Prehistory
In the past British islands ware the parts of European continent. They remain its part till the end of Ice Age. It was about 8000 years ago. It is said that the first structure at Stonehenge was erected 5000 years ago by people from Iberian. There are a lot of controversies that Stonehenge was constructed as the tombs. The structure of Stonehenge is dated back at the end of the age of Neolithic or in the first decades of the Bronze Age. It is thought that Stonehenge was probably a place of worship. It was also a kind of calendar and it was made of some giant stones. The recent archaeologist researches found out that the stones were probably transported from Wales by boats.
London's history
London is big and wonderful! There are a lot of great museums and priceless exhibits, various markets, numerous green parks and many clubs, pubs and shops. Every one will find something interesting. London is located by the Thames bank and over 40 miles to the sea. The city was probably founded by some Romans. From the beginning it was very important city. In 1066 William the Conqueror built a well-known symbol of London - the Tower of London. In the year 1500 the population of London numbers about 50,000. It is said that it was much more than London's medieval neighbours. Also Shakespeare's theatre was constructed in London. There was the Great Fire in1666, which destroyed almost the whole city. Then the city was ruined in World War II. The bombs destroyed almost every part of the docklands.
Today London has about 7 millions inhabitants that live in the area of London. What is more, it is also cultural and financial centre. This is also hometown of the British Royal Family. You may also admire the Changing of the Guard, which took place each day outside the Buckingham Palace.
There are also a lot of international stores in London such as Harrods. However, a well-known place is the British Museum. There are a lot of exhibitions from various part of the world. When you have free time at evening, you may go to theatre or see one a musical. Through London you may travel by bus, undergrad, train or taxi. There are three airports in London: Heathrow (the biggest airport), Gatwick and Stansted.
Many actors, artists and musicians, such as Mick Jagger, George Michael, Annie Lennox, Jamie Lee Curtis and John Cleese live in London. Don't worry if you don't see them on the street, you may "meet" them and many other celebrities in Madame Tussaud's wax museum. Dr Johnson said: "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life".
Tower of London
To get to the Tower you have to go through the Tower Hill, which used to be a place of public executions. Today it is the place where you can meet politicians, preachers or "buskers". There are a lot of evidences of the past in the Tower of London than in any other place in this city. Moreover, the Tower seems to be the oldest building in British' capital. In the past the building was used as a fortress by the Saxonsas. However, the Tower of London fulfilled many other purposes in the eleventh century. It was also a royal palace during the regime of King Charles II and King Henry III, a prison, where were a lot of Kings, Princes, Queens and Nobles sent, kind of a treasury; a mint till the year 1810, an arsenal, the royal observatory, when King Charles II ruled and hundred a royal zoo, which in 1830 was moved to the Regent's Park.
The White Tower is the oldest part of tower and was built to become the fortress. It was also the family of William the Conqueror in 1070. However, the name was given during the reign of King Henry III, who decided to whitewash the walls of the Tower. There are a lot of arms and instruments of torture collected in the White Tower. The Chapel of St. John, which is located on the first floor, is the best remain of Norman architecture. It is the wonderful connection of the immense strength and the breathtaking simplicity of lines. Apart from small changes introduced by Sir Christopher Wren, the chapel remains the same shape, which was designed.
The House of Parliament
House of Parliament is probably the best known for its Palace clock. Big Ben is well-recognized all over the world. Every one has heard about Big Ben. It was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who fulfilled the duties of Commissioner of Works when the clock was erected in 1858. If the light above the clock is turned on, it means that the members of House of Commons are debating in the late night hours. During the day the Union Jack is hanging from the Victoria Tower. This place has remained the base of government since the eleventh century. It became the official seat of British Parliament since 1547.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is the famous and most often visited church in Great Britain. It is famous for its beauty and its important role in the Christian religion. Almost every British monarch was crowned there. It is also the place, where kings, queens and princes were buried.
Westminster Abbey was built by Edward the Confessor, who was the last English kings and it was canonized in 1163. The Abbey was supposed to be near to the Edward the Confessor's place on Thorney Island. The church was finished in 1065 and it is located among ancillary buildings, which are needed by the community of Benedictines. They live there. When King Edward died near the time of consecration of Abbey, it became the burial place for royal family.
About two centuries later the part of the Abbey was destroyed and then rebuilt during the regime of Henry III, who was devoted to Edward the Confessor. He wanted to honour King Edward. Such part of the church as the apse, choir and transepts were consecrated in 1269. The main part of the newly rebuilt Abbey was the great shrine to collect St Edward's body. Then the remains of that shrine were dismantled during the Reformation. It was rebuilt in much clumsy way. It may have been seen until today.
Scotland
History
Scotland's history is quite long. It dates back to the prehistoric times. The Celts are believed to be the first inhabitants of Scotland. Then the name of Scotland was changed into Caledonia. Moreover, the Kingdom of Scotland was probably established in 1018. The most famous and the bravest warrior of that time was William Wallace. During the regime of James I Scotland became the part of the British Union in 1603. Then a century later in the year of 1707, Scotland was represented in British Parliament.
