About Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, sometimes known as the Palace of Westminster, is the seat of the two houses of the British Parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.  The Houses of Parliament are a historical monument with a monumental history of their own. Its strategic location on the banks of the river Thames and related evidence has lead many historians to suspect that it may have been the site of royal residences since the times of the Saxons.

The Palace of Westminster was the chief royal residence of England during the late medieval period. The King's Council congregated at Westminster Hall, the oldest existing part of the palace. In 1295 the first official Parliament of England was held at the palace and the practice continues today establishing it as the base of the British government.

After a fire destroyed most of the palace in 1834, the palace was rebuilt according to the design of Sir Charles Barry aided by Gothic architect Welby Pugin. The building was designed in the Neo Gothic style incorporating the older buildings which were not destroyed by the fire. Construction was completed in 1870 . It contains over 1100 rooms, 100 staircases and 5 kilometers of corridor.

The Palace of Westminster contains many interesting features. Among its most popular aspects  you will find Victoria Tower, the tallest tower of Westminster Palace named after Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch at the time the palace was reconstructed. Today the tower holds the parliamentary archives since 1497.

Iconic Big Ben, named after its largest bell, is by far the most famous part of the palace. The clock tower's five bells chime every quarter hour, while the largest bell, Big Ben strikes every hour.

Among the many rooms in The Houses of Parliament, the Lords Chamber is one of the most luxuriously decorated. Stained-glass windows and  frescoes adorn the room while the furniture is upholstered in red. This is where the House of Lords hold their debates. At the south end of the chamber lies the elaborate canopy and throne of the monarch. Several important ceremonies are held in Lords Chamber such as the State Opening of Parliament which marks the beginning of the annual parliamentary sessions. The ceremony is attended by the monarch who sets things in motion.

In contrast the Commons Chamber is less ornate. The benches and other furnishing of the chamber are colored green. At the North end of the chamber stands the speakers chair. The chamber is comparatively small and can hold only 427 of 646 Members of Parliament. The British Sovereign, by tradition does not enter the Chamber of Commons.

Westminster hall, the oldest part of the palace, was built in 1097. Its hammer beam roof is the largest unsupported, medieval roof in England. It serves mainly a judicial purpose, housing important courts of law and trials. It has also served other functions such as lyings-in-state and coronation banquets.

The Houses of Parliament are open to visitors. UK visitors may tour the building around the year while foreigners may only tour during the Summer Opening, although visitors may attend debates and committees throughout the year.

Location

Nearest tube stations are Westminster or St. James Park stations.