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Final tile laid as major restoration project in Britain’s Parliament ends

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The final handmade tile in the restoration of a lobby at the heart of the Palace of Westminster has been laid. Almost 60,000 have been restored and replaced in the middle of Central Lobby, including original ones which were designed by Augustus Welby Pugin that would have carried the footsteps of Winston Churchill, William Gladstone, Margaret Thatcher, and countless other … [Read more...] about Final tile laid as major restoration project in Britain’s Parliament ends

Big Ben to Chime Regularly Again From Next Year – Elizabeth Tower restoration to be completed in 2022

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Big Ben will ring again from early next year as the restoration of Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower nears completion. The refurbishment of the Westminster landmark, which has already spiraled to at least £80 million, was originally expected to be finished this year but was delayed as the Covid-19 crisis held up work. In a statement, UK Parliament authorities said: “The … [Read more...] about Big Ben to Chime Regularly Again From Next Year – Elizabeth Tower restoration to be completed in 2022

Voice & Vote – Women’s Place in Parliament Exhibition at the Palace of Westminster

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I hope you saw The London Annual 2018 as I had a feature in the magazine about Vote 100 marking the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which gave most men and some women the vote for the first time. There have been events all year to celebrate this 100 year anniversary but as this is about the right to vote it's fitting that the one you should really want … [Read more...] about Voice & Vote – Women’s Place in Parliament Exhibition at the Palace of Westminster

10 Interesting Facts about the British Houses of Parliament You Probably Didn’t Know

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Parliament—the houses of power for the British Government. Making laws, debating important issues, and using code words such as “the right honourable member” for “that prat on the other side”. With the English Parliament around since the tenants-in-chief forced King John to sign the Magna Carta, and the British Parliament in existence since 1801, this legislative body has … [Read more...] about 10 Interesting Facts about the British Houses of Parliament You Probably Didn’t Know

No, You Don’t Need to Check Your Eyes – There are Indeed People Hanging off the Big Ben Clock Face as it Gets a Good Cleaning

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Now here's something that you don't see every day. The iconic Big Big clockface was due for a good scrub so they did what any owner of a Victorian era tower would do: they called in abseiling window washers to do the job. Here's a closer shot from Jeremy Selwyn. They usually clean the clock face every four years. They spend the time inspecting and repairing cast iron … [Read more...] about No, You Don’t Need to Check Your Eyes – There are Indeed People Hanging off the Big Ben Clock Face as it Gets a Good Cleaning

Travel Alert: Houses of Parliament Offering Up Tours over the Holidays for the First Time

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If you're in London over the Christmas holiday period - great news! The Houses of Parliament, which usually only offer tours on Saturdays and during the summer recess, are offering tours over the Christmas and New Year's holiday period for the first time. One of London’s most popular activities, tours inside the Houses of Parliament, are available for the first time over the … [Read more...] about Travel Alert: Houses of Parliament Offering Up Tours over the Holidays for the First Time