The Palace of Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church is one of the most famous landmark & tourist destination in London. 

Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is commonly called the Houses of Parliament after the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two legislative chambers which occupy the building. #Westminster has become a metonym for the UK Parliament and the British Government, and the Westminster system of government commemorates the name of the palace. The clock bell in the Elizabeth Tower of the palace, known by it's nickname #BigBen, is also a landmark of London.

The building was originally constructed in the eleventh century as a royal palace, and was the primary residence of the kings of England until 1512, when it was destroyed by a fire. The royals were relocated in neighboring Whitehall Palace, but remains of the building was continued to serve as the home for Parliament of England. In 1834 another large fire it was destroyed. It was rebuilt in 1840 on the remains of medival site, which also comprises medieval Church of Saint Margaret, and Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey is the place where monarchs are crowned, married and buried. It is also a focus for national memorials of those who have served their country, whether prominent individuals or representatives, such as the tomb of the Unknown Warrior. It is a place of worship for over 1000 years, maintains the daily cycle of worship as well as being the church where major national celebrations and cultural events are held. The Palace of Westminster continues to be the seat of Parliament.

The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church lie next to the River Thames in the heart of London. They are symbols of religion and power since Edward the Confessor built his palace and church in 11th century AD. Changing through the centuries together, they represent the journey from a feudal society to a modern democracy and show the intertwined history of church, monarchy and state. Together they encapsulate the history of one of the most ancient parliamentary monarchies of present times and the growth of parliamentary and constitutional institutions.

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