Historic London [antikvár]

"Earth has not anything to show more fair: Dull would he be of soul who could pass by A sight so touching in its majesty: This City now doth like a garment wear The beauty of the morning: silent, bare, Ships, tQwers, domes, theatres, and temples lie Open unto the fields, and to the sky, All bright and glittering in the smokeless air." Upon Westminster Bridge (William Wordsworth) Wordsworth's "mighty heart" of London is still there. Capital of Great Britain, it is a city which acts as the political, industrial and commercial centre of this majestic land, and was once the hub of the largest empire ever known. Its pre-eminence stems from its past: so many famous people have walked its streets; history weaves a rich tapestry through the ages and the story begins nearly two thousand years ago, back in Román times... Londinium was founded on the north side of the strategically important River Thames by the Román invaders. However, they found that the fighting spirit of the native people was hard to crush: Boadicea, Queen of the Iceni - who occupied East Anglia - led an army which sacked the city. Eventually defeated in battle, she tookher own life by poison in AD 62. Today, near the Houses of Parliament, a statue shows the warrior queen in her chariot with blades like scythes flashing from the wheel hubs. On the plinth beneath is enscribed the words, 'Regions Caesar never knew thy posterity shall sway'. Take a walk nearer to the Palace of Westminster and there you will see the statue of a man who, throughout the darkest days of London, stood against the enemy's overwhelming forces; Sir Winston Churchill. Above him stands the clockface known as 'B ig B en', although it is really the 13'/2-ton bell within that was named after Sir B enjamin Hall and whose chimes are heard on BBC radio throughout the world. Nearby is Westminster Abbey, where the Kings and Queens of England have been crowned since William the Conqueror. It is alsó the burial place ofthe famous and includes Poet's Corner in the south transépt, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In Whitehall you come to the Cenotaph, memóriái to the dead of both World Wars. Further on the leit is Downing Street, the home of the Prime Minister, and you will see Horse Guards as well before you arrive at Trafalgar Square. This is dominated by Nelson's Column and Landseer's lions, and the National Gallery with its wide selection ofthe world's great masters: the vibrant sunflowers and corn fields of Van Gogh; the elaborate garden of Monet; the English countryside of Constable; the Venetian waterways of Canaletto; the coloured light of Turner and many other favourites. Perhaps by now you will be feeling exhausted. But walk just a little way up Charing Cross Road and turn left into Soho. Here you can find a cosy wine bar or coffee shop in which to recuperate. Now the evening's entertainment may begin. The narrow, bustling stree ts throng with people and bright lights shine. Restaurants, theatres, night clubs and cinemas abound in this most cosmopolitan of areas. Tomorrow there will be time for more ofLondon's attractions: St Paul's Cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren; Buckingham Palace, home of the Royal Family; shopping in Oxford Street or at Harrods; Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park where anyone can stand on a soapbox to speak their mind; a visit to the Tower of London, or perhaps to see one of the many museums. This colourful book brings refreshing views of the capital city, with vivid photographs showing the vitality and variety of life in London. As Sámuel Johnson wrote, "When a man is tired of London he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford".