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The Houses of Parliament was originally located where a palace was built for Edward the Confessor. The Houses of Parliament is also known as The Palace of Westminster. Even though the royal place was... |
The Houses of Parliament was originally located where a palace was built for Edward the Confessor. The Houses of Parliament is also known as The Palace of Westminster. Even though the royal place was shifted to Whitehall Place in 1547, the Parliament members still continued to meet at Westminster. At St. Stephen’s Chapel is where the commoners convened. The members of Parliament continued to use The Palace of Westminster as their meeting place.
The majority of the old stomping grounds were damaged when a fire came through in 1834. The chapel crypt, The Jewel Tower and Westminster Hall were the only thing left standing. A godsend, Lord Melbourne, asked the firemen to save Westminster Hall by extinguishing that area first.
Within the confines of this place, there are buildings that are derived from the Gothic Revival. It was constructed somewhere between 1840 – 1888. The artist, Charles Barry, constructed the buildings to fit in with Westminster Abbey.
These two buildings, the clock tower with a bell (Big Ben) and the Victoria Tower, are well known throughout London. The Union Jack flag, which is the flag of London, is flying whenever Parliament is in session.
You can only get to Westminster Hall when you are touring; other than that, you’ll have to see it from the porch of St. Stephen’s. Westminster Hall is designed with a beam of oak and is very unique.
They used to have banquets for coronations here until 1821. It was also used as England’s Supreme Court until the 19th century. There is also a statue of the former Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, on the grounds.
In St. Stephen’s Hall, you will find vaulted ceilings and artwork that looks like the chapel when the commons convened until 1834. There is also an area called Central Lobby. This area is unique because of its octagonal shape and design.
Mottos written in Latin adorn the tiled walls of St. Stephen’s. Also in the Central Lobby, this is where the Members of Parliaments meet with lobbyists to get their bills passed. You will also be able to get to the House of Commons from here.
In 1941, a bomb totally destroyed the House of Commons. The restoration was completed in 1950. The original design was used to replicate the building. What’s unique about the restoration of this place is that there are red lines that are marked on the floor. These lines indicate how much space is between the benches.
House of Common members are not to go over these lines. The reason behind this is because when there are debates, the lines help to keep everything in order. The Table of the House is located in the middle of the floor; this is where the Speaker presides and works to keep order among the members.
You will know who the House of Lords are by their scarlet red and gold attire. At the House of Lords, the Queen opens Parliament in November every year. She is also responsible for giving the opening speech. On the other side of the Queen, the Lord Chancellor sits on a red scarlet pillow that contains wool. This ritual has gone on since the middle ages.
If you want to visit the Houses of Parliament, you will have to enter through the entrance of St. Stephen’s. You can look at the galleries and watch the debates at the times specified. If you’re looking to reserve a time to go, you have to makes reservations to get your ticket through your embassy or MP.
There are no debates or meetings held during Easter, Christmas, and from mid-August to October.
This is a nice place to come and see how Britain’s government actually operates. It is definitely different than what you’re accustomed to, especially if you’re from the United States.