Skip to content

Houses of Parliament

Introduction

The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster or Buckingham Palace, is the seat of the British government. Located in London, it has been the heart of British politics for over 800 years. The building serves as a symbol of democracy, freedom, and national identity.

Key Facts

  • Address: 1 Parliament Square, London SW1A 0AA
  • Construction: Completed in 1512 by King Henry VII
  • Architectural style: Gothic Revival with later additions in the 19th century
  • Number of rooms: Over 600, including 533 offices and 117 reception rooms

Historical Context

  • The Houses of Parliament has been a symbol of British power since its inception in the 12th century.
  • It was originally the home of King Henry VII and his wife, Elizabeth of York, before they moved to Whitehall Palace.
  • In the 16th century, the building underwent significant renovations under the rule of King James I and Queen Anne.

Significant Contributions

  • The Houses of Parliament has played a crucial role in shaping British history and politics.
  • It has served as the meeting place for numerous historical events, including coronations, state visits, and parliamentary debates.
  • The building is home to many iconic landmarks, including the famous clock tower, the Big Ben, and the House of Commons chamber.

Notable Attractions

  • Big Ben: A large bell located at the north end of the Palace, which is 315 feet (96 meters) tall
  • The Queen's Gallery: A museum that showcases works by artists from the Royal Academy
  • The Houses of Parliament Visitor Centre: An interactive exhibit that provides information on the history and significance of the building

Key Features

  • The Palace has a distinctive Gothic Revival architecture, with intricate stone carvings and ornate decorations.
  • The building is surrounded by several courtyards and gardens, including the iconic Horse Guards Parade.
  • A variety of public transportation routes, including buses and trains, connect the Palace to other parts of London.

Visitor Information

  • Guided tours are available, which provide insight into the history and architecture of the Palace
  • The Visitors Centre is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM, with extended hours during peak season.
  • Visitors can also explore the Palace

Metadata:

  • Model: llama-3.2-1b-instruct
  • Generation time: 2024-11-02 07:30:42
  • Keywords: Houses of Parliament, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/houses_of_parliament