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Vast,
vibrant and truly multicultural, London is one of the world's great cities.
Located in the southeast of England, on the River Thames, it is the capital of
the United Kingdom (UK) and has been the heart of its political, cultural and
business life for centuries. The now sprawling metropolis is a far cry from the
scrabble of dwellings that first sprouted up to house river traders during
their voyages towards the sea. It was the Romans who really kick-started the
city, by establishing 'Londinium' as an important fortress town, guarding the
Thames and protecting against any Celtic tribes trying to invade the then
untamed island. The Romans brought with them forts, roads and the rule of law,
prompting Roman historian Tacitus to boast of an AD60 city 'filled with
travellers and a celebrated centre of commerce.'
Over
the centuries, London has developed and expanded, despite the many dangers that
might have defeated a lesser place – the Great Plague, the Great Fire, the
bitter English Civil War, a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament, and the
'Blitz' during World War II.
Nowadays,
the sheer scale of Greater London can be daunting at first, as it sprawls
1,500sq km (580 square miles) across a voluminous plain. However, it is a city
that is surprisingly easy to get around, with the comprehensive and easily
navigated London Underground or 'Tube'. The twin axis on which London rests is
the Houses of Parliament to the west and the City of London to the east. The
seat of government (not far from the home of the royal family) is connected to
the City (the financial engine room of London and the whole of the UK) by the
River Thames. In between lie most of the tourist attractions and the busiest,
liveliest different entertainment areas, such as Knightsbridge and Soho. But
London's vivacity and charm stretches far beyond the Circle Line – the
Underground route that rings the inner city. Residential areas outside the city
centre, such as leafy Richmond (southwest) or Hampstead (north), trendy Hoxton
(east) or Notting Hill (west), each have their own beating heart.
And
as the population of the greater London area pushes inexorably towards the 10
million mark, the city continues to grow and thrive. Home to 37 distinct
immigrant groups, each consisting of more than 10,000 people, this is a city
where some 300 languages are spoken. This very real multiculturalism is evident
on every street (and many restaurant plates) and is a key reason why people
love the city. Tourists come for London's history or London's royal pageantry
but they return for all the charms of the modern London, not least the
extraordinary breadth of London's cultural life, with world-class art galleries
and theatres, buzzing nightlife, film, music, culinary and fashion scenes. But
the city skyline is the place where the London's rapid change and optimism is
most visible – the Docklands and the City (with its now famous 'Gherkin' tower)
have shot up over the last few years.
After
an enthusiastic campaign endorsed by a wealth of sporting celebrities and
fervently supported by the majority of residents, London won the bid to host
the Olympic Games in 2012, which will have a significant impact on the future
of the city in terms of both tourism and investment. Celebrations were,
however, dampened by the atrocities of 7 July 2005, when a series of coordinated
suicide bombings struck the city's transport system during the morning rush
hour, killing 56, wounding hundreds, and leaving millions in shock. London,
however, has bounced back more quickly than many expected from the terrorist
attacks, a testament to the resilience of its people and its enduring appeal as
a tourist destination.
During
summer, London's bountiful green spaces fill up with office workers and
tourists enjoying the surprisingly balmy days as café tables sprout across a
multitude of pavements. During winter, the grey skies and rain can be forgotten
for a while in numerous cosy pubs. But spring or autumn are probably the best
seasons to visit the city, when clear crisp sunny days often illuminate London
and its landmarks, old and new.
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