British study

I. London- Food and Drinks

1. What are main facts and information about London?

London is made up of two ancient cities which are now joined together.
They are:

the City of London, know simply as 'the City' which is the business and financial heart of the
United Kingdom. It is also known as the Square Mile (2.59 sq km/1 sq mi). It was the original
Roman settlement (ancient Londinium), making it the oldest part of London and already 1,000
years old when the Tower of London was built.
the City of Westminster, where Parliament and most of the government offices are located. Also
Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen and the Royal family are located
there too.

Together they all make up a region known as Greater London.

Interesting facts about london

London is the biggest city in Britain and in Europe.

London occupies over 620 square miles
London has a population of 7,172,036 (2001)
About 12 per cent of Britains overall population live in London
London has the highest population density in Britain, with 4,699 people per square kilometre,
London is in the southeast of England.
London is the seat of central government in Britain.
The tallest building in London is the Canary Wharf Tower.
London was the first city in the world to have an underground railway, known as the 'Tube'.
Some of the most important people from countries all over the world visit the
Queen at Buckingham Palace.
There are over 100 theatres in London, including 50 in the West End. London theatre accounts
for 45% of all UK theatre admissions and over 70% of box-office revenues.

23 and 24 Leinster Gardens in Paddington are dummy houses built to hide the Tube line running
underneath (the Metropolitan). The windows are painted on, and behind the faade is a track.

Facts about River Thames in London

The River Thames flows through London.

Richard the Lionheart introduced swans to Britain in the 12th century, from Cyprus.

Mute swans on parts of the Thames are owned by the Crown. Claiming and counting them, is known
as Swan Upping.

The Strand (a road running parallel to the Thames) is where the edge of the Thames used to be (hence
the name). The construction of the Embankment enclosed the river and increased its tidal range.
Facts about London Bridge

London Bridge does not have towers. Tower Bridge does! (Tower Bridge is the famous one in all the
photos.)

There have been three London Bridges.

The first London Bridge was built 1209-1831 It contained houses and shops.

The second by John Rennie, built to replace the original, lasted until 1968, when it was sold to an
American entrepreneur.

The current London Bridge was opened in 1973

Facts about Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is the most recognisable bridge on the River Thames and is often mistakenly referred to as
London Bridge.

Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894

The total cost of construction was 1, 184,000 (100 million as of 2011).

The bridge was officially opened on 30 June 1894 by The Prince of Wales (the future King Edward Vll)
and his wife, The Princess of Wales.

It takes 61 seconds to open Tower Bridge, which opens about 1,000 times a year.

Tower Bridge is the only bridge over the Thames that can be raised as it is a combined bascule
(drawbridge) and suspension bridge. This means that the middle section of the bridge can be raised to
allow river traffic to pass through.

The bridge was originally painted a chocolate brown colour. Then in 1977, it was painted red, white and
blue for the Queens Silver Jubilee.

There have been several incidents on the bridge over the years. In December 1952, the bridge opened
while a number 78 doubledecker bus was on it!

Facts about London through history

The Romans were first to settle where London is today. They called it Londinium.

The Saxons destroyed London Bridge in 1014 by using boats and ropes to tear it down.

During the Saxon period of occupation London was known as Lundenwic

In Medieval England animals were brought into court, and tried and sentenced by the judge for any
mischief or damage they did!

The Blitz and other bombing by the German Luftwaffe during World War II killed over 30,000 Londoners
and destroyed many houses and other buildings across London.
Facts about Education in London

London has 43 universities, the largest concentration of higher education in Europe.

Facts about London People (Londoners)

More than 300 languages are spoken within London.

Facts about London Transport

The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world.

The London Underground, was built in 1863, and was the first metro of the world.

The London Underground is known as 'the Tube.

55% of the London Underground, is not underground.

Five stations on the Underground system are named after pubs: Elephant & Castle, Angel, Swiss Cottage,
Royal Oak and Manor House.

Angel Tube Station, has Western Europes longest escalator with 318 steps.

The British Transport Police are responsible for police services on National Rail and London
Underground services.

The double-decker bus is an icon of London

The Savoy Court, leading into the Savoy Hotel, is the only place in Britain where cars enter and exit on
the right. This was changed by an act of parliament, to enable women to exit cars first, since they
traditionally sat behind the driver (from horse and carriage days).

The traditional colour of taxis in London is Black. Today the 'Black Cabs' come in 12 different colours.

Facts about Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is The Queen's official London residence

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188
staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.

Buckingham Palace gets its name from a man named Duke of Buckingham. He built Buckingham House
for himself as a grand London home.

In 1761, George III bought Buckingham House for his wife, Queen Charlotte.

The first monarch to use Buckingham Palace as their official residence was Queen Victoria, who moved
there in 1837.

