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Things to Do in London
Hampton Court
Hampton Court was begun in 1514 by Cardinal Wolsey. Later, in 1528, Wolsey offered it to King Henry Ⅷ. After that, Hampton Court was twice rebuilt and extended, first by Henry himself and then, in the 1690s, by King William Ⅲ and his wife Mary Ⅱ, who employed Christopher Wren as architect. When visiting, lose yourself in the maze, one of the garden’s most popular features.
The Changing of the Guard
Although the Queen’s role is now largely symbolic, the guard at Buckingham Palace still carries out their duties. The impressive ceremony consists of the old guard, which forms up in the palace forecourt, going off duty and handing over to the new guard. The guard consists of three officers and forty men when the Queen is in the palace, but only three officers and thirty-one men when she is away. The ceremony takes place in front of the palace.
Westminster Abbey
The Abbey is world-famous as the resting place of Britain’s kings and queens, and as the setting for great events, such as the marriage of Prince William in 2011. Within its walls can be seen some of the most outstanding examples of medieval architecture in London. Half national church, half national museum, the Abbey is part of British national consciousness.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A contains one of the world’s widest collections of art and design. Originally founded in 1852 as the Museum of Manufactures to inspire design students, it was renamed by Queen Victoria in 1899 in memory of Prince Albert. The museum is displaying some of its collections at present.
21. How many people does the guard include when the Queen stays in Buckingham Palace?
A. 31. B. 34. C. 40. D. 43.
22. What make(s) Westminster Abbey known all over the world?
A. Its national museum. B. Its medieval architecture.
C. Tombs of Britain’s kings and queens. D. Prince William’s wedding ceremony.
23. Why was the Victoria and Albert Museum established at the beginning?
A. To remember Prince Albert. B. To encourage local manufacture.
C. To give design students inspiration. D. To exhibit works of art and design.
