The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, stand as an iconic symbol of British democracy and a must-see destination for any visitor to London. Located on the banks of the River Thames, this historic building is the meeting place of the UK Parliament, where crucial decisions are made that shape the lives of people across the United Kingdom. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit, from its rich history to tour options and interesting facts.
History of the Houses of Parliament
Historical records show that the history of the Houses of Parliament can be traced back over 900 years1. Originally a royal residence, the Palace of Westminster served as the home of English monarchs from the 11th to the 16th centuries2. Westminster Hall, constructed in 1097, is the oldest existing part of the palace and was once the largest hall in Europe3. It has witnessed numerous significant events, including the trial of King Charles I and coronation banquets2.
In 1834, a devastating fire destroyed most of the medieval palace5. Only Westminster Hall, St Stephen’s Chapel, the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, and the Jewel Tower survived5. The present-day Houses of Parliament were designed by architect Sir Charles Barry in the Gothic Revival style, with construction starting in 18401. Interestingly, it took longer for Parliament to decide on the design of the Houses of Parliament than it did to actually build them4! This highlights the complexities and debates involved in such a large-scale project. Barry’s assistant, Augustus Welby Pugin, designed the ornate interiors5. The construction took over 30 years to complete, significantly longer than the initial estimate of 6 years7.
Functions of the Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament serve as the center of the UK’s legislative process. The two houses, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, play distinct roles in the functioning of the government. This very structure embodies a fascinating juxtaposition: while the Houses of Parliament are a symbol of democracy, the House of Lords, a key component of this institution, is unelected8.
Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords are involved in the process of making laws. They introduce, debate, and pass bills that ultimately shape the legal landscape of the UK9.
The House of Commons
The House of Commons is the lower house of Parliament and consists of 650 elected Members of Parliament (MPs)12. Its primary functions include:
- Scrutinizing the government: MPs hold the government accountable for its actions by questioning ministers and debating policies13.
- Representing constituents: MPs represent the interests of their constituents and raise their concerns in Parliament9.
- Debating current issues: The House of Commons provides a platform for debating important issues facing the country13.
- Providing ministers: The majority party in the House of Commons forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister15.
The House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of Parliament and comprises unelected members, including life peers, hereditary peers, and bishops8. Its main functions are:
- Reviewing and amending legislation: The House of Lords scrutinizes bills passed by the House of Commons, often suggesting amendments and revisions11.
- Investigating public policy: Lords committees investigate various policy areas and produce reports that can influence government decisions11.
- Holding the government to account: The House of Lords questions government ministers and debates policy issues11.
Visiting the Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament offer a variety of tours and experiences for visitors. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:
Tour Options
- Guided Tours: Explore the Palace of Westminster with an expert guide and learn about its history, art, and architecture. These tours provide a comprehensive overview of the building and its significance16.
- Audio Tours: If you prefer to explore at your own pace, audio tours offer a flexible way to discover the palace. With a multimedia guide, you can delve into the history and heritage of the building and learn about the work of the UK Parliament16.
- Speaker’s House Tour: This tour offers a unique opportunity to visit the State Apartments of Speaker’s House, where the Speaker of the House of Commons resides and official business is conducted17.
- Big Ben Tours: For those who want to get up close and personal with the iconic clock tower, Big Ben tours allow you to climb the Elizabeth Tower and explore its inner workings. Please note that these tours are suitable for those aged 11 and over who are comfortable climbing 300+ steps16.
- “See 15 Top Sights Tour”: This tour provides a broader perspective of London’s landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, offering a convenient way to see multiple attractions in one go18.
- Free Guided Tours for UK Residents: UK residents have the privilege of taking free guided tours of the Houses of Parliament. To arrange this, contact your local MP or a member of the House of Lords. These tours offer an in-depth look at how the UK Parliament and democracy function in practice19.
- Virtual Tours and Workshops: If you can’t make it to London in person, you can still experience the Houses of Parliament through virtual tours and workshops available on the Parliament website. These online resources provide a glimpse into the building’s interior and offer educational insights into its history and function20.
Important Note: When the Houses of Parliament are in session, tour routes may be subject to last-minute changes or cancellations due to parliamentary business21.
Opening Hours
The Houses of Parliament are generally open for tours Monday to Friday. While tours are available on Saturdays, they operate on a limited schedule17. It’s recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and tour availability22.
Ticket Prices
| Tour Type | Adult | Young Person (16-24) | Child (5-15) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Tour | £33 | £27 | £17 |
| Audio Tour | £26 | £19 | FREE/£9* |
| Big Ben Tour | £30 | Not applicable | £15 |
| Speaker’s House Tour | £20 | £12 | Not applicable |
*Children aged 5-15 can visit for free with a paying adult on self-guided audio tours.
Experiencing Parliament Virtually
In addition to visiting the Houses of Parliament in person, you can also engage with parliamentary proceedings remotely through Parliamentlive.tv23. This website provides live broadcasts of debates, committees, and other parliamentary activities, allowing you to witness the workings of British democracy from anywhere in the world.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- The Houses of Parliament were hit by bombs 14 times during World War II24.
- Materials for the rebuilding of the House of Commons were donated by countries in the Commonwealth24.
- The official name of Big Ben is the Great Bell, and it weighs 13.7 tonnes25.
- The tower housing Big Ben is called the Elizabeth Tower24.
- The color of the seats in the Houses of Parliament signifies the different houses: green for the House of Commons and red for the House of Lords24.
