London, a glimpse through my lens

1. River Thames passing through Central London — River Thames passing through Central London

London, I am told, is of the major cities in the world which attracts the largest number of tourists. What really charmed me about London, and perhaps so many other foreign visitors, is the beautiful confluence of the old and the modern, a happening city (it is presently the world’s largest financial centre even ranking above New York, so I am told) with a rich history dating back to the Romans. Add to that a wonderful weather and what more could you ask?.

It was in July 2011 when I set foot in England for the first time. It was already peak summer in Delhi, intolerably hot and humid, when we embarked for UK. As we walked out of the Heathrow Airport, I was greeted by a bright sunny day, warm but not hot, with a slightly cool breeze nipping at my ears. It was heavenly compared to the scorching heat and humidity of Delhi summer. It was a pleasant day indeed and a wonderful start to a short but wonderful stay in UK. Here’s a glimpse of London seen through my lens.

As I soaked in the view of the grand river Thames which flows right through the heart of the city of London, I imagined how the city must have grown through the ages starting from the banks of the river. History has it that the Romans first built the city of Londinium on the banks of the river Thames in 43 AD. Since then the river has supported and facilitated human civilisation for thousands of years on its banks and thus formed an important and integral part of the London city. It is the longest river in England (second longest in the entire UK) covering a distance of 346 kilometers and runs right through Central london.

2. The Westminster palace with the Big Ben on the banks of Thames. — The Westminster palace with the Big Ben on the banks of Thames.

Sitting pretty on the North banks of the Thames is the Westminster Palace which now houses the British parliament and the famous ‘Big Ben’. It is said to be the first royal palace built in London in the eleventh century, which served as the primary London residence of the Kings of England until a fire destroyed much of it. It was rebuilt again and the clock tower at the Northern end, designed by a gothic architect named Augustus Pugin, was added to the palace. Nicknamed the ‘Big Ben’, it is the largest four faced clock in the world with its dial measuring 7 metres (23 feet) and is the third-tallest clock tower in the world. It is one of the most popular tourist attraction of London.

2. House of parliament with the 'Big Ben' — House of parliament with the ‘Big Ben’

Along the southern bank of river Thames is also a major tourist attraction, the ‘London Eye’, a magnificent giant wheel which gives a panoramic view of the whole city of London from its capsules. Erected in 1999 at a height of 135 metres, it was the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel in the world, surpassed only by the Star of Nanchang (160 mtrs) and Singapore Flyer (165 mtrs) which were built subsequently.