Westminster Palace is the seat of the British Parliament, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. Since the 11th century, the centre of English power has been located here; today it remains the heart of British political life and the home of Big Ben. Its official name is the Palace of Westminster, but it is often called the Houses of Parliament.
History: From Royal Residence to Temple of Democracy
The history of the Palace of Westminster begins in the 11th century. Edward the Confessor built a royal residence here at the same time as the construction of Westminster Abbey. For several centuries, this place was one of the main residences of English kings. Westminster Hall was built by order of William II in 1097 and is the oldest surviving part of the palace.
From the 13th century, Parliament began to assemble here. Under Henry III, the first outlines of the parliamentary system began to take shape. By the 16th century, Henry VIII moved the royal residence elsewhere, and the Palace of Westminster finally became the permanent meeting place of Parliament. From 1548, the House of Commons sat in the former Chapel of St Stephen, and the House of Lords in another hall.
The most dramatic moment in the history of the Palace of Westminster occurred on 16 October 1834. A fire destroyed almost the entire complex: the halls of the House of Lords and the House of Commons burned down completely. Only Westminster Hall, the Jewel Tower, and several underground chapels survived. After the fire, Parliament decided to rebuild the building on the same site. Following a competition, the project by architect Charles Barry won, and Augustus Pugin was responsible for the interior design. The new building was constructed between 1839 and 1869 and became the pinnacle of the neo-Gothic style.
During the Second World War, the palace survived 14 air raids. The chamber of the House of Commons was completely destroyed in 1941. After the war, it was restored according to the design of architect Giles Gilbert Scott, and in 1950 it reopened.
Architecture of the Palace of Westminster: Neo-Gothic in Its Purest Form
The Palace of Westminster is one of the most famous monuments of neo-Gothic architecture in the world. The complex occupies 8 acres, its length is about 300 metres, and it contains more than 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases, and more than 3 kilometres of corridors.
Key features:
• Westminster Hall — built in 1099; in its time it was the largest hall in Europe. Its 14th-century oak hammer-beam roof with an enormous span is one of the largest medieval wooden roofs in the world. Royal feasts, coronations, state trials, and farewells to deceased monarchs were held here.
• Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) — height 96.3 metres; climbing to the top requires 334 steps. The bell itself weighs 13.8 tonnes, and the diameter of the clock face is 7 metres. It is one of the most accurate mechanical clocks in the world.
• Victoria Tower — height 98.5 metres, the tallest tower of the palace. It houses the parliamentary archives.
• Central Lobby — an octagonal room beneath the central spire, where visitors to Parliament traditionally wait to be received.
• Chamber of the House of Commons — restored after the war in a modest but functional style; the green benches are the colour of the House of Commons.
• Chamber of the House of Lords — richly decorated with carving, frescoes, and stained glass; the red benches are the colour of the House of Lords.
What You Must See in the Palace of Westminster
Westminster Hall
The oldest part of the palace and the only major structure that survived the fire of 1834. The trials of William Wallace, Thomas More, and Charles I took place here. In the 20th century, farewells were held here for Winston Churchill and Elizabeth II. The ceiling of the hall is a work of art in its own right.
Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben
The most recognisable part of the palace. Big Ben is, strictly speaking, the name of the largest bell, but the whole tower is usually called by that name. Climbing to the top is possible only for UK residents by prior arrangement through a Member of Parliament. The tower can be seen from outside at any time, and the chimes of the clock can be heard throughout central London.
House of Commons and House of Lords
During parliamentary recesses or on Saturdays, tours are available for tourists, during which both chambers can be seen from the inside. The House of Commons looks modest and functional, while the House of Lords is ornate and ceremonial, with carved thrones and frescoes.
Central Lobby
An octagonal room beneath the central spire with a mosaic floor and statues. Tours often begin here. Note the stained glass and the way light passes through it.
Queen Victoria`s Hall
One of the most richly decorated halls of the palace, named after Queen Victoria. Official receptions and ceremonies are held here. The frescoes on the walls depict scenes from British history.
Victoria Tower
The tallest tower of the palace, which houses the parliamentary archives. From the outside, it is easily recognised by its distinctive silhouette. Visitors are usually not allowed inside, but it is worth examining from the outside.
Other Interesting Details of the Palace of Westminster
• The oldest clocks of Parliament — in the Elizabeth Tower, besides Big Ben, there are several other bells, each with its own name.
• Sculptures and statues — throughout the building, statues of monarchs and political figures are installed, including Cromwell and Churchill.
• The Royal Gallery — the place where the monarch waits for the opening of Parliament.
• The Norman Staircase — the oldest surviving part of the interior, connected with Westminster Hall.
Practical Information for Tourists
• Address: Palace of Westminster, London SW1A 0AA (next to Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square).
• Nearest Underground station: Westminster (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines).
• Tours: tours are available for tourists on Saturdays, as well as during parliamentary recesses. Tickets are recommended to be purchased in advance online on the official Parliament website.
• Big Ben: climbing the tower is possible only for UK residents by prior arrangement through a Member of Parliament. Access is closed to foreign tourists.
• Parliamentary sittings: it is possible to visit the public galleries during sittings; admission is free, but the schedule must be checked in advance.
Tips:
• Come in the morning — there are fewer tourists, and photographs of the tower turn out better in soft light.
• The best spot for photos is Westminster Bridge and the embankment opposite the palace.
• Allow 1.5–2 hours for the tour.
• Do not miss Westminster Hall — it is the most historic part of the complex.
• Check the schedule — the palace may be closed for official ceremonies or state visits.
The Palace of Westminster is a place where architecture, history, and politics are united. In a single visit, you can see the 19th-century neo-Gothic complex, medieval Westminster Hall, the chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the Elizabeth Tower with Big Ben, and the Victoria Tower. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the visit, it is better to buy tickets in advance, and check the tour schedule on the official Parliament website, as the palace is often closed for official events.
