Top 10 Facts about the Palace of Westminster

By Ozeye – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about the Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster acts as the meeting place for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords

These two are the houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

The building is informally known as the houses of parliament because of its occupants.

This Palace is on the northern bank of River Thames in Westminster in central London.

It got its name from the neighbouring Westminster Abbey, as well as refer to the Old Palace that was destroyed by fire in 1834.

The old Palace was a medieval building. After the fire, a new palace was built on the same spot. 

This Palace also doubles as a royal residence and is owned by the monarch in right of the Crown.

The royal monarch uses the Palace for ceremonial purposes. Let us now look at the top 10 facts about the Palace of Westminster.

1. The Palace of Westminster is known by other names

The location of the Palace is known by many as the Houses of Parliament.

This building was once a royal palace built in the 11^th century. The original building was badly damaged by fire in 1512.

It was renovated but suffered the same fate in 1834 when another huge fire razed it down.

A more robust structure, the current Palace, was built in its place.

The Palace is with no doubt one of the most beautiful buildings in London.

its remarkable location on the banks of the Thames in central London makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations.

2. It used to be the primary residence of the Kings of England

By Ozeye – Wikimedia

The first royal palace that stood on this site was from the 11th century.

Westminster was the primary residence of the Kings of England until it was destroyed by fire in 1512.

What remained were Westminster Hall, the Cloisters of St Stephen’s, the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, and the Jewel Tower.

The remaining part of the Palace was used by the Parliament of England. They have been converging there since the 13^th century.

It also serves as the Royal courts of Justice based in Westminster Hall.

The new palace was built specifically for Parliament and modern democracy.

It was completed in 1870 by architects Charles Barry and his assistant, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin.

3. A huge fire destroyed the Palace

Like most ancient buildings, the Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire. It not only happened once but twice.

The medieval building had a wooden roof, this was the largest in northern Europe.

This fire was caused by an overheated stove that was used to destroy the exchequer’s stockpile in 1834.

Most of the building was destroyed except Westminster hall that was saved by firefighters.

Other sections of the palace that survived the fire were the Jewel Tower, the Undercroft Chapel and the Cloisters and Chapter House of St Stephen’s.

It was also hit at least 14 times during the Blitz. The palace was severely damaged by a bomb in 1943.

Major reconstruction took place after the end of World War II.

Giles Gilbert Scott created the new design of the Palace

4. Construction of the new Palace took 3 decades

Charles Barry, a Gothic revival architect, is the one who designed the new Palace.

He based his design on the English Gothic style, this enabled him to retain and include the sections that survived the fire.

The new building is much larger and grander compared to the original building.

A further improvement of the building was done by Charles Barry. Barry’s design won for the new buildings in the Gothic Revival style.

He was inspired by the English Perpendicular Gothic style of the 14^th and 16^th centuries.

Barry was assisted by Augustus Pugin, he was one of the best in Gothic architecture.

Augustus designed the interior of the Palace. Construction of the new Palace started in 1840 and lasted for 30 years.

5. Big Ben is an Icon in London

By Colin – Wikimedia

The large clock found in the Elizabeth Click Tower is one of the most important parts of the Houses of Parliament.

This clock is known by many as Big Ben. It is one of the most famous sights in London’s skyline.

The clock is mostly used in memorabilia and other souvenirs by guests. Such antiques are found in boutique hotels and stores.

It also serves as an emblem of the parliamentary democracy.

6. The name predates the Norman conquest

The Palace of Westminster is officially known by this name because a palace once stood on the same location centuries ago.

That Palace was constructed by Edward the Confessor, he was the second to last Anglo-Saxon monarch of England serving between 1045 and 1050.

The Palace was rebuilt during the Victorian era as a neo-gothic palace. It occupied 8 acres of land.

There were courtyards, passageways and corridors, over 100 staircases and more than 1000 rooms.

7. It is still a royal residence

The palace of Westminster is owned by the monarch in right of the Crown. They use the building for ceremonial purposes.

Although it also serves as the house of commons and House of Lords, it has retained its status as a royal residence.

Both houses appoint committees that manage the building.

During ceremonial events, the Queen plays a key role such as the State Opening of Parliament. This tradition has been passed on from many centuries.

8. There are strict traditions to be observed in the Palace

By Samuel Begg (1854–1936) – Wikimedia

Every house has rules, so does the Palace of Westminster. While it houses the modern government, it has maintained its old traditions.

In the past, members of parliament would bring their swords with them. They had a place to hang them while they were in session.

Most of the rooms have markings on the floor inscribed two sword lengths.

This was used to stop fights from breaking out in the building. 

Another interesting tradition is the Black Rod. This tradition has been practised for more than 650 years.

The rod knocks on the doors of the House of Commons first time, they shut the door in the rod’s face.

What follows is the rod knocking three times with their staff before being permitted to enter the House of Commons.

9. Parliament is opened by the monarch each year

By Mike Gimelfarb – Wikimedia

Another age-old tradition practised by the Houses of Parliament is the state opening.

This event takes place every November or after a general election. The queen rides from Buckingham Palace to Parliament in an Irish state coach.

During the procession, the monarch is only allowed to enter the Houses of Parliament to a Certain Point.

The monarch is not allowed past the Throne in the House of Lords.

10. Decorations in the chambers are highly symbolic

By U.S. Department of State – Wikimedia

There are two most famous rooms in the Houses of Parliament. The first one is the Lord’s Chamber which is the most decorated room.

It features ornate carvings and is brightly coloured.

The other room is the Commons Chamber which is less decorated compared to the Lord’s Chamber.

Its furnishings are from several commonwealth countries.