Over 800 members of staff are based at Buckingham Palace. Their jobs range from housekeeping to
horticulture, catering to correspondence. Some of the more unusual jobs include fendersmith,
clockmaker and flagman.
Facts about Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Big Ben is not actually the name of the clock or the tower. It is the 13-ton bell inside the clock.

The tower is known as St Stephens Tower but most people refer to it as Big Ben.

The Houses of Parliament has 1,000 rooms, 100 staircases, 11 courtyards, eight bars and six restaurants
- none of them open to the public.

The Houses of Parliament are part of the greater Palace of Westminster, built by Barry and Pugin in the
mid-19th century.

Other facts about London

The West End is Londons main entertainment (theatres) and shopping district.

The average price for properties in Kensington and Chelsea is 894,000

Marble Arch was originally built as the entrance to Buckingham Palace, but was never used. Inside is a
tiny office, that use to be used as a police station.

2. What are widely considered the top ten attractions of London?
- London attracts very large numbers of visitors and tourists and can be an expensive place to
visit. However, there is still much you can see and do for free.
- Tourist attractions are mainly in Central London. Plan your day well. London is a big place and if
you are not careful you may find yourself spending most of the day travelling.
- It's worth booking or getting tickets in advance for any major attractions - including The Tower
of London - which will save you a lot of time - sometimes the queues can take hours - you can
usually book online at the website of the attraction.

The most popular and our favourite attractions are:

1. Take a ride on the London Eye

The big wheel which gives you a panoramic view of London. It is the world's highest observation
wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London's most famous landmarks -
all in just 30 minutes.
2. Changing of the guard
Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards at Whitehall. I prefer Whitehall as you can get closer to
the guards.
3. See a Musical - They're amazing
4. Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Home to the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London is over a thousand years old.
5. Hamleys
The worlds biggest toy store
6. Shop at Picadilly Circus
Follow this link to watch a video
 7. Covent Garden
Street entertainment, shopping and nightlife
8. Museums and Art Galleries
British Museum - Best museum for history and its FREE
Madam Tussauds - Wax models of the famous
9. Buckingham Palace
Home of the Royal Family
10. Take a trip down the Thames to Greenwich
See many sites along the river. Greenwich is the home of Greenwich Mean Time
3. What are typical British foods and drinks?
4. What are main characteristics of British pubs?
II. Religion
1. What are the key religious movements and changes in Britain?
2. What roles does the Church of England play?

The Church of England is the established or state church in England. It is divided into two provinces -
Canterbury in the South of England and York in the North. Each province has a head or Primate - the
Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

_The Church of England is part of the Anglican Communion, which is a worldwide family of churches in
more than 160 different countries. On any one Sunday more than a million people attend Church of
England services, making it the largest Christian denomination in the country.

Role of the Monarch

Today the Monarch retains the title Defender of the Faith and is still the Supreme Governor of the
Church. He or she has to:
_Approve the appointment of archbishops, bishops and deans (on the recommendation of the Prime
Minister)
_Formally open each new session (every five years) of the General Synod (the church's governing body)
_Promise to maintain the Church in his or her coronation oath.

Legislative role
The Church of England also has a law-making role in Britain. Twenty-six bishops (including the two
Archbishops) sit in the House of Lords and are known as the Lords Spiritual. They are thought to bring a
religious ethos to the secular process of law.
However, in an increasingly multi-cultural society, questions are being asked as to whether that role
needs to be specifically fulfilled by Church of England Bishops. Future reform of the House of Lords could
see the Lords Spiritual made up of a variety of Christian denominations and other faiths to reflect the
religious make-up of Britain.

Civic duties
The Church of England, as the established church, fulfils a civic responsibility too. Its bishops and priests
are responsible for performing state weddings and funerals, acts of remembrances, memorial services
as well as grand occasions like the coronation. After events like the Gulf War or major disasters, the
country 'comes together' to mourn under the spiritual guidance of the Church of England.
In recent years, such occasions have become more ecumenical and multi-faith as the Church of England
acknowledges Britain's changing religious landscape.

3. What are famous historical and religious heritage sites in Britain?

Durham Cathedral

originally built in the 11th century as a projection of the Norman king's power in the north of
England.

a Norman castle in the city of Durham, England, which has been wholly occupied since 1840
by University College, Durham.

Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church

Located in Central London.

Founded in the 12th century by Benedictine monks.

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England.

as a Cultural Site on the World Heritage List in 1988.

Liverpool Cathedral

the Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool, built on St James's Mount, based
on a design by Giles Gilbert Scott.

Height: 331 feet (101 m)

The total external length of the building is 207 yards (189 m); its internal length is 160 yards
(150 m).

All Saints Church, Odiham

an Anglican church in the Odiham village, Hampshire, England.

By the 11th century there was a church on this site, as recorded in the Domesday Book.

York Minster

The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, commonly known as York
Minster, is the cathedral of York, England

The second-highest office of the Church of England.

