New palace of westminster

The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is a historic building complex in London, England, that serves as the meeting place of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The palace is located on the north bank of the River Thames and is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the world.

Here are some interesting facts about the Palace of Westminster:

  1. History: The Palace of Westminster has a long and complex history dating back to the 11th century. The original palace was built by King Edward the Confessor in the 1040s, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1512. The current palace was built in the 16th century and has undergone several renovations and restorations since then.
  2. Architecture: The Palace of Westminster is a mix of Gothic and Victorian architectural styles. The palace's clock tower, known as Big Ben (although the clock tower is actually called the Elizabeth Tower), is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
  3. Chamber of the House of Commons: The Chamber of the House of Commons is the debating chamber of the House of Commons, the lower chamber of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The chamber is famous for its ornate decorations and the Speaker's chair, which is adorned with the royal coat of arms.
  4. Chamber of the House of Lords: The Chamber of the House of Lords is the debating chamber of the House of Lords, the upper chamber of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The chamber is known for its ornate decorations and the Lord Speaker's chair, which is adorned with the royal coat of arms.
  5. Westminster Hall: Westminster Hall is a large medieval hall that has been used for various purposes over the centuries, including as a royal palace, a court of law, and a place of execution. The hall is now used for state occasions and is the site of the annual Remembrance Day service.
  6. The Queen's Robing Room: The Queen's Robing Room is a small room located in the Palace of Westminster where the monarch robes up before attending a state opening of Parliament. The room is decorated with the royal coat of arms and is a symbol of the monarch's role in the British parliamentary system.
  7. The Palace of Westminster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Palace of Westminster was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

In 2019, a devastating fire broke out in the Palace of Westminster, causing significant damage to the building. The fire was extinguished, and the palace has undergone extensive repairs and restoration work since then.

Overall, the Palace of Westminster is an iconic and historic building that plays a significant role in British politics and culture.