less well-known treasure of the London landscape as absolute delight.

Destination 8. Museums of London

A

1. For anyone visiting London with children No.8 of our ‘Top ten’ list is a must.
2. First stop – the magnificent Natural History Museum will be a favorite destination for anyone interested in dinosaurs.
3. There’s also plenty of hands staff for youngsters to interact with and you can even experience assimilated waterfall.
4. Be warned, once you stepped inside the holy entrance it’s very easy to lose your way out.
5. Here you’ll get to see the very pinnacles of man’s scientific achievements ranging from full-sized steam trains to a replica of Apollo-10.
6. In general terms the older visitors might not find this quite as exciting as Natural History or Science Museums because as the name suggests this is a celebration for Victoriana.
7. This can’t be said of the magnificent British Museum at the heart of Bloomsbury.
8. This all occurred in the early 19^th century but the instance still causes frequent diplomatic eruptions because the Greeks want their money back.
9. This dispute is likely to continue until such time as the stolen friezes are returned to their rightful place in the Parthenon.
10. A wonderful old operating theatre museum where St Thomas stood in the 12^th century until its relocation in 1862.

B

1. The great museums of London are spilt into very useful categories.
2. The enormous Diplodocus skeleton that will greet you on entry is just a taste for what’s on offer.
3. After a taste of a natural world move next door and you’ll come to the Science Museum round the corner.
4. It’s a great pun and really informative but again don’t be tackled into too much of a hurry.
5. Moving further along the Cromwell Road you’ll soon arrive at the Victoria and Albert Museum formerly known as the “V@A”.
6. The Museum was actually founded to expire design students for the mid-1800s with sculpture, furniture, ceramics, art work and textiles healing for the every expending of the British Empire.
7. This is the oldest museum in the world founded in 1753 and contains treasures from such far-flung countries as China, Egypt and ancient Greece.
8. Museum is most ill-known for the Elgin Marbles removed from the Parthenon in Athens and sold by Lord Elgin for a colossal sum of 35,000 pounds.
9. If all this doesn’t suit your cultural and highbrowed taste there are a few of smaller museums to cater for special interests.
10. It’s now been restored exactly of how it would have been in early 19^th century with medical tools such as gags, strings, etc. before the discovery of anabolics.

Destination 9. Shopping

A

1. In a magnificent ‘Top ten’ list of attractions Harrod’s is possibly the most famous shop.
2. He came to believe in merchandise combining a good quality with an exceptionally high standard of service set for very successful precedent.
3. The range of available goods is extensive, and 300 different departments having all kinds of merchandise are as diverse as you’ll find anywhere.
4. Harrod’s is a wonderful experience and not to be missed if you are keen in shopping.
5. Harrod’s isn’t the only fascinating place to do shopping in London, and as complete contrast there are terrible bargains to be had at the street markets.
6. For another change of atmosphere Liberty’s on a very fashionable Oxford Street offers some unique items for sale.
7. Liberty’s opened its stores in 1875 selling Oriental spices and other imported goods from countries such as India and Japan.
8. It looks quite old-fashioned nowadays but it’s particularly charming and full of people during Christmas time.
9. Carnaby Street was the 1960s shoppers’ paradise located right in the hub of swinging London.
10. Thanks to designers such as Mary Quant and her many shirts Carnaby Street became the fashion capital of the world.

B

1. From humble beginnings on nearby Brompton Road Henry Harrod expanded his jewelry shop beyond all recognition in the 19^th century.
2. The Harrod’s claim to fame was an idea to supply everything from a packet of pins to a live elephant.
3. Nowadays you are able even to visit a wild animal department.
4. But if you actually want to buy anything, be prepared to pay top prices for the privilege.
5. Sunday market with pretty coat links is no exception and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
6. Liberty progressed slowly to printing his own high cotton fabrics with designs of such great artists as William Morris and others.
7. Although the store looks like a mock-Tudor building it was pompously built for Liberty in 1975 in a country-house style.
8. Before we leave the subject of London’s shopping here’s a detailed description of ‘Carnaby Street’.
9. Today Carnaby Street lacks much of the colour and character of that bygone age but it is still worth a visit.
10. Anybody who experienced in 1980s will absolutely love it.

Destination 10. Museums, Pubs and Other Places of Interest

A

1. As our 60 minutes for exploring London are drawing to a close, the last attraction on our ‘Top ten’ list is ‘Madam Tussod’s’ on Marylebone Road.
2. This world famous plastic-work museum is always busy and is a great favorite with all the family.
3. You can’t miss this museum with the easy recognizable home of the Planetarium which is now included as a part of the Tussod’s experience.
4. Like the Tower of London, the one thing you do want to miss is the queuing, and this is another attraction that you can pre-book by phone.
5. The wax models of film stars, pop idols, sports personalities, politicians and royalty are a great fun for the public.
6. The museum is usually pretty crowded, and sometimes it can be difficult to pick out your own particular favorites.
7. Best known of all is the ‘Chamber of Laughter’ that infamous criminals depicted, which is more in keeping with the tradition of the real Madam Tussod.
8. Madam Tussod started her museum with the wax death masks of the famous victims guillotined in the French Revolution.
9. For some the ‘Chamber of Horrors’ of Madam Tussod’s will seem a little tame.
10. If you are looking for really evolving, there’s only one place to go – the London Dungeon.