Geography
As I have already written, Scotland remains the part of Great Britain. Scotland is located in the north part of Great Britain. To Scotland belong also such islands as the Orkney, Hebrides, Shetland and some smaller islands. Scotland's landscape is quite varied. There are a lot of hills, lakes, rivers and forests. Loch Ness is the Scotland's famous lake. Tourists go there to meet "lovely" monster called Nessie. The major Scottish cities are Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Culture
To very characteristic things connected with Scottish people is their special garment called "tartan kilt". The kilt is made of wool and it is checked. It is similar to female skirt. Scottish national instrument are bagpipes.
The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh. The city has been the capital of Scotland for about 500 years. Scotland is well-known for its famous medieval castles. The Edinburgh Castle is the place, where the Scottish Crown Jewels are kept. There are also some places worth visiting in Scotland such as the Place of Holyrood, which is her Majesty the Queen's official residence.
Famous People
Diana
Princess Diana was born in a wealthy family in 1961. Diana's ancestors were titled since the regime of King Charles I, who ruled in the 17th century. For couple of centuries her family felt quite comfortable to serve at the royal court. They were used to hold the various positions and numerous titles. Diana's ancestors became also Knights of the Garter, ambassadors, the members of the Privy Council and were even nominated to be the prime minister. What is more, they were not only related to king Charles II the Dukes of Marlborough, but also to some presidents of the USA such as Franklin D. Roosevelt. Diana's father was the equerry of the king George VI. Diana's grandmothers used to be nannies to two queens.
When in 1980 Diana Spencer became well-known as the future wife of Prince Charles, who was the future English king. They got married on 29th July 1981 in London's St. Paul's Cathedral. It is said that this wedding, were observed by billion viewers worldwide. It was the beginning of the fairytale. It didn't seem that the story would end tragically. Diana and Charles had two sons: William and Harry. It appeared that this couple wasn't quite happy together. Diana seemed to be modern woman and she liked pop music and romantic novels. She worked for charity. Charles had also various hobbies, but the age difference between these two couldn't be overcome. They lived separated since 1989 and then they got divorced in 1996.
When Diana became single, she directed all her energy into growing up children and charities. She managed to raise a great sum of money and helped people suffered form AIDS and homeless. In 1997 began the romance with Dodi Fayed, who was the son of the Harrods' owner. They died in fatal car accident. There was a worldwide mourn after her death. She was called English Rose and her early death stunned the whole world.
The Beatles
The Beatles was one of the famous British pop groups in the 1960s. They were well-known not only in Great Britain, but also in every part of the world. Members of The Beatles were as follows: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison. They were the representatives of working-class from Liverpool. The group's first record "Love Me Do" was the top hit of 1962. The other famous songs of the Beatles were: "Yesterday", "Strawberry Fields Forever", "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Michelle Ma Belle".
The Beatles starred in some movies: "A Hard Day's Night" in 1964 and "Help!" in 1965. Moreover, the group's music was used in the animated movie "Yellow Submarine" that was directed in 1968. In addition the Beatles' song "Yesterday" was covered many times. It was also released in 1965.
Paul McCartney sang and played the bass in the group. Then he set up his new group called "Wings". He had been playing in that group for about ten years. He recorded with such artists as Michael Jackson and Elvis Costello. Then in 1991 he recorded his first classical plate entitled "Liverpool Oratorio". Paul's daughter named Stella is one of the top fashion designers.
John Lennon learnt how to play harmonica, when he was 12, but as a child he wanted to become a millionaire. He didn't ant to be a musician. John lived at his uncle's house in Liverpool. He met Paul McCartney in 1955. They decided to set up the band in 1960. Couple years later John Lennon married Cynthia and they had the only one son named Julian. Unfortunately, John Lennon was murdered in New York in 8th March 1980.
George Harrison played in another band named The Travelling Wilburys. He worked together with some famous vocalists such as Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lyne.
Ringo Starr was the voice of Thomas the Tank Engine, which was quite popular programme for children.
Poets
William Shakespeare was a dramatist and poet. He was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. His father was a wool-merchant. Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. They had three children. Then he decided to move to London. He played for Chamberlain's company of players. Shakespeare wrote a lot of plays: "Romeo and Juliet", "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "Othello" and "King Lear". Later he lived also in Stratford-upon-Avon. When he died, he was buried near the church in Stratford. Then there was the memorial for him erected in Westminster Abbey.
Lord Byron was another famous artist. The poet was born in 1788. He became famous because of his poems: "Childe Harold" and "Don Juan". Byron was born in London. Then he was educated at Harrow as well as in Cambridge. Byron married Anne Milbanke. However, their marriage wasn't happy. Byron decided to go abroad. He wanted to avoid the scandal connected with the separation. Byron died in 1824.
Another poet was Geoffrey Chaucer, who was born in London. He was an official appointment. As he was the official, he went abroad many times. He visited Italy, France and Flanders. Their journeys had a great influence on his writing. He also translated some Italian and French works: "The Romaunt of the Rose" and "Troilus". He is best known for "Canterbury Tales".
