--London-London-

Community and peopleCommunity and people

There are over seven million There are over seven million people living in London making it people living in London making it the biggest city in Western the biggest city in Western Europe. Despite its size, many Europe. Despite its size, many Londoners are lonely and Londoners are lonely and isolated and for all its prosperity isolated and for all its prosperity three of the five most deprived three of the five most deprived boroughs in England are in boroughs in England are in London.London.

This section looks at some people This section looks at some people who maybe socially excluded in who maybe socially excluded in London. It also explores ways London. It also explores ways people who happen to live in the people who happen to live in the same area can be transformed same area can be transformed into a community. Work is being into a community. Work is being done by central government, done by central government, local government and voluntary local government and voluntary organisations to recognise organisations to recognise everyone’s value, regardless of everyone’s value, regardless of their age, sex, ethnicity or their age, sex, ethnicity or disability. disability.

Many parts of London, such as Islington or Highgate, Many parts of London, such as Islington or Highgate, were once villages (small towns). Today, London is a were once villages (small towns). Today, London is a growing city with a population of more than seven growing city with a population of more than seven million. People have come from all parts of the world million. People have come from all parts of the world to live here. They have brought with them different to live here. They have brought with them different ways of living and colourful festivals. London is a ways of living and colourful festivals. London is a multicultural citymulticultural city, as it has been since the , as it has been since the Roman timesRoman times. Now about a quarter of the capital's . Now about a quarter of the capital's inhabitants are members of the ethnic minorities.inhabitants are members of the ethnic minorities.

Natural environmentNatural environment

London has more parks and London has more parks and green areas than any other green areas than any other city of its size in the world. city of its size in the world. Almost 39 per cent of Almost 39 per cent of London's total area is green. London's total area is green. But London's green But London's green environment isn't just about environment isn't just about parks and gardens - it parks and gardens - it includes London's noise includes London's noise levels, water, energy and air.levels, water, energy and air.

Our Our Green London guideGreen London guide telling you all you need to telling you all you need to know about outdoor London - know about outdoor London - from parks and waterways to from parks and waterways to wild London and city farms. In wild London and city farms. In our our How to be greenHow to be green section section you’ll find information about you’ll find information about how you can do your bit for how you can do your bit for the environment.the environment.

Big BenBig Ben Big BenBig Ben is the nickname for the great is the nickname for the great bellbell of the of the

clock at the north end of the clock at the north end of the Palace of WestminsterPalace of Westminster in London, and is often extended to refer to the in London, and is often extended to refer to the clock or the clock or the clock towerclock tower as well. Big Ben is the as well. Big Ben is the largest four-faced chiming clock and the third-largest four-faced chiming clock and the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world. It tallest free-standing clock tower in the world. It celebrated its 150th celebrated its 150th anniversaryanniversary in May 2009 (the in May 2009 (the clock itself first ticking on 31 May 1859), during clock itself first ticking on 31 May 1859), during which celebratory events took place.which celebratory events took place.

Officially, the Clock Tower's Officially, the Clock Tower's bell is called the Great Bell bell is called the Great Bell though it is better known though it is better known by the name 'Big Ben'. by the name 'Big Ben'.

There are two theories for There are two theories for this name's origin. These this name's origin. These are that the Great Bell was: are that the Great Bell was:

named after Sir Benjamin named after Sir Benjamin Hall, First Commissioner Hall, First Commissioner for Works 1855-1858, for Works 1855-1858, whose name is inscribed on whose name is inscribed on the bell the bell

named after Ben Caunt, a named after Ben Caunt, a champion heavyweight champion heavyweight boxer of the 1850s boxer of the 1850s

The first theory is thought The first theory is thought to be the most likely.to be the most likely.

The name 'Big Ben' is often The name 'Big Ben' is often associated with the Clock associated with the Clock Tower and the Great Clock Tower and the Great Clock as well as the Great Bell. It as well as the Great Bell. It was to the Great Bell that was to the Great Bell that the name originally was the name originally was given. given.

Warners of Norton near Warners of Norton near Stockton-on-Tees cast the new Stockton-on-Tees cast the new bell in August 1856. It was bell in August 1856. It was transported by rail and sea to transported by rail and sea to London. On arrival at the Port London. On arrival at the Port of London, it was placed on a of London, it was placed on a carriage and pulled across carriage and pulled across Westminster Bridge by 16 Westminster Bridge by 16 white horses. white horses.

