| The city of London is one of the most famous cities in the world. |
| In previous centuries, London was the center of the British Empire. |
| Today, it is one of the most important cities of the emerging European Union. |
| London is located in southeastern England, on the Thames River. |
| The greater London area contains about 12 million people, and the surrounding areas contain several million more. |
| London was the first city in the modern world to have reached a population of one million people. |
| London is a very old city, |
| and many of its neighborhoods maintain their distinct character. |
| One of the most famous parts of London is the East End, |
| where people speak with an accent known as “Cockney”. |
| One of the features of the Cockney accent is that the letter “h” is often not pronounced. |
| London’s population is very cosmopolitan. |
| The city contains, in addition to people of English background, |
| large communities of South Asian, Chinese, African, and Caribbean people. |
| Most of these people have their origins in countries that belong to the British Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Many of the most famous buildings in London are located in a small central area. |
| This area contains several huge churches, including Westminster Abbey, |
| where many famous people are buried. |
| Another famous church is St. Paul’s Cathedral, |
| which was rebuilt after the original was destroyed by fire in the year 1665. |
| The Houses of Parliament are also found in central London. |
| These buildings are famous for their Gothic architecture |
| and for the sound of the large clock, known as “Big Ben”. |
| The Tower of London, which was formerly used as a prison, is now a popular tourist attraction. |
| Buckingham Palace, the residence of the royal family, |
| was first opened for public viewing during the 1990s. |
| London is also famous for its many impressive museums, art galleries, and theatres. |
| For example, the British Museum contains priceless objects from all parts of the world. |
| The National Gallery holds a great collection of artistic masterpieces. |
| The Globe Theatre has been rebuilt to appear as it did during the time of Shakespeare. |
| Despite its age, London remains a vibrant and busy city. |
| Most of the cultural and financial institutions in England are located in London, |
| and the city attracts many young people from other parts of England and around the world. |
| Of course, London is popular with tourists who come to see the many attractions of this city. |