B

1. This mixture of history and spine-chilling terror covers every blood-thirsty event in British History with plague, torture, murder, witchcraft, human sacrifice and horrible executions pictured in gruesome detail.
2. Surprisingly children don’t seem to love this attraction – how many will go home and have nightmares afterwards is an interesting question to ponder.
3. The fate-hearted of squeamish are best advised to stay close to this delicious glory of London attraction.
4. One of the most pessimistic areas of the dungeon is this ‘Jack, the Ripper’ exhibition which recreates the slums of the Tudorean ‘ White Chapel’ very graphically indeed.
5. A cape-switching, top-hatted actor completes the picture, and the sights, sounds and smells of the old London town – the effect is unnerving the sinister.
6. But why settle for imitation when you can actually visit the real White Chapel, the

location of such significance is a drastic episode in London history.

1. Many visitors take the ‘Jack, the Ripper’ guided walks offered by various experts on the subject.
2. ‘The Ten Bells’ pub in Spittle Fields gives a show with the murderer allegedly met at least one of his victims, and the atmosphere has remained moodily and distinctively Tudorean.
3. Some say that the guests of the unfortunate women wander around these parts frightening the visitors.
4. If you choose a night-time walk you may well appreciate a taut of something fortifying in a bar before you set off.

Destination 10

C

1. Having looked into the world of London’s most notorious criminal, we end our program on far more negative note, and sneak a peep into the life of London’s most famous detective.
2. Just a long distance from Madam Tussod’s you’ll find Baker Street where as every detective story tells you that Sherlock Holmes lived, and his faithful friend Dr Watson.
3. The literary offerings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, are so evocative that people have been known to believe that Holmes and Watson were real people who actually did live here at 221b Baker Street, and it’s no small wonder.
4. Although the official building at 221 is now a shop, the Museum, just a few streets out, is far more interesting.
5. Step inside and you’ll be transported back to Victorian London as Sherlock Holmes’ housekeeper ushers you inside before taking you on a tour.
6. There’s a distinct feeling of the great detective might walk back in and cry “It’s elementary, my dear Dr. Watson!” at any moment and unravel yet another mystery.
7. And who knows if Sherlock Holmes had been in the time of ‘Jack, the Ripper’, it’s highly probable that the case would have been solved and closed more quickly.
8. Having experienced the ‘Top ten’ major London attractions with a few digressions along the way, we couldn’t finish without taking a look at some of the less obvious treasures that often delude the busy tourists.
9. As you will be appreciated by this point, the Victorians in a great deal changed the face of London, and their legacy is positively ornate and splendid.
10. “Love or Leave It!’ – the ostentatious Royal Albert Hall, a model of a Greek amphitheatre, is a remarkable building.

D

1. If you happen to be in London in the late autumn, the Last Night of the “Proms” is held here – a classical music extravaganza with the distinctive Italian feel, and it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
2. But you don’t have to search out such grand Victorian enterprise, because everywhere you go in London is directly below your feet.
3. The underground labyrinth of tunnels and stations is not a good way to get about the city avoiding the traffic jams.
4. While you’re traveling it’s always worth taking a look at London’s remarkable above ground stations as well, because the architecture is amazing – taking you back to the Golden Age of the Railway.
5. When you visit London you will undoubtedly be tempted to flash from place to place along with the crowds.
6. However, if you can take the time to walk you’ll see a great deal less than you’d have done from a train, a taxi or even an open-top bus.
7. A stroll down the famous streets, crescents and alley ways will prove to be incredibly awarding, taking you from hustle and bustle of such thoroughfares as Oxford Street to the green parks and open spaces of which London has a right to boast.
8. Try a leisurely meander to Convent Garden, once the city’s frantic fruit, vegetable and flower market, and it’ll be your favorite treat.
9. Today amongst the reserved buildings in the courtyards there are delightfully rare unique shops and markets to be found, and plenty of street entertainers.
10. And of course, you couldn’t miss the Royal Opera House that is also home for the Royal Ballet.

Destination 10

E

1. Although what’s reformed here might not be to everyone’s taste, but the building is magnificent, and its restoration work is an example of historic preservation of the very best.
2. Whilst walking the streets of London you also have an opportunity to find rejoicement in places more traditional than in brightly lit Burger Bar or Fast Food Chains.
3. Jellied eels might not appeal to one and all, but it’s definitely a taste of old London, and Tobby Isaac’s stall at a heart of the real West End is now worth famous.
4. Facing jellied eels might not be very palatable after visiting one of the much-praised institutions – the great British pub.
5. You’ll be much pleased to have a short rest at the famous ‘Ole Cheshire Cheese’ café, founded in 1667, and be fully aware of the fact that such legendary historic figures as Samuel Peeps, Dr. Jonson, Charles Dickens and Mark Twain all frequenting this fine establishment.
6. You may also pay a visit to ‘Sherlock Holmes’ pub which will prove to be most satisfactory. There’s a great atmosphere and you may enjoy yourself with a pint or two of a great British whisky or anything else that happens to take your fancy.
7. On a very happy note we’ll complete our tour of ‘London in 60 minutes’ in a time that would have taken to enjoy three rotations on the London Eye, and also quite literally expressed as ‘a flying visit’ – it should at least have given to you a flavour of London life – Past, Present and Future.
8. When the wordy Dr. Jonson, no doubt, fortified by something inspirational at the ‘ Ole Cheshire Cheese’ postulated: “…tremendous(ly) tired of London, he was tired of life”,

he couldn’t have spoken a true word.

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