London, the capital of the United Kingdom, was founded in AD 43 by the Roman invaders as a settlement and a fortress. At first it had the name of Londinium. Due to its convenient position in the mouth of the river Thames the settlement grew and developed into a city. In the 11th century London became the capital of England. For centuries it was a prominent port through which wealth and prosperity came to the country.
Historically and geographically London can be divided into three parts: the City, the West End and the East End. The City is the financial centre of the country, with offices of large firms and banks and the Stock Exchange.
The West End has always been considered a place where aristocrats lived. There is a great number of sights and attractions: the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Nelson Column, to mention just a few of them. London’s beautiful parks are also there: Hyde Park, St. James’ Park, Regent’s Park are favourite places for Londoners to visit and relax. One may also go shopping in the West End – Piccadilly Street and Oxford Street both present a wide choice of expensive shops and boutiques.
The East End was previously considered the place where not well-to-do people lived. The East End is now considered a bohemian district. The ugly docks, which for years disguised the face of the East End, are now closed, and new hotels, stadiums and apartment houses are being built.
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What part of London is known as the financial centre of the whole country?
Londinium is.
The East End is.
The West End is.
The City is.
