50 interesting facts about London

Elegant London has still retained its historical appearance, without turning into another faceless metropolis of glass and concrete. Of course, today London streets are quite different from those described in the works of writers of the past, yet modern London is a huge multicultural and multinational city. It is very interesting to visit here from all points of view, because there is enough antiquity and the charm of modern civilization.

Facts about the city of London

1. The English capital is about two thousand years old. No one knows the exact date of foundation.
2. In the past, London was called Londinium, Augusta, Lundenvik and Lundenburch.
3. London has a population of 8.9 million.
4. Native English people make up about 50% of the population of the capital of Great Britain. The rest are mostly from Africa and Asia (interesting facts about Great Britain).
5. The first Londinium was burned by the British during the uprising against the Romans.
6. In the 9th century, a huge army of Vikings -heathens captured half of England, avenging the death of their king Ragnar. She controlled the territories of London and its environs for 15 years.
7. Judging by the archaeological finds, primitive people lived on the site of modern London long before the founding of the city (interesting facts about ancient people).
8. Indigenous people in different parts of London have different accents. Foreigners do not notice this, but locals determine it accurately.
9. Because of the monstrous property prices, most Londoners rent a home all their lives, and do not buy it.
10. Every Friday, all Londoners the pubs are packed to capacity. Most locals book tables well in advance.
11. It is impossible to see a stray cat or dog on the streets of London.
12. Londoners can easily walk around in a T-shirt and jeans, for example, in November. Like their Irish neighbors, they are not afraid of the cold (interesting facts about Ireland).
13. Apartments here, with rare exceptions, are very cramped. Many also live in old houses with communication problems.
14. London has been ranked among the top 10 most expensive cities in the world every year.
15. Drivers of traditional cabs in London know the whole city from memory down to the small lanes. Navigators are not allowed to use them. This rule does not apply to ordinary yellow taxis.
16. You can find at least one bike rental shop on any major London street.
17. The most popular fast food in London is Indian cuisine.
18. London cops don’t carry firearms.
19. London flats usually don’t have washing machines, so there’s a laundromat around every corner.
20. Around 80,000 umbrellas are left on the London Underground each year.
21. Contrary to popular myth, it doesn’t rain as often in London as you might think. For example, even in Rome or Milan, there is more rainfall than here.
22. According to ancient law, London has the right to refuse entry to the capital for the reigning English monarch.
23. Londoners never go outside without taking an umbrella with you. So, just in case.
24. On one of the branches of the London Underground, trains are fully automated, and they travel without the help of drivers.
25. It is also customary to leave read newspapers right in the underground to someone else could read them. By the way, they are still very popular in London, despite the development of modern technology.
26. The most popular pet in London is a dog, and this despite the fact that many landlords prohibit tenants from keeping animals at home.
27. Every year, a Christmas tree sent from Norway is set up in London’s Trafalgar Square. This is a token of appreciation from the people of Oslo for helping Britain during World War II (interesting facts about Norway).
28. It costs money to drive into central London.
29. Big Ben is the name of an unfamous London the clock tower, and the bell installed in it.
30. Some stores in London accept only bank cards for payment.
31. Most of London’s cinemas are specialized – one shows comedies, another – Hollywood blockbusters, the third – retro movies.
32. There are about 5,000 pubs in London. That’s more than even Dublin.
33. Most of London’s museums are free to enter, but donations are welcome.
34. About 20 underground rivers flow under London (interesting facts about rivers).
35. The fact that the locals speak about 300 different languages ​​speaks of the multi-ethnicity of London society.
36. Among all cities in the world, London occupies one of the first places in terms of the number of billionaires living in it.
37. The famous Tower Bridge in London weighs 2,000 tons, while it takes just one minute to open.
38. It was here that the world’s first subway was built.
39. The stereotype of foggy London arose due to the fact that in the era of the development of local industry, the city was constantly shrouded in thick smog. In fact, fogs are rare here, and mostly in the cold season.
40. In summer it rarely gets warmer than +20, but in winter the temperature rarely drops below 0 degrees.
41. In terms of population, London ranks second in Europe, second only to Moscow.
42. Many streets , especially in older areas, it is confusing and very winding, so many Londoners carry a map of the city with them.
43. Queue lines are everywhere – to museums, pubs and restaurants. Even in the USSR, there were not so many queues.
44. London is the only city in the world that has hosted the Olympic Games three times.
45. Less than 50% of Londoners are Christians.
46. The famous Westminster Abbey in London was built over almost 700 years.
47. One of the ancient laws obliges London hotels to accept not only guests, but also their horses.
48. Buckingham Palace in London consists of 600 rooms.
49. In the USA, as many as 8 cities are called London (interesting facts about the USA).
50. From the center of London to the center of Paris can be reached by high-speed train in just 2 hours.