Photo by Black Taxi Tours of London
Few buildings are as instantly recognisable as the Houses of Parliament. Standing proudly beside the River Thames, this magnificent landmark is more than just the home of British politics, it’s a masterpiece of architecture and a fascinating window into nearly 1,000 years of history.
The site has been at the heart of English government since the 11th century, when it served as a royal palace for kings and queens. Much of what visitors see today, however, dates from the 19th century after a devastating fire destroyed most of the original medieval palace in 1834. The stunning Gothic Revival building was designed by architect Sir Charles Barry, with the intricate decorative details created by Augustus Pugin.
One of its most famous features is the clock tower, officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, home to the legendary Big Ben. Surprisingly, Big Ben isn’t the tower at all, it’s the name of the enormous bell inside, weighing over 13 tonnes. It’s a common mistake, and one that even many Londoners occasionally make!
Here’s a fun historical anecdote: the 1834 fire that destroyed the old Palace of Westminster began because officials were burning thousands of old wooden tally sticks (an outdated medieval accounting system) in furnaces beneath the building. They overloaded the fires, the chimneys overheated, and before long one of Britain’s most famous buildings was ablaze. It’s probably one of history’s most expensive paperwork disposal mistakes!
Today, visitors can admire the magnificent exterior, stroll along Westminster Bridge for unforgettable photographs, or join a guided tour to explore the historic chambers where some of Britain’s biggest political decisions have been made.
See the Houses of Parliament on a black cab tour of London!