Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, located on the banks of the River Thames in London, stand as iconic symbols of British democracy and architecture. The complex is officially known as the Palace of Westminster and is a historic site of immense political significance. Its history dates back to the 11th century when the first royal palace was built on the site. However, the current neo-Gothic architecture, designed by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, was completed in the mid-19th century following a fire that destroyed much of the earlier building.
One of the most recognizable features of the Palace of Westminster is the Elizabeth Tower, commonly referred to as Big Ben. However, “Big Ben” technically refers to the Great Bell housed within the tower, which weighs 13.5 tons and chimes the famous notes heard around the world. The tower itself was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, though it is still commonly known as Big Ben.
Today, the Houses of Parliament continue to serve as the meeting place for both houses of the UK Parliament, the House of Commons, and the House of Lords. It is where the country’s lawmakers convene to debate and pass legislation. Every year 1 million visitors from around the world flock to witness the historic proceedings in the Houses of Parliament and to marvel at the stunning architecture of the Palace of Westminster.
Recommended Resources
- Explorer Reading Task – London (Passport Link) (One Page Link)
- Houses of Parliament Resources (Website Link)
- Houses of Parliament – Britannica Kids (Website Link)
- DIY Crafts – How to make a paper Big Ben (YouTube Link)
- Inside Big Ben’s Makeover (YouTube Link)
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