The Gothic style.

Fountains Abbey

one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England.
 Founded in 1132, the abbey operated for over 400 years, until 1539, when Henry VIII ordered
the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Temple Church

The Temple Church is a late 12th century church in the City of London, built by the Knights
Templar as their English headquarters .

III. Music
1. What are great about British music?

From Hip Hop to Jazz From Dance to the Blues: its music, and theres a style for everyone. Some of the
greatest music in the world comes from Britain, and British music is still topping the charts today.
At The Premises
The Premises recording studios are big players
in the music industry. Everyone from Lana del Rey to the
ArcticbritishcouncilMonkeyscomehere.Letsfind out more.
If youve heard of them, heyve probably played here. The Premises has been one of Londons most
popular studios for over 25 years. It has space for rehearsing, recording, and mixing some of the best
music in the world.

Viv Broughton the studio boss.

Richard: Viv, tell me about The Premises.

Viv: Well, The Premises is a complex of recording studios and I dont really think theres anything quite
like it anywhere in the country. It's a mixture of rehearsal studios, recording studios, a lively cafe,
storage facilities, so it's a really busy place. Hundreds of people passing through all the time.

Richard: What sort of artists come here?

Viv: Oh, a mixture of people. I mean, we've been going for 26 years so almost everybody you can think
of has passed through the doors one way or another so I think in the last couple of years people like
Rihanna and Adele and Lana Del Rey. Last month we had Ronnie Wood in and the Rolling Stones, so it's
quite a mixture of people.

Richard: What is it about Britain that creates such musical talent?

Viv: Ah that's a good question, it's a bit of a mystery
but there just must be something in the water or in
the air. Britain produces just so many amazing
bands, from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones
onwards and it's a melting pot of great recording
and writing talent.Richard: Britain has some of the
worlds greatest music festivals. This is Bestival in
The Isle of Wight. For 4 days every year, thousands
of people come to this award winning event to
listen to and watch some of greatest music acts
around. Theres music here for everyone

Well, just think about this building

and the stage, and who we've hosted over

the years. Edward Elgar, The Beatles,

Yehudi Menuhin, the Rolling Stones, Adele,

you name it, they've all played here. That is

great British music.

2. How great is British music entertaining and helping people from all walks of life?

From festival fun to the glamour of opera. This is Southampton on the south coast.

This is the magnificent Royal Albert Hall in Now, a shopping centre is the last place Id

London. expect to find musical talent. But inside,

there's a music project that is making a big

Tonight is press night for their new difference to kids' lives.

production of Aida and for some reason

theyve let me in although I'm not entirely SoCo may be a small team but they are

sure if Im dressed for the occasion. making a big difference. Known as The

Hub, its a space perfect for creating music

The Royal Albert Hall, named after Queen for all ages. Here musicians take to the

Victorias husband, opened in 1871. Its stage, record balcony sessions for up-and-

been busy hosting mus c and performance coming bands and have workshops in many
events ever since. creative activities.

Tonight its all about opera. Verdis Aida is a Matt Salvage runs the project.

love story about a princess and a s ldier.

This production presented by the Royal

Albert Hall and Raymond Gubbay Ltd a d

Richard: Matt, this is a fantastic project.

features the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

britishcouncil Tell me about it.

Jasper Hope is the chief operating officer

Matt: Well, it's a space where people can

here at the Royal Albert Hall.

c me and get involved in music. We work

Richard: Jasper, this is such an incredible with lots of different groups of people who

building. Tell me about it. can en age with music-making and arts.

Jasper: Thank you. Well, this is the Richard: So wh t happens here?

ceremonial entrance of the Royal Albert

Matt: We do ll so ts of stuff here, whether

Hall, and we are 140 years old, and

it's an opportunity for p ople to write music,

probably the world's most famous stage.

get involved in a proj ct that we've got

Richard: And what's your favourite thing running, or people can do recording or

about the Royal Albert Hall? performance.

Jasper: Seeing the audience's reaction, I Richard: So who comes here?

think, to walking in for the first time. org/learnenglishMatt:Wegetrealmixtureofpeople

Richard: So, in your opinion, what is so coming here. The project was set up really

great about great British music? to help disadvantaged groups, so we work

Jasper: Well, just think about this building with young people, we work with homeless
 people, people with drug problems, older

and the stage, and who we've hosted over people, we run a mental health music

the years. Edward Elgar, The Beatles, group, and it's really just people who

Yehudi Menuhin, the Rolling Stones, Adele, wouldn't be able to otherwise access

you name it, they've all played here. That is projects like this.

great British music.

Richard: Is it making a difference?

Matt : I think it's really making a difference. Just by having this space here and allowing people to come
and get involved in something that's creative, something that they can be passionate about, it gives
them a really positive focus.