Houses of Parliament

...Palace of Westminster

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The Houses of Parliament is a magnificent Gothic building situated in Parliament Square next to the River Thames.

Although Guy Fawkes attempted to blow it up in 1605, in 1834 a disastrous fire destroyed most of the Palace of Westminster.

Westminster Hall is the oldest part of the original palace to have survived.

The rest of the building was replaced with the impressive and very lovely Gothic building we see today which was designed by Sir Charles Barry.

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Summer Opening of Parliament

One of the most popular London attractions is the House of Commons and the House of Lords in the Palace of Westminster.

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Westminstr Hall

Westminster Hall dates back to 1097 and it's the oldest part of the original Palace of Westminster.

Westminster Hall is used for banquets and law courts and is where the trial of King Charles 1 was held.

The King was later executed outside the Banqueting Hall in Whitehall in 1649.

The last monarch to live here was Henry V111 and parliament met in the Palace of Westminster since 1550.

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House of Commons / Lords

The green leather benches of the House of Commons are famous for the heated debates which are televised and which the Speaker sometimes has difficulty controlling!

The House of Lords is smaller and much grander and designed with red benches. There are also committee rooms, offices, dining rooms and bars and also libraries.

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Big Ben

To the north of the Palace of Westminster Big Ben is the Clock Tower Big Ben. Whenever Parliament meets after dark, the Ayrton Light above the clock is lit.

Parliament is open to the public and UK residents can attend debates, watch judicial hearings and committees and tour Parliament. Overseas visitors can do the same during the Summer Opening.

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How to get there:

Tube: District, Circle or Jubilee lines to Westminster station (wheelchair accessible).

Buses:

Opposite Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square, in Whitehall. All low-floor buses in London are now wheelchair accessible.
Low-floor buses: 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77A, 211, 453.
Other routes include: 88, 109, 159, 184, 511.

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Related Pages...

Boutique Hotels in London

London Areas

London Hotel Rooms

London Transport

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