Hyde Park

  Hyde Park is the largest and definately the most famous of all Royal Parks. It covers around 138 ha and what's also interesting it's very often called "London's Largest Lung". But what's the story behind it?

  At the beginning that area was occupied my the monks from Westminister Abbey but later in 1536 King Henry VIII seized that area and from the major part of it he made a hunting place.100 years later, when Charles I became the King, Hyde Park was turned into a public place and which Londoners truly loved. Bigger changes happened during William and Mary 's reign. They created there the first road in England that was lit by night. In 18th century Queen Caroline made a large lake called the Serpentine. After almost 100 years King George IV created the famous Hyde Park Corner which is now one of the most famous monumentals in London. The most recent change was building the memorial fontain to Diana, Princess of Wales. 

  Hyde Park definately can't be forgotten while visiting London :)

Sources:

https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/about-hyde-park/landscape-history

"I never knew that about London" by Christopher Winn

Trafalgar Square

   Now, that I presented a general history of my favourite city, I would like to concentrate more on the most important places/people that appeared in London's history. 
 Trafalgar Square, one of the most popular places in London might be as well called "The heart of modern London". It has got its name after Britain's greatest naval victory - the Battle of Trafalgar which took part in 1805. 
  Trafalgar square is dominated by Nelson's Column. It was erected in 1843 and represents Admiral Horiato Nelson who died during the Battle of Trafalgar. 

After a successful invasion of Britain Hitler wanted to move the column to Berlin so it would represent German victory upon Brits. But fortunately eventually it didn't happen. 

  Trafalgar Square was always meant to be a ceremonial place and it sure is, even after so many years. Trafalgar Square is a place where a lot of public celebrations take part, such as: New Year's Eve party, sporting celebrations or... the last "Harry Potter" premiere :)

Source:

"I never knew that about London" by Christopher Winn

TED vocabulary p.7

-take something for granted
Sometimes people get used to each other that they take their presence for granted.

-intangible
There are some intangible values which are very hard to define.

-kickback
Some people believe that a kickback is able to solve all of their problems.

A letter to Minister of Justice

    Dear Sir or Madam,
  I am writing to you in order to convince you about granting Mrs Mary Maloney parole. Last month she was accused for murdering her husband. I must admit that I am suprised that so many people actually believe that such a delicate woman could have done something as cruel as that. Not to mention the fact that Mrs Maloney was 5 months pregnant at that time, so she definately would not have been able to kill a man so much stronger that her. I am entirely sure that Mrs Mary Maloney loved her husband Patrick very much. She repeated very often that Patrick was the most important person in her life. I cannot think of any possible explanation why she would have wanted him to be dead.
  I ask you to give Mary Maloney one more chance to explain herself. I hope that if you would hear the real version of what happened you will not hesitate to grant her parole. I also want to ask you to consider the fact that she will soon have a baby so prison would be the worst place for her and her newborn child.
  I look forward to your quick response.

Your faithfully,
Julia Bzura

The rebuilding of London after WW2

  The Blitz was definately the most traumatic experience of all Londoners that lived during World War II. And even when the bombing ended the problem didn't disappear, because great part of London was totally destroyed and many, many people were left without their homes. But as a lot of people know that "every cloud has a silver lining" that became an opportunity of changing something in London's architecture.
  The most popular planner of that period was Patrick Abercrombie. His main idea was to reconstruct the capital to create a balance between housing, industrial development and open spaces. He also wanted to encircle London with some "green spaces" such as parks, recreation grounds, farmland etc. The whole idea was called "County of London plan".

*the first public building to be constructed after the War was The Royal Festival Hall on the Southbank

                           Patrick Abercrombie

Source: 

http://www.history.co.uk/study-topics/history-of-london/ww2-rebuilding-london