The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is an iconic landmark located in Westminster, London. This architectural marvel serves as the meeting place for the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
The current building dates back to the mid-19th century, constructed after a devastating fire in 1834 destroyed much of the original medieval palace. The design was selected through a public competition won by architect Charles Barry with assistance from Augustus Pugin, who was responsible for much of the interior detail. The architectural style is Gothic Revival, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
One of the most famous features of the Houses of Parliament is the Elizabeth Tower, often erroneously referred to as Big Ben, which is actually the name of the Great Bell housed within the tower. The tower is 96 meters tall and is adorned with a clock that has become a symbol of the United Kingdom.
The Central Lobby, located at the heart of the building, is an octagonal hall where constituents can meet their Members of Parliament. The space is richly decorated with mosaics and statues of British monarchs. The Robing Room is where the monarch prepares for the State Opening of Parliament, and it features a throne made by Pugin.
Hidden within the walls of the Houses of Parliament is a secret passageway, known as the House of Commons hidden door, which was rediscovered during renovations in 2010. This passage was likely used by Charles I in the 17th century.
Another lesser-known fact is the presence of the Westminster Hall, the oldest existing part of the Palace of Westminster, dating back to 1097. It has witnessed numerous historic events, including the trial of Guy Fawkes and the lying in state of Sir Winston Churchill.
The Westminster Clock Tower houses the Great Clock, designed by clockmaker Edward John Dent. The clock mechanism has been in operation since 1859 and is renowned for its accuracy.
In terms of security, the Palace has a dedicated unit known as the Black Rod, an official responsible for maintaining order within the House of Lords. During the State Opening of Parliament, the Black Rod is famously sent to summon the House of Commons, a tradition that involves having the door slammed in their face to symbolize the independence of the Commons from the monarchy.
The River Thames runs adjacent to the Palace and has influenced its design. The building is constructed on a site known for its marshy ground, which necessitated innovative engineering techniques, including the use of a concrete raft foundation to ensure stability.
Overall, the Houses of Parliament are not only a functional space for legislative activities but also a repository of British history, architectural innovation, and ceremonial traditions.