From its illustrious history and stunning beauty, to its important role in British politics, the Palace of Westminster is one of the most iconic and visited sites in all of the United Kingdom. This iconic building is home to the British Parliament and plays a significant role in the history of the nation and its politics. Step inside the Palace of Westminster and explore a centuries-old landmark that has long been the center of government for the United Kingdom.
1. A Historical Overview of the Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster is one of England’s most iconic historical buildings. Led by King Edward the Confessor in the mid-1000s, the Palace was rebuilt by Henry III after an original structure burned down in 1298. At the heart of the Palace stands Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the complex, which was built within two years of Henry’s reign.
Over the centuries Westminster was expanded and adapted, becoming the seat of England’s government. By 1512 it comprised several wings, each with their own purpose including the Exchequer, the Painted Chamber, and the White Chamber. By 1700s, the majority of the development had been completed, but the Royal Chapel of St Stephen was added in 1822.
Throughout its history, the Palace of Westminster has been a symbol of power and strength. It has witnessed constitutional reform, from the Magna Carta to the modern Supreme Court. Royal guests have graced its halls, from foreign dignitaries to Queen Elizabeth II when she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee. Today, it houses both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The Palace of Westminster is a constant reminder of England’s past and a reminder of the importance of democracy.
- Fun fact: it’s impossible to visit Parliament without passcodes and a form of identification!
2. The Changing Nature of the British Parliament’s Seat
Historically, the House of Commons has been based in London since it was established in 1512. However, over the centuries, members of the former upper classes began to move further away from London and the House was compelled to follow them.
The redistribution of British Parliament seats began in 1832 and saw many members of the upper class removed from their former seats. The number of seats also increased significantly; from 300 to 651.
The creation of new seats was a direct result of the Industrial Revolution. As the size of the population grew, and with it the number of voters, so too did the necessity for more Parliamentary seats. With this, some of the major cities which had previously gone underrepresented began to benefit from newly created and allocated seats.
- Nottingham gained two new seats in 1885.
- Manchester had by 1892 gained four new seats.
- Sheffield had been allocated two additional seats by 1885.
- And in 1910, a seat was allocated specifically for the Wavertree District in Liverpool.
As the years progressed, Parliamentary seats continued to move further afield; the very last seat to be allocated was in 1969 in the city of Moray, situated in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. This marked a dramatic end to the tradition of the London-centric House of Commons and, in its place, stood the more expansive British Parliament of today.
3. The Royal Visuals of the Palace of Westminster
Built in the 11th century and extensively rebuilt between 1834 and 1860, the Palace of Westminster is one of London’s most iconic buildings. Here you can find a rich history and majestic architectural features, providing a truly regal visual landscape. From its stunning rose windows to its grand clock tower, let’s take a tour of the palatial features of the Palace of Westminster.
The Westminster Hall, The Grand Pillar Hall, and The Royal Gallery
- The Westminster Hall, built in 1097, is an impressive sight. High wooden ceilings, gilded decorations, arching windows, and intricate floor tiles provide a stunning backdrop.
- The Grand Pillar Hall, home to the House of Commons and built in 1846, with marble columns, a grand staircase, and sparkling chandeliers can be seen here.
- The Royal Gallery, also known as the Prince’s Chamber, is a vision of grandeur and is used by the House of Lords for events and state ceremonies.
The Clock Tower and The Victoria Tower
- The Clock Tower, also known as ‘Big Ben’, has become the symbol of the Palace of Westminster. Standing over the Elizabeth Tower, it has been famous since the 19th century and continues to be a beloved London attraction.
- The Victoria Tower, the tallest tower in the palace, stands nearly 100 meters tall. Its unique Victorian style makes it an impressive sight, captivating visitors and tourists alike.
These are but a few of the majestic features that the Palace of Westminster has to offer. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, we implore you to come take in the esteemed beauty and regal visual spectacle of this beloved building.
4. Exploring the Political Hub of the United Kingdom
What better place to explore the politics of the United Kingdom than its very own capital, London? This iconic city is home to Britain’s prestigious Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Here lies a plethora of sites and experiences that will make you explore the history and current political landscape of the UK.
Experience the House of Commons and House of Lords: At the heart of the British political system lies the House of Commons and House of Lords, where the UK’s democracy is represented by Members of Parliament. Visitors can tour the chambers, stride through the galleries, and watch MPs debating from the public galleries.
Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower: Get close to the highest clock tower in the country and stand under the ‘Big Ben’ bell. This world-famous landmark is a symbol of London and the United Kingdom, and is a jubilant experience for everyone visiting the political hub.
Stroll Westminster Abbey: Explore the grand architecture of Westminster Abbey and the iconic monuments of several Prime Ministers who were buried here. This stunning Gothic church is the primary venue for Coronations of the British monarchy.
Political Themed Tours: Take a guided tour around the Houses of Parliament and experience the behind-the-scenes of British politics and culture. Explore the political landscape of the city of London and learn every aspect of the UK’s political system.
- Hear the bells of Big Ben ring on the hour
- Visit the Palace of Westminster and see where the debating takes place
- Witness the grandeur of Westminster Abbey
- Explore the stunning architecture and sculptures of the capital
5. The Future of the British Parliament and the Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster has been the home of British Parliament since the early 13th century and is now an iconic landmark in the United Kingdom. Over the centuries, the palace and its estate have endured numerous changes and renovations, the most recent being the decade-long renovation which began in 2017. With an estimated cost of £4 billion, this is the most expensive upgrade the palace has ever seen, with the hopes of preserving the palace for the future generations.
In the coming years, Parliament is likely to continue to act as an important institution for discussion, debate and decision-making. With the world around us ever-changing, Parliament has no choice but to keep up with the times and evolve to reflect the needs of the public. This includes being open to new ways of working, such as virtual meetings, to ensure that everyone has access to the democratic process. The Palace of Westminster will remain the iconic home of Parliament, with all the traditions that go with it, but the future of the institution must take into account the changing nature of our society.
In order to address these changes, the palace must remain in a state of constant evolution. There are a number of ways in which this could be achieved, such as:
- Technology Upgrades – upgrading existing technology to keep up with the times, or introducing new technology to make the working of Parliament more effective.
- Environmental Sustainability – implementing measures to reduce the estate’s carbon footprint.
- Accessibility – making the estate as accessible as possible to all visitors.
The future of the British Parliament and Palace of Westminster lies in its ability to stay modern and relevant whilst maintaining the traditions of the past. The centuries-old building is an iconic symbol of British democracy, and will continue to be so for many more years to come.
At The Palace of Westminster, a proud nation’s past and present stand together in one remarkable building. Take some time to explore this unique and extraordinary place, and discover for yourself the proud home of the United Kingdom’s Parliament.
