Houses of Parliament and Big Ben–London

The Palace of Westminster, commonly known as the Houses of Parliament

Meeting place House of Commons and House of Lords, the two houses of the United Kingdom’s government

The ‘heart of British politics’

Northern bank of River Thames, City of Westminster, central London

Name derived from nearby Westminster Abbey

11th century, first royal palace built, primary residence Kings until 1512 fire

Since 13th century,  served both as Parliament’s home, and the seat of the Royal Courts of Justice

14th-16th centuries Gothic Revival style

1834, another fire, new architect Charles Barry

1941, bombing WWII, Palace took twelve hits, needing extensive repairs

1970, Grade I listed building

1987, UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

Big Ben

nickname for the Great Clock of Westminster

North end of Palace of Westminster

Builder Edward John Dent

1859, completed

2009,  150th anniversary

 

Clock Tower

2012, renamed Elizabeth Tower to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II

Emblem of parliamentary democracy

Iconic landmark of London and the United Kingdom