Overview:

is the parliamentary building where the Houses of Commons and Lords meet and is located at the northern end of the Palace of Westminster on the River Thames in London. The building is also known as the Houses of Parliament, and it is home to the debating chambers of the two Houses, the iconic Elizabeth Tower, and the monumental Victoria Tower. The building dates back to the 11th century, but the iconic turrets and towers seen today were added in the 19th century. It is a Grade I listed building, owned and managed by the UK Parliament, and its interior tours offer a unique insight into the workings of democracy. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in United-Kingdom
Prominent Features:

1. Westminster Hall – Built in 1097, it is the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster. It is the largest medieval hall in Europe, stretching 129 meters long and 37 meters wide. It was the site of Queen Elizabeth I's coronation, the funeral of Queen Victoria and trial of Thomas More. 2. Elizabeth Tower – Popularly known as “Big Ben”, this is the well-known clock tower of the palace. It is 96m tall and is named after Queen Elizabeth II. 3. House of Commons and House of Lords – These two legislative chambers make up the heart of the Palace of Westminster and the United Kingdom's Parliament. Members of the Commons' and the Lords' debate and vote on proposed laws here. 4. Westminster Abbey – Attached to the Palace, Westminster Abbey is a Gothic monastery church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the coronation church of English and British monarchs and the site of other important royal ceremonies and funerals. 5. Jewel Tower – Dating back to the 14th century, the Jewel Tower is the only remaining part of the royal palace that predates the Palace of Westminster. This tower was once used to store the Crown Jewels. 6. Victoria Tower – Standing tall at the southwestern corner of the Palace, the Victoria Tower is the largest and tallest of the palace's towers. It is the traditional entrance to the House of Lords and its 97 metre tall roof places it as the tallest four-sided clock tower in the world. This national monument of United-Kingdom portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is located in the City of Westminster in London. The original palace was the setting for royal appearances, royal ceremonies, and functions of state for centuries. It was used as a royal residence from 1066 until 1512 when King Henry VIII decided to move his court to nearby Whitehall Palace. Westminster was the official seat of government from 1215 when King John signed the Magna Carta until 1512 when the court moved to Whitehall. The current Palace of Westminster was designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin and construction began in 1840. The palace was built to replace the old buildings which had become too dilapidated to house the increasingly larger Parliament. The palace was opened in 1852 and has been widened and adapted many times since then to meet the legislative needs of the United Kingdom. It is the largest and most architecturally significant buildings in London, and is a treasured national landmark. The Palace of Westminster is more than just a building – it is an integral part of British history. It has seen numerous royal events, ceremonial parades, state visits, and the meetings of Parliament, all of which shape and define the past and present of the United Kingdom. You must visit one of these historical places in United-Kingdom on your United-Kingdom tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Palace of Westminster is home to the United Kingdom’s Houses of Parliament – the House of Commons and the House of Lords. 2. The Palace of Westminster is UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. It is sometimes referred to as “The Mother of all Parliaments”, because it was the first House of Parliament in the world. 4. The palace was built on a site used initially to host a royal palace, with seven previous uses ranging from royal residence to St. Stephen’s Chapel. 5. The Palace of Westminster is the longest continuously used parliamentary building in the world. 6. The building was fully reconstructed in Neo-Gothic style following a fire in 1834. 7. The reconstruction of the building was led by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. 8. The Tower of London guards the Jewels of The Crown and the Portcullis is The official Emblem of The Parliament. 9. The palace is famous for its Clock Tower, often referred to as ‘Big Ben’, although this is a misnomer as the bell inside is actually called Elizabeth. 10. The Palace of Westminster is located at the north end of the iconic Westminster Bridge, so from certain angles it appears to be a floating fortress. Visit one of the famous monuments of United-Kingdom with your friends and family.