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London, Greater London
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
London was founded by the Romans at a ford on the River Thames. A settlement grew up here, and quickly became a major centre for government and trade, eventually becoming the capital of England. The Roman city walls encircled an area roughly equivalent to the modern 'City', the financial centre of London. After the Romans left, London declined, but revived in the later Saxon period. In 1065 King Edward the Confessor completed Westminster Cathedral on low-lying ground to the west of old London.
The following year, William the Conqueror began a strong fortress where the eastern corner of the city meets the Thames. This was the Tower of London, which was to become in turn a royal residence, a zoo, an armoury and a prison. Beside the Tower is Tower Bridge, one of the most famous of Britain's icons. The bridge, though often mistaken for the London Bridge of nursery rhyme fame, has nothing to do with that ancient crossing, which has long disappeared.
Another famous icon of London is Big Ben, which is actually the hour bell of the Clock Tower for the Houses of Parliament, not the tower itself, or the huge clock faces of the tower. Across the river at angle to Big Ben is one of London's newest major visitor attractions, the London Eye. This huge wheel, like a fairground ferris wheel, takes visitors on a stately ride high above London, offering great views over the historic city. Or, see London from water level by taking one of the popular Thames cruisers along the river. You can take the cruiser as far afield as Hampton Court Palace, built by Cardinal Wolsey, advisor to Henry VIII.
And on the subject of royalty, visit the royal residence of Buckingham Palace, and the end of St James Park and the wide avenue known as The Mall. There is so much to see and do in London, and history is everywhere you look.
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London,
Greater London,
England
About London
Attraction Type: Town
Location
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London Photos
OS TQ320811
Heritage Highlight: One of the most historic cities in the world - try the Tower of London for a start.
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Photos of London
Tower Bridge |
Tower of London |
Houses of Parliament |
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Information Centre
London
City Information Centre
St. Paul's Churchyard
London
Greater London
England
EC4M 8BX
Tel: 020 7332 1456
Web: http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
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