Welcome to England

Write and Remember!
share - делить
total – общий
adopt – принять, перенять
around – вокруг, кругом
war - война
subsequent - последующий
marriage - брак
superb - превосходный
wealth – богатство, обилие
entertainment - развлечение
district - район
poor - бедный
plant - завод
unique - уникальный
reflect – отражать
elect - выбирать
leader – глава
hereditary - наследственный
pass on – передавать
decision - решение
comprise - включать
library – библиотека
prominent - выдающийся
theme – тема
develop – развивать
preserve - защищать
interruption – помеха
formal – официальный
same - тот же самый
impressive – впечатляющий
guard - охрана
take place – проходить
attract – привлекать
crown - короновать
bury - хоронить
fortress – крепость
prison - тюрьма
mint – монетный двор
purpose - цель
belong – принадлежать

England
England is a country which is a part of the United Kingdom. Its territory occupies most of the southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain.
England shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west.
The population of England is more than 83% of the total UK population.
England is washed by the North Sea, Irish Sea,
Bristol Channel and English Channel.

The symbol of England
The red rose is the national emblem of England, it was adopted as a national emblem of England around the time of the Wars of Roses.
The rose of England is a Royal Badge, symbolising the end of the Wars of Roses and the subsequent marriage between the House of Lancaster and the House of York.

London
London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom situated on the Thames river, the largest city in Britain and one of the largest cities in the world.
London is full of things to see and to do, with superb shopping, world-famous sights and a wealth of excellent entertainment and nightlife.
There are two main districts in London – the West End and the East End. The West End consists of fashionable houses, art galleries, museums, theatres, palaces and parks. The East End is still a poorer district full of factories and plants.
London manages in a unique way to reflect the past and, at the same time, to live a life of a modern city.

Government and politics
Parliament has two parts: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Members of the House of Commons are elected by the voters. They are known as Members of Parliament (MPs). The Prime Minister, or leader of the Government is also a MP. The Prime Minister is advised by a Cabinet.
Members of the House of Lords (peers) are not elected. About 70% of them are “hereditary peers” because their fathers were peers before them.
The other 30% are “life peers”, whose titles are not passed on to their children. They are officially appointed by the Queen.
The Queen Elizabeth II
David Cameron
the Prime Minister of the UK

Places of interest
The stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Great Britain. It is more than four thousand years old.
The Houses of Parliament are among the most admired buildings in Europe. They are also called the Palace of Westminster.
The British Museum is one of the greatest and best-known museums in the world. It was founded in 1753 by a decision of the Parliament.

Places of interest
Westminster Abbey is a church where nearly all kings and queens have been crowned and where many famous people are buried. Founded in 1050, the Abbey was a monastery for a long time.
The Tower of London has in the past been a fortress, a palace, a prison and a mint. William the Conqueror began building the Tower for the purpose of protecting the city. Now the Tower is a museum attracting tourists from all over the world.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is the masterpiece of the well-known English architect Christopher Wren. It took him thirty-five years to build the Cathedral.

Cities of England
Oxford was founded in the 12th century as an aristocratic University and retains its aristocratic character to the present day. The University is a collection of 35 Colleges. The largest college has over 500 students, the smallest college has 100 students.
Cambridge is the second oldest university in Britain. Cambridge University was opened in 1284. At present Cambridge University comprises 28 colleges.
Lying on the river Cam, the city of Cambridge takes its name from the river. The old university city where mostly teachers and students live is full of ancient buildings and libraries.

Famous people
William Shakespeare is the greatest dramatist and a talented actor. Shakespeare wrote 38 plays.
The composer Sir Edward Elgar is primarily remembered for his orchestral music some of which develops patriotic themes.
Charles Darwin is the prominent English figure from the field of Science.

English traditions
London has preserved its old ceremonies and traditions. Most of these traditions have been kept up without interruption since the thirteenth century.
Even in the unromantic everyday life of English businessmen we can see the same formal traditions.
One of the most impressive and popular ceremonies is “Changing the Guard”, which takes place at Buckingham Palace every day, including Sunday. This ceremony always attracts London sightseers.