Houses of Parliament Westminster London

Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster), London

The Houses of Parliament or the Palace of Westminster in London is the seat of the House of Commons and the House of Lords and the centre of the government of the UK.

Palace of Westminster, London

History

The present palace, which includes the clock tower of Big Ben is located on the north bank of the River Thames close to Westminster Abbey, Portcullis House and Westminster Bridge. It now faces the London Eye on the South Bank.

The present Gothic Palace of Westminster was built in the 19th century beginning in 1840 and was a long time in construction. The original architect was Charles Barry (1795-1860).

Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster), London

Medieval Palace

The first medieval palace built in Westminster was the residence of English monarchs, only Westminster Hall, dating from the reign of William II (1056-1100), survives and is incorporated into the present structure.

From 1530 onwards the monarch had moved his residence to York Place. However, the Houses of Commons and Lords continued to sit in the original palace.

Big Ben Clock Face

Alterations to the Old Palace were made by Sir John Soane between 1824 and 1827. However, a huge fire in 1834 destroyed much of what had been built over the ages.

The Palace of Westminster sustained extensive bomb damage in World War II. However, work was done to subsequently repair and restore the historic palace in the post-war period.

Houses of Parliament (Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster), London), London

The Houses of Parliament aka the Palace of Westminster, London

Other London attractions located near to the River Thames include the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and also the George Inn in Southwark. Just across the River Thames are the London Eye and also County Hall – the former GLC building. This is now a hub for various entertainment centers – the Sea Life London Aquarium, London Dungeon, as well as Shrek’s Adventure.

Access – Getting There

House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Map of the Houses of Parliament

Westminster on the Circle, District and Jubilee lines is the nearest tube station. Many London buses also pass by the Houses of Parliament. These include the 3, C10 and also the 11, 12, 87, 88, 148, 159 and 381.

Illuminated

Subtle LED lighting illuminates the building at night. For example, in 2023 for the Coronation of King Charles III, the building displayed red, blue and white lights – the colors of the national flag or Union Jack.