Palace of Westminster: UK Parliament History

What is the Palace of Westminster commonly called?

The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of which entity?

What style of architecture did Charles Barry choose for the new Palace of Westminster?

In what year did a major fire destroy a large portion of the Palace of Westminster?

Which tower of the Palace of Westminster is nicknamed Big Ben?

Since what year has the Palace of Westminster been a Grade I listed building?

Before becoming the meeting place for Parliament, what was the original purpose of the Palace of Westminster?

Which part of the Palace of Westminster survived the fire of 1834?

What does 'Westminster' represent as a metonym?

Approximately how long did the construction of the new Palace of Westminster take after the 1834 fire?

Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster, located in London, is where the Parliament of the United Kingdom meets.
It is commonly referred to as the Houses of Parliament, named after the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two legislative chambers within.
"Westminster" represents the UK Parliament, the British Government, and the Westminster system of government.
The Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben, is a famous landmark in London and the UK.
The Palace of Westminster has been a Grade I listed building since 1970 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Originally built in the 11th century, it served as a royal palace until a fire in 1512 led the monarch to relocate to the Palace of Whitehall.
Parliament had been meeting there since the 13th century, even as it functioned as a royal residence.
In 1834, a major fire destroyed most of the palace, but the 12th-century Westminster Hall was preserved and integrated into the new structure.
Charles Barry won the competition to design the rebuilt palace, opting for a Gothic Revival style.
Construction began in 1840 and took 30 years, facing delays, budget issues, and the deaths of Barry and his assistant, Augustus Pugin.
The Palace includes chambers for the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the monarch.
It spans an area of 112,476 m2 (1,210,680 sq ft).
Significant repairs were necessary after World War II, including the reconstruction of the Commons chamber.
The palace requires urgent major repairs despite ongoing conservation efforts.

Explore the Palace of Westminster's history, home to the UK Parliament. From its origins as a royal palace to its role in British governance, discover its significance. Learn about the iconic Elizabeth Tower and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.