LONDON

A panoramic view of the city

LocationIn Europe

Spreading in 1.579sq. kms, London is the 37th residential area in the world. Situated in the banks of the river Thames, London is 75 kms away from the English channel.The river divides the city in two, the North

and the South bank

HistoryThe origin of the word remains unknown. The oldest etymological explanation

comes from King Lud, who seems to have conquered the city and named it Kaerlud. The word ended up as Kaerludein and finally London. Few modern

sources accept this theory. Many other theories,through time, claim that London has derived from the Welsh, British (Celtic),occasionally from the Anglo-

Saxon,even the Jewish language.Professor of Linguistics Richard Coach (1998) proposed the theory that the city

took its name from the pre-Celtic *plowonida, roughly meaning " river too wide to cross”. He also suggested that the Thames had this name and that the residents

added the ending -on or -onjon. The Hindo-European *p was dropped in the early Celtic dialect and through linguistic change, from Plowonidonjon the name

became Lundonjon and ended up as Lundein or Lundyn, only to be latinized into Londinium and to finally become a loan from the Anglo Saxons as Lundene.

The Norman and medieval era

After his victory in Hastings, William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy,was crowned King in Westminster Abbey, at the Christmas of 1066. He built a castle which was added to by the kings that followed. This castle is known as the Tower of London, initially used as palace and then as prison. London grew in population and wealth. In the mid 14th century an epidemic called Black Death claimed the lives of one third of the population.

The Great Fire

• The Great Fire of London destroyed a big part of the city in 1666.It started from a bakery and spread quickly, burning wooden houses and stopped thanks to the river. The fire raged for 10 days. However, this disaster lead to the rebuilding of the city under the supervision of Sir Christopher Wren.

Modern Times

In the 18th century London developed and became the largest city up until 1925. This development was aided by the construction of the first railways in 1836. The rapid population growth led to the construction of the first underground railway system in 1863. During World War II the city suffered bombardments from the German military Force (Luftwaffe) during which more than 30.000 Londoners were killed,while one third of the city was destroyed. In the decades after the Second World War many people from the British Commonwealth moved to London, thus turning London to one of the most multicultural cities in Europe. Since the 80sthe city has been a major financial and commercial center, and unfortunately target to many terrorist attacks.

SIGHTS

Runestone Dr

Runestone Dr was built in memory of two Vikings that died in London. The Romans built the first settlement in 43 A.D. called Londinium. In around 61, this first London was burned to the ground after the raid of queen Budicca. In the 2nd century the polulation of the city grew.In the 3rd century, because of upheavals in the Roman empire, London’s population stared decreasing and by the 5th century the biggest part of the city had been deserted.

London Eye

With a height of 135 m. and located next to the Thames, this giant wheel offers a unique view of the whole city. London Eye was built to celebrate

the millennium under a British Airways initiative. The ride lasts 30 minutes and if the weather is clear it offers a panoramic view of up to 40

kms away.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

It is the metropolitan church of London, a masterpiece of the prominent architect Sir Christopher Wren. It is an exquisite sample of baroque rhythm in England.

The memorial services of the Duke of Wellington, Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill, Lady Diana were held here, as well as her wedding to prince and heir to the throne Charles.

Buckingham Palace

It is the seat of British monarchy.It was built in 1703 for Sheffield, the Duke of Buckingham. The palace comprises 600 rooms, 19 ceremony halls, 52 royal chambers, 188 servant rooms and 78 bathrooms. The rooms are decorated with works of art by Rembrand, Rubbens, Van Dyke and more.

Routemaster

Religion

The majority of the population are Christians. Head of the Anglican church is the Archbishop of Canterbury. The major services are held in Wenstminster Abbey and Saint Paul’s Cathedral.

Climate

London has a temperate climate . Summer is warm and winter is cold. However, the temperature rarely falls too low due to a hot stream that comes from south America. Rainfall reaches an average of 58,36 cm a year.

Polychronis Polychroniadis, class B3