houses of parliament london

Virtual Photo Tours of London

	Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament also known as the Palace of Westminster is where British MPs conduct parliamentary business and shape the law of the British Isles. The English Parliament is made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Houses of Parliament lies on the north bank of the River Thames in the City of Westminster. It is situated close by other government buildings in Whitehall.

Westminster Hall, which is the oldest part of the Palace still in existence, dates from 1077. Most of the present structure dates from the 19th century, when the Palace was rebuilt after it was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1834. Rebuilt between 1840 and 1888 by architects Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin.

One of the Houses of Parliament's most famous features is the clock tower, which holds the famous bell known as Big Ben.

Houses of Parliament

Security is very high and very visible around the Houses of Parliament. Entrance to Westminster Hall is only allowed as part of a guided tour (note: it is closed for maintenance during 2006). Westminster Hall is imposing in size and décor. It was originally used as a court of law until the 19th century. It was here that Guy Fawkes was tried and found guilty of attempting to blow up the House of Lords on 5th November 1605.

To visit the public galleries in the Houses of Parliament you join a queue at St. Stephen's entrance. The public galleries are known as Strangers' Galleries. Debates in the Houses of Commons take place on Mon. Tues. and Thurs. from 2.30pm, Wed and Fri from 9.30am.

If you want to see some of Britain's well know politicians visit the Houses of Parliament during Prime Minister's Question Time. You must book a ticket through your MP or embassy. Prime Minister's Questions take place every Wed. from 12-12.30pm.

The House of Lords sit on Mon-Wed from 2.30pm. On Thurs from 3.00pm. If a sitting takes place on Friday it begins at 11.00am.

Nearest Tube: Westminster.

	[London Photo Tours Home] [Big Ben] [Greenwich] [Houses of Parliament] [Leicester Square] [London Eye] [St. Paul's] [Trafalgar Square] [resources]