Houses of Parliament - Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster, commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, is one of the most iconic and historic buildings in the world. Located in the heart of London, it has been the site of political and cultural activity for over 900 years, serving as the home of the British Parliament since the 13th century. Today, it remains a symbol of British democracy and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and politics of the UK.

The history of the Houses of Parliament dates back to the 11th century, when William the Conqueror built the first palace on the site. Over the centuries, the palace was expanded and redeveloped by a succession of monarchs, and it became the primary residence of the English monarchs by the 16th century. However, in 1834, disaster struck when a fire broke out and destroyed most of the palace. The only parts of the original palace that survived were Westminster Hall, the Jewel Tower, and the crypt of St. Stephen’s Chapel.

The rebuilding of the Houses of Parliament began almost immediately after the fire, overseen by architect Charles Barry and engineer Augustus Pugin. The new palace was designed in the Gothic Revival style, a nod to the medieval architecture of the original palace, and took over 30 years to complete. The result was a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, with its soaring towers, intricate carvings, and elaborate stained-glass windows.

Today, the Houses of Parliament are still the center of British political life, with the House of Commons and the House of Lords meeting in the palace to debate and pass laws. Visitors can tour the palace to see firsthand the historic chambers and learn about the workings of the British Parliament.

One of the most popular attractions in the Houses of Parliament is Westminster Hall, the oldest surviving part of the palace. Built in 1097, it has hosted some of the most significant events in British history, including the trial of King Charles I and the lying-in-state of Sir Winston Churchill. Visitors can explore the hall on a guided tour and admire its stunning architecture and historic artifacts.

Another must-see attraction in the Houses of Parliament is the House of Commons chamber, where the elected members of Parliament debate and vote on legislation. Visitors can sit in the public gallery and watch the proceedings, or take a guided tour to learn about the history and traditions of the House of Commons.

For those interested in the art and architecture of the palace, the House of Lords chamber is a must-visit. Designed by Augustus Pugin, it features elaborate carvings, ornate ceilings, and stunning stained-glass windows. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the symbolism and meaning behind the design of the chamber.

In addition to the main chambers, there are many other fascinating areas to explore in the Houses of Parliament. The Queen’s Robing Room, for example, is where the monarch dons her ceremonial robes before addressing Parliament, while the Central Lobby is the hub of parliamentary activity and a great place to people-watch.

To visit the Houses of Parliament, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, tours are available on Saturdays throughout the year, as well as on selected weekdays during parliamentary recesses. You must book ahead to secure your spot on a tour, as they tend to fill up quickly. Tours typically last around 90 minutes and include a visit to both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, as well as other areas of the palace.

When planning your visit, it’s important to note that tours of Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben, are not available for overseas citizens. This is due to security concerns and restrictions on access to the tower. However, you can still see Big Ben from many areas of the palace, and you can admire the tower’s intricate design and historic significance from the outside.

Overall, a visit to the Houses of Parliament is a must for anyone interested in the history and politics of the UK. With its stunning architecture, historic chambers, and fascinating artifacts, it offers a unique glimpse into the heart of British democracy and a chance to explore one of the most iconic buildings in the world.