Houses of Parliament

The Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament, is one of the most iconic symbols of London and the British political system. This majestic complex, located on the banks of the River Thames, has witnessed centuries of history, democratic evolution, and architectural transformations. The origins of the Palace of Westminster date back to the Anglo-Saxon era. It was Edward the Confessor, around 1045, who built the first royal palace next to his abbey, now known as Westminster Abbey. During the Middle Ages, the palace was the main residence of the English monarchs and the center of the country’s political life. It was here that the first administrative bodies, such as the Curia Regis, gathered to govern the kingdom. In 1512, a devastating fire destroyed much of the residential structures of the palace, leading Henry VIII to move the royal court to Whitehall Palace. From that moment, the Palace of Westminster became primarily the seat of Parliament and the royal courts. A second major fire, in 1834, almost completely destroyed the complex, sparing only Westminster Hall, the Jewel Tower, and a few other buildings. The disaster of 1834 offered the opportunity to rebuild the palace on a grand scale. Architect Sir Charles Barry, with the help of the famous designer Augustus Pugin, was tasked with designing the new building in neo-Gothic style, an architecture that evoked the medieval glories of England. Work began in 1840 and was completed in 1870. The result was a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, characterized by intricate Gothic decorations, turrets, and spires that give the palace its majestic and unmistakable appearance. One of the most famous elements of the Palace of Westminster is undoubtedly the clock tower, commonly known as Big Ben. In fact, Big Ben is the name of the large bell inside the tower, officially called the Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. This tower, with its illuminated clock faces, has become a symbol of London and the stability of the British political system. The palace is home to the two chambers of the British Parliament: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons, with its elected members, is the heart of the British democratic system, where laws are debated and approved. The House of Lords, composed of unelected members such as hereditary peers, bishops, and appointed members, plays a role in legislative review and consultation. The history of the British Parliament is rich in crucial events. In 1605, Guy Fawkes and his accomplices attempted to blow up the palace during the Gunpowder Plot, a failed plan aimed at killing King James I and overthrowing the Protestant government. This episode is commemorated every year on November 5th with Guy Fawkes Night. Over the centuries, Parliament has seen numerous changes and reforms. During the English Civil War, the palace was the scene of historic trials, including that of Charles I, who was sentenced to death. With the Restoration in 1660, the palace returned to being the center of English political life, and through significant legislative acts such as the Reform Act of 1832, Parliament evolved its structure to become a more representative and democratic institution. The future of the Palace of Westminster is the subject of debate and concerns, as it requires significant restoration and conservation work to address structural and security issues. Despite the challenges, the palace remains a living symbol of British democracy and a monument to its long and rich history.