London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. It is one of the world's leading business, financial and cultural centres, and one of the major global cities. London has an official population of 7.5 million. Its population is very cosmopolitan, drawing from a wide range of peoples, cultures and religions. London is a major tourist destination, with iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.
At London's core is the small, ancient City of London which is commonly known as "The City" or "Square Mile". London's metropolitan area ('the metropolis') grew considerably during the Victorian era and again during the Interwar period.
The first major settlement was founded by the Romans in AD 43, following the Roman invasion of Britain. This settlement was called Londinium, commonly believed to be the origin of the present-day name.
Around AD 61, the Celts led by Queen Boudica stormed London, burning it to the ground. The city prospered and superseded Colchester as the capital of the Roman province of Britannia in AD 100. At its height in the 2nd century AD, Roman London had a population of around 60,000. However, by the 3rd century AD, the city started a slow decline due to trouble in the Roman Empire, and by the 5th century AD, it was largely abandoned.
The old Roman city was re-occupied during the late 9th or early 10th century and has grown steadily over centuries, surrounding and making suburbs of neighbouring villages and towns, spreading in every direction. From the 16th to the early 20th centuries, London flourished as the capital of the British Empire.
'Welcome to London' is an intermediate English language course allowing users to practise their reading, listening and pronunciation skills. It follows two characters, John and Fiona, through a series of situations as they arrive and settle down in the city.
Watch the following documentary London travel guide. The ultimate trave guide of london. The most amazing experiences in London.
