Free things to do in London, England

London, the greatest city in the world, is at least 2000 years old and has jealously guarded its independence through the centuries. The city has lots to offer for free. The attractive fronts of many London pubs have made them yet one of the city`s attractions.

The Monument of the great English poet and playwright Shakespeare is situated in the Leicester Square. One of the oldest of London`s squares, it is dominated today by the modern-style American Embassy which takes up the whole of the west side. Leicester Square, surrounded by cinemas and restaurants takes its name from the second Earl of Leicester who had a house on the north side in 1631.

Another Monument that commemorate the Great Fire was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, in collaboration with Robert Hooke, and erected in 1677. 311 steps inside the pillar lead to a balcony from which there is a marvellous view of London. The Fat Boy, a small gilded wooden figure situated high up on a wall in Cock Lane, Giltspur Street, (Smithfield), marks the farthest limit of the Fire.

Another interesting thing is the equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington in front of the Royal Exchange. Everybody can have a look at the Tower outside and at the same time at the Tower Bridge. There is more of London`s history at that place than anything else.

Dominating the eastern extremity of the complex of buildings known as the Houses of Parliament, but more correctly the Palace of Westminster, is the 97-meter high tower housing the Palace clock. Famed throughout the world as Big Ben (actually the name of the bell), it was reputedly so called after Sir Benjamin Hall, the burly Commissioner of Works when it was installed in 1858.

The Statue of Winston Churchill (Parliament Square), the Statue of Queen Boadicea (Westminster Bridge) and the Burghers of Calais by Rodin (Victoria Tower Gardens) are quite interesting and everybody can take pictures of them.

The Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, the Mall and Admiralty Arch were all part of the nation`s tribute to Queen Victoria, constructed between 1910-12. The Memorial comprises a seated figure of the Queen looking towards the Mall surrounded by several symbolic groups surmounted by the the gilt winged figure of Victory supported by Courage and Constansy.

Trafalgar Square commemorating Nelson`s naval victory of 1805, was designed by Sir Charles BArry, and laid out between 1829-1841. Commanding the square is Nelson`s column, a fluted granite