The bell was hung in New The bell was hung in New Palace Yard. It was tested each Palace Yard. It was tested each day until 17 October 1857 day until 17 October 1857 when a 1.2m crack appeared. when a 1.2m crack appeared. No-one would accept the No-one would accept the blame. Theories included the blame. Theories included the composition of the bell's metal composition of the bell's metal or its dimensions. Warners or its dimensions. Warners blamed Denison for insisting blamed Denison for insisting on increasing the hammer's on increasing the hammer's weight from 355kg to 660kg. weight from 355kg to 660kg.

Warners asked too high a price Warners asked too high a price to break up and recast the bell to break up and recast the bell so George Mears at the so George Mears at the

Whitechapel Foundry was Whitechapel Foundry was appointed. The second bell appointed. The second bell was cast on 10 April 1858. was cast on 10 April 1858.

This bell was 2.5 tonnes lighter than the first. Its dimensions meant This bell was 2.5 tonnes lighter than the first. Its dimensions meant it was too large to fit up the Clock Tower's shaft vertically so Big it was too large to fit up the Clock Tower's shaft vertically so Big Ben was turned on its side and winched up. It took 30 hours to Ben was turned on its side and winched up. It took 30 hours to winch the bell to the belfry in October 1858. The four quarter bells, winch the bell to the belfry in October 1858. The four quarter bells, which chime on the quarter hour, were already in place. which chime on the quarter hour, were already in place. Big Ben rang out on 11 July 1859 but its success was short-lived. In Big Ben rang out on 11 July 1859 but its success was short-lived. In September 1859, the new bell also cracked and Big Ben was silent September 1859, the new bell also cracked and Big Ben was silent for four years. During this time, the hour was struck on the fourth for four years. During this time, the hour was struck on the fourth quarter bell.quarter bell.The total cost of making the clock and bells and installing them in The total cost of making the clock and bells and installing them in the Clock Tower reached £22,000.the Clock Tower reached £22,000.

The River ThamesThe River Thames The River ThamesThe River Thames is the is the

second longest river in the second longest river in the United KingdomUnited Kingdom and the longest and the longest river entirely in England, rising river entirely in England, rising at at Thames HeadThames Head in in Gloucestershire, and flowing Gloucestershire, and flowing into the North sea at the into the North sea at the Thames EstuaryThames Estuary. It has a special . It has a special significance in flowing through significance in flowing through London, the capital of the London, the capital of the United Kingdom, although United Kingdom, although London only includes a short London only includes a short part of its course. The river is part of its course. The river is tidal in London with a rise and tidal in London with a rise and fall of 7 metres (23 ft) and fall of 7 metres (23 ft) and becomes non-tidal at becomes non-tidal at Teddington LockTeddington Lock. The . The catchment areacatchment area covers a large covers a large part of South Eastern and part of South Eastern and Western England and the river Western England and the river is fed by over 20 tributaries. is fed by over 20 tributaries. The river contains over 80 The river contains over 80 islands, and having both islands, and having both seawater and freshwater seawater and freshwater stretches supports a variety of stretches supports a variety of wildlife.wildlife.

The river has supported human The river has supported human activity from its source to its mouth activity from its source to its mouth for thousands of years providing for thousands of years providing habitation, water power, food and habitation, water power, food and drink. It has also acted as a major drink. It has also acted as a major highway both for international highway both for international trade through the trade through the Port of LondonPort of London, , and internally along its length and and internally along its length and connecting to the British canal connecting to the British canal system. The river’s strategic system. The river’s strategic position has seen it at the centre of position has seen it at the centre of many events and fashions in British many events and fashions in British history, earning it a description by history, earning it a description by John Burns as “Liquid History”. It John Burns as “Liquid History”. It has been a physical and political has been a physical and political boundary over the centuries and boundary over the centuries and generated a range of river generated a range of river crossings. In more recent time the crossings. In more recent time the river has become a major leisure river has become a major leisure area supporting tourism and area supporting tourism and pleasure outings as well as the pleasure outings as well as the sports of rowing, sailing, skiffing, sports of rowing, sailing, skiffing, kayaking, and punting. The river kayaking, and punting. The river has had a special appeal to writers, has had a special appeal to writers, artists, musicians and film-makers artists, musicians and film-makers and is well represented in the arts. and is well represented in the arts. It is still the subject of various It is still the subject of various debates about its course, debates about its course, nomenclature and history.nomenclature and history.