Architecture and Design
The Houses of Parliament are a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture27. Designed by Sir Charles Barry, the building features intricate stone carvings, towers, and spires, creating a visually stunning and imposing structure4. Augustus Pugin, known for his expertise in Gothic design, played a significant role in shaping the palace’s interiors, contributing to its rich and ornate character28. The southwestern Victoria Tower is 336 feet (102 meters) high6.
Big Ben
The Elizabeth Tower, often referred to as Big Ben, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world29. Designed by Augustus Pugin, the tower stands 316 feet tall and is adorned with Gothic Revival details29. The clock faces are 22.5 feet in diameter, and the bell inside weighs 13.7 tonnes29.
Westminster Hall
Westminster Hall is the oldest part of the Houses of Parliament and a remarkable example of medieval architecture3. Its most striking feature is the hammerbeam roof, a masterpiece of timber construction that spans a vast open space30. The hall has served various purposes throughout history, including as a royal court and a venue for state occasions3. Some notable events that took place in Westminster Hall include the state trials of William Wallace, Sir Thomas More, Guy Fawkes, and Charles I5.
Conclusion
The Houses of Parliament are not just a seat of government but also a historical and architectural treasure. A visit to this iconic landmark offers a glimpse into the heart of British democracy and a chance to appreciate its rich heritage and the complexities of its evolution. The contrast between the democratic ideals represented by the Houses of Parliament and the unelected nature of the House of Lords adds another layer of intrigue to this historic institution.
When planning your visit, consider the different tour options available, from guided tours to audio tours and even the opportunity to climb Big Ben. Remember to check the official website for the latest opening hours and ticket prices, and be aware that tour routes may be subject to change due to parliamentary business. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the workings of British democracy, the Houses of Parliament are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Works cited
- The Palace of Westminster – UK Parliament, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/
- Houses of Parliament (London) – The History Mom, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://thehistorymom.com/2022/08/10/houses-of-parliament-london/
- Westminster Hall – Wikipedia, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Hall
- How they built the Houses of Parliament – Letsbuild, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.letsbuild.com/blog/how-they-built-the-houses-of-parliament
- The Palace – An Extraordinary History – Restoration and Renewal, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.restorationandrenewal.uk/palace/extraordinary-history
- Houses of Parliament | Westminster, Gothic Revival, Palace of Westminster | Britannica, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Houses-of-Parliament-buildings-London-United-Kingdom
- Rebuilding the Palace – UK Parliament, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/architecture/palacestructure/rebuilding-palace/
- House of Lords – Wikipedia, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Lords
- The Role of the House of Commons – Learn About Parliament, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://learn.parl.ca/understanding-comprendre/en/how-parliament-works/the-role-of-the-house-of-commons/
- House of Commons | British Parliament & Politics | Britannica, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/House-of-Commons-British-government
- What does the House of Lords do? | The Constitution Unit – University College London, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/explainers/what-does-house-lords-do
- House of Commons of the United Kingdom – Wikipedia, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Commons_of_the_United_Kingdom
- Functions of the House of Commons – Political Studies: Edexcel A Level – Seneca, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/revision-notes/a-level/political-studies/edexcel/9-1-2-functions-of-the-house-of-commons
- en.wikipedia.org, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Commons_of_the_United_Kingdom#:~:text=The%20House%20of%20Commons%20formally,half%20an%20hour%20each%20Wednesday.
- The two-House system – UK Parliament, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/role/system/
- Tours – UK Parliament, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/
- Your Guide to Visiting the U.K. Parliament – Tickets & Hours – The Tour Guy, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://thetourguy.com/travel-blog/england/london/uk-parliament/how-to-visit-the-uk-parliament-tickets-hours-tours/
- Westminster Walking Tour of Palaces & Houses of Parliament – London Top Sights Tours, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.londontopsightstours.com/tour/see-15-top-sights-tour-palaces-parliament/
- Visit – UK Parliament, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/
- How to visit UK Parliament, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://assets-learning.parliament.uk/uploads/2023/03/6.-ER-How-to-visit.pdf
- FREE Guided Tour Houses of Parliament Westminster – Wonders of London, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.wondersoflondon.com/free-guided-tour-houses-of-parliament-westminster/
- Houses of Parliament tour tickets and dates – Visit London, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/401836-houses-of-parliament
- Commons – Parliamentlive.tv, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Commons
- Fascinating Facts About the Houses of Parliament – – Westminster Tours, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://westminstertour.com/fascinating-facts-about-the-houses-of-parliament/
- Houses of Parliament | The West End, London | Attractions – Lonely Planet, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/london/the-west-end/attractions/houses-of-parliament/a/poi-sig/370359/1321927
- Facts and figures: Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower – UK Parliament, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/big-ben/facts-figures/
- Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) (video), accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/later-europe-and-americas/enlightenment-revolution/v/palace-westminster
- Who Was The Art Architect Of The Houses of Parliament. – A Statement Of Facts, Founded On The Letters Of Sir Charles Barry And The Diaries Of Augustus Welby Pugin, By E. Welby Pugin. Most Respectfully Dedicated To The Right Honourable And Honourable The Lords And Commons Of Great Britain And Ireland. – Price Two Shillings., accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/book/who-was-the-art-architect-of-the-houses-of-parliament-a-statement-of-facts
- en.wikipedia.org, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Ben
- en.wikipedia.org, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Westminster#:~:text=The%20hall%20is%20particularly%20notable,the%20royal%20carpenter%2C%20Hugh%20Herland.