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Feature by Lizzie Guilfoyle
THE PALACE of Westminster, or Houses of Parliament,
as it's more commonly known, was built between 1840 and 1888 to
replace the original (dating from Edward the Confessor's time)
that, with the exception of Westminster Hall and the Jewel Tower,
was destroyed by fire in 1834.
The magnificent gothic revival that we know today, was the work
of Charles Barry whose design reflected that of nearby Westminster
Abbey; while the Victorian detail of the interior, was the inspiration
of Barry's assistant, Augustus Pugin.
It is, of course, the seat of British government and has been
since around 1550 but what few people realise, is that it's still
a royal palace - even though the last residing monarch, Henry
VIII, moved out in 1512. The royal apartments do, however, remain.
Viewing the exterior, particularly from across the river, two
towers are especially prominent. One is, of course, the 320ft
high clock tower, known affectionately as Big Ben.
Big Ben is, however, the name of the tower's largest bell, which
weighs a massive 13 tons. It was cast in 1858, at the Whitechapel
Bell Foundry, in east London, and to this day, remains one of
the largest bells ever cast there.
Each of the four clock faces is over 7m in diameter and contains
312 separate pieces of glass; while the four minute hands are
themselves, 14ft long.
Yet surprisingly, in this age of high technology, it's something
as simple as old pennies that are used as counterweights to ensure
Big Ben keeps time to the nearest second.
And when Parliament sits at night, a light known as the Ayrton
light, burns in the clock tower above Big Ben.
The second tower, the Victoria Tower, is at the opposite end
of the building and houses the Parliamentary archives. It's from
here that the Union Flag flies whenever Parliament is sitting.
Work first began on Westminster Hall as far back as 1097 and
it was William Rufus, the son of William the Conqueror, who was
largely responsible.
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Measuring 240ft by 60ft, it was, for many years, the meeting
place of the Royal Courts of Justice. Outside its door, stands
a statue of Oliver Cromwell, a fitting reminder that it was here,
in 1653, that he was sworn-in as Lord Protector, following the
untimely demise of King Charles I.
It was here, too, that Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators
were tried and convicted of high treason in 1606.
Although both Houses are involved in legislative procedure, they
have separate chambers.
The House of Commons chamber is actually quite small - so small,
in fact, that although MP's number 659, there are only seats for
427. Consequently, when important issues are debated, members
are forced to squeeze into benches or even sit on steps.
Benches are arranged on either side of a table, with the party
of government to the right, the opposition to the left.
Government ministers and those speaking for the opposition sit
in front and are known as frontbenchers, with the rest, the so-called
backbenchers, behind.
The Speaker, who controls proceedings, sits on a raised chair
at one end of the chamber. Benches and carpets are green, the
traditional colour of the House of Commons.
In the Lords' chamber, however, the 250 benches are red, its
traditional colour and although arranged in similar fashion to
those in the Commons, they are not specifically allocated.
The Speaker, or Lord Chancellor to give him his correct title,
sits not on a chair, but on a Woolsack, a large scarlet cushion
filled with wool - a tradition dating back to the middle ages,
when wool was England's largest export.
Also in the Lords' chamber, is the throne from where the Queen
speaks to both Houses during the State Opening of Parliament.
Tours which include both chambers, as well as other areas of
interest, are available when Parliament is in recess.
Tickets are also available for Prime Minister's Question Time
(Wednesdays 12 - 12.30pm) but only through an MP or embassy.
The public galleries are open weekdays and are accessible via
St Stephen's Entrance.
Fancy
a summer tour? Buy tickets here!
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