The Thames passes by some of the sights of London, The Thames passes by some of the sights of London, including the Houses of Parliament and the including the Houses of Parliament and the London EyeLondon Eye..

The Thames has a length of 215 miles (346 km). Its The Thames has a length of 215 miles (346 km). Its usually quoted usually quoted sourcesource is at Thames head, about a mile is at Thames head, about a mile north of the village of Kemble and near the town of north of the village of Kemble and near the town of CirencesterCirencester, in the , in the CotswoldsCotswolds. This makes it the longest . This makes it the longest river entirely in England, although the River Severn, river entirely in England, although the River Severn, which is partly in Wales, is a longer river in the United which is partly in Wales, is a longer river in the United Kingdom. Seven Springs near Kingdom. Seven Springs near CheltenhamCheltenham, where the , where the river Churn rises, is also sometimes quoted as the river Churn rises, is also sometimes quoted as the Thames' source,as this location is furthest from the Thames' source,as this location is furthest from the mouth adding some 14 miles (22 km) to the length. The mouth adding some 14 miles (22 km) to the length. The springs at Seven Springs also flow throughout the year, springs at Seven Springs also flow throughout the year, while those at Thames Head are only seasonal.while those at Thames Head are only seasonal.

The The Palace of WestminsterPalace of Westminster The The Palace of WestminsterPalace of Westminster, ,

also known as the also known as the Houses of Houses of ParliamentParliament or or Westminster Westminster PalacePalace, is the seat of the two , is the seat of the two houses of the Parliament of the houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom-the United Kingdom-the House of LordsHouse of Lords and the and the House of CommonsHouse of Commons. The Palace . The Palace lies on the north bank of the lies on the north bank of the River ThamesRiver Thames in the heart of the in the heart of the London borough of the London borough of the City of WestminsterCity of Westminster, close to the , close to the historic historic Westminster AbbeyWestminster Abbey and and the government buildings of the government buildings of WhitehallWhitehall and and Downing StreetDowning Street. . The name may refer to either of The name may refer to either of two structures: the two structures: the Old PalaceOld Palace, a , a medieval building complex most medieval building complex most of which was destroyed in 1834, of which was destroyed in 1834, and its replacement and its replacement New PalaceNew Palace that stands today; it has retained that stands today; it has retained the style and status of a royal the style and status of a royal residence, despite its actual use.residence, despite its actual use.

The first royal palace was built on the site in the The first royal palace was built on the site in the eleventh century, and Westminster was the eleventh century, and Westminster was the primary London residence of the Kings of England primary London residence of the Kings of England until a fire destroyed much of the complex in 1512. until a fire destroyed much of the complex in 1512. After that, it served as the home of Parliament, After that, it served as the home of Parliament, which had been meeting there since the thirteenth which had been meeting there since the thirteenth century, and the seat of the Royal Courts of Justice, century, and the seat of the Royal Courts of Justice, based in and around based in and around Westminster HallWestminster Hall. In 1834, an . In 1834, an even greater fire ravaged the heavily rebuilt even greater fire ravaged the heavily rebuilt Houses of Parliament, and the only structures of Houses of Parliament, and the only structures of significance to survive were Westminster Hall, the significance to survive were Westminster Hall, the Cloisters and Chapter House of St Stephen's, the Cloisters and Chapter House of St Stephen's, the Chapel of St Mary UndercroftChapel of St Mary Undercroft and the and the Jewel TowerJewel Tower..

The Palace is one of the The Palace is one of the centres of political life in the centres of political life in the United Kingdom; United Kingdom; "Westminster" has become a "Westminster" has become a metonym for the UK metonym for the UK Parliament, and the Parliament, and the Westminster system of Westminster system of government has taken its government has taken its name after it. Its Clock Tower, name after it. Its Clock Tower, in particular, which has in particular, which has become known as "Big Ben" become known as "Big Ben" after its main bell, is an iconic after its main bell, is an iconic landmark of London and the landmark of London and the United Kingdom in general, United Kingdom in general, one of the most popular tourist one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and an attractions in the city and an emblem of parliamentary emblem of parliamentary democracy. The Palace of democracy. The Palace of Westminster has been a Grade Westminster has been a Grade I listed building since 1970 I listed building since 1970 and part of a UNESCO World and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.Heritage Site since 1987.

