8.4英美概况英美概况——纵览·博闻.pdf

8.4 TRAVEL IN THE UK AND THE US Unit8 Social Life （2） SCENIC SPOTS AND HISTORICAL SITES IN UK  B uckingham Palace  Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom.   It has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing.  The state rooms are open to the public each year for most of August and September, and on selected days in winter and spring. TOWER OF LONDON  The Tower of London, officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.  The castle was used as a prison from 1100 until 1952.  The Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat.  Today under the ceremonial charge of the Constable of the Tower, it is protected as a World Heritage Site. ST. PA UL’S CA THEDRAL  St Paul’s Cathedral, London, is an Anglican cathedral dedicated to Paul and Apostle.  The cathedral is one of the most famous and most recognizable sights of London.  Services held at St Paul’s have included the funerals of Lord Nelson; Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria. PALA CE OF WESTMINSTER BIG BEN  The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, the ‘heart of British politics’, is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.  The Palace lies on the northern bank of the River Thames in the City of Westminster.  The Elizabeth Tower, in particular, which is often referred to by the name of its main bell, “Big Ben”, is an iconic landmark of London and the United Kingdom .  The Palace of Westminster has been a Grade I listed building since 1970 and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 198