Archive for » Апрель, 2013 «

The British National Museum

британский национальный музейThe British National Museum is justly considered to be the pride of London. It is a unique treasury keeping the enormous experience of the civilization and having about seven million of exhibits.  The history of the British Museum dates back to far 1753. While the first visitor stepped under the museum vaults on the 15th of September 1759. As it often happens, the museum owes its existence to the generosity of patrons. Only three persons managed to make such a foundation which allowed the museum to rise this high.  The richest collections of Hans Sloane, the famous library of Robert Cotton, the unique manuscripts of Robert Harley – these all became first exhibits of the museum and foredoomed its further destiny, the destiny of the universal museum. more »

The history of Buckingham Palace

The history of Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is one of the pearls of the England’s heritage, many other London’s sights simply pale beside its magnificence. Today it is an official residence of the Royal family of England.

The history of Buckingham Palace dates many centuries back. It was initially built in the beginning of the eighteenth century for the Duke of Buckingham and was deemed to be one of the most splendid palaces all over London. In 1762 it received the title “Queen’s House” right after its purchase by King George III for his spouse – Queen Charlotte from the then owner – sir Charles Sheffield. more »

London taxi

London taxiThe world-known London taxi black cab has its own history, culture and traditions. Black cab is one of the symbols of London in addition to red double-deck buses, telephone booths and Big Ben. The history of the English taxi started in 1639 when coachmen united to create their own licensed Corporation. Initially they used four-wheeled carriages, but already in the 1850s there appeared more manoeuvring open two-wheeled carts on the streets of London – they were called cabriolets (here is where the word “cab” originates from).   more »

EDF Energy London Eye

EDF Energy London EyeLondoners marked the beginning of the new millennium by the construction of the largest European Ferris wheel on the Thames embankment. The new tourist attraction of London was called “the London Eye”. The structure is 135 meters high which is equal to the height of a 45-storey skyscraper. The creators of this magnificent project are architects Julia Barfield and David Marks. The London Eye sooner resembles a wheel of a giant bicycle but its name is probably explained by the fact that the citizens of the English capital and guests of the city can observe London panoramas from the bird’s eye view. Hardly had it been built when it already became one of the main places of interest in London. Today it has even more visitors than the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids of Egypt do. more »