Buckingham PalaceBuckingham Palace Buckingham Palace in Buckingham Palace in

London, England, is not only London, England, is not only the official residence of the the official residence of the Queen; over the years this Queen; over the years this sprawling palace has sprawling palace has entertained countless heads entertained countless heads of State from around the of State from around the world, issued official world, issued official statements during times of statements during times of war, and as of late has war, and as of late has become a major tourist become a major tourist attraction. Until recently attraction. Until recently Buckingham Palace was not Buckingham Palace was not available for public tours, and available for public tours, and the only guests allowed in the the only guests allowed in the palace were there by royal palace were there by royal invitation. The Buckingham invitation. The Buckingham Palace of today, however, Palace of today, however, welcomes travelers in for a welcomes travelers in for a Buckingham Palace Tour 8 Buckingham Palace Tour 8 weeks out of the year. Much weeks out of the year. Much of the rest of the year, the of the rest of the year, the royal family is in residence royal family is in residence and often conducting official and often conducting official palace business. palace business.

The 20th century brought with it the reign of the current The 20th century brought with it the reign of the current Queen, Elizabeth II, who agreed to open much of the palace up Queen, Elizabeth II, who agreed to open much of the palace up to the public for Buckingham Palace tours. A tour in to the public for Buckingham Palace tours. A tour in Buckingham Palace will now take guests through the State Buckingham Palace will now take guests through the State Room, the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room, and the Picture Room, the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room, and the Picture Gallery that features many world-renowned works of art. A Gallery that features many world-renowned works of art. A Buckingham Palace Tour may only be booked during an 8-week Buckingham Palace Tour may only be booked during an 8-week period spanning August and September each year, and tickets period spanning August and September each year, and tickets may be purchased in advance, or at the palace ticket office on may be purchased in advance, or at the palace ticket office on Buckingham Palace Road. Ticket lines for a tour in Buckingham Buckingham Palace Road. Ticket lines for a tour in Buckingham Palace tend to be quite long, so if you are know which day you Palace tend to be quite long, so if you are know which day you plan to visit in advance, it is a good idea to purchase your plan to visit in advance, it is a good idea to purchase your tickets online or over the phone. tickets online or over the phone.

Another major Buckingham Another major Buckingham Palace attraction with a firm Palace attraction with a firm place in Buckingham Palace place in Buckingham Palace history is the Changing of the history is the Changing of the Guard. Changing of the Guard Guard. Changing of the Guard generally happens once a day generally happens once a day at 11:30am, all year long. at 11:30am, all year long. Tourists should note, however, Tourists should note, however, that due to weather and that due to weather and various security precautions, various security precautions, the changing of the guard is the changing of the guard is sometimes cancelled at the sometimes cancelled at the last minute. Also, though the last minute. Also, though the changing of the guard is often changing of the guard is often thought to be mostly thought to be mostly ceremonial, the guard does in ceremonial, the guard does in actuality serve and important actuality serve and important security role. Security in and security role. Security in and around the Palace is taken around the Palace is taken quite seriously. quite seriously.

Whether you plan to take a Whether you plan to take a tour in Buckingham Palace for tour in Buckingham Palace for a voyeuristic look at royal life a voyeuristic look at royal life throughout the ages, or simply throughout the ages, or simply marvel at its huge stature from marvel at its huge stature from outside the palace walls, outside the palace walls, guests of London will surely be guests of London will surely be impressed by the magnificence impressed by the magnificence of this historical place. of this historical place.

The GardenThe Garden Described as a 'walled oasis Described as a 'walled oasis

in the middle of London', the in the middle of London', the Palace's garden is home to Palace's garden is home to thirty different species of thirty different species of bird and more than 350 bird and more than 350 different wild flowers, some different wild flowers, some extremely rare. Visitors end extremely rare. Visitors end their tour with a walk along their tour with a walk along the south side of the garden, the south side of the garden, with splendid views of the with splendid views of the west front of the Palace and west front of the Palace and the famous lake. the famous lake. 

The State Rooms form the heart of the working palace and are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto; sculpture by Canova; exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture.

The State Rooms

The End….The End….