The most famous places / sights / landmarks:
- St Paul’s Cathedral;
- the Bank of England (and Museum);
- the Monument (of the Great Fire of London);
- Millennium Bridge;
- Shakespeare’s Globe;
- The Guildhall;
- Saint Bride’s Church.
The City of London was once “London only” – in Roman times it was Londinium surrounded by walls. You can still see the ruins of these walls.
In the Bank of England, the UK’s money is held in notes and bars of gold. In its museum, you can see the history of money making in England, touch a real gold bar and see all the types of weapons once were used to defend the bank.
The Guildhall (= the town hall) of London has been the central governing building of the City since 1440. Once set up by the guildsmen, it’s still the administrative and ceremonial centre of The City of London. Two legendary statues, Gog and Magog can be seen there. There are still City Guilds in London – they used to control all the businesses in the City, but nowadays they do charity work.
The “gates” of the City are guarded by red dragons, which are statues holding the coat-of-arms of the City. These dragons can be seen as decoration on some buildings, lamp-posts etc.
The Lord Mayor is only mayor to the City of London. The first was appointed by Richard I, called Henri Fitz-Ailwin de Londonstone. A Lord Mayor in London in chosen for one year. When he is appointed, a 260-year-old (built in 1757) beautiful golden stage coach carries him through the City.
A Lord Mayor in Scotland is called a Lord Provost – there are 69 of them in the UK (31in SCO). We call them “The Right Honourable”.
GREAT BRITANNIA 