Visiting the Palace of Westminster, Part Two

Above, an evening view of the Palace of Westminster, or as it is familiarly known, the Houses of Parliament, seen from across the Thames in London. Below, a view of the cluster of buildings that comprised the Palace of Westminster before the  great fire of 1834.

The fire began on October 16, 1834, and burned all night, observed by large crowds of spectators. Government officials, including the Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, and even many artists watched as almost the entire complex was destroyed.​

Among the spectators was Joseph Mallord William Turner, who later painted oil studies of the scene.

About all that was left was Westminster Hall and various objects saved from the fire by volunteers. Both Houses soon found temporary quarters, but clearly, a new structure would have to be established.  ​

After a competition for design, construction began on a vast neo-Gothic building on the old site on the riverside. The winning architect was Charles Barry, later knighted, with Augustus Pugin, his assistant. By the time construction actually began in 1839, Queen Victoria was on the throne.  

Model of the Palace of Westminter, with Westmister Hall in the foreground, the Elizabeth Tower and Beg Ben on the left.

Before the fire, the House of Lords looked like this, as published in Ackermann's 1808 Microcosm of London

 After the new building was complete, the House of Lords looked much as it does in the 21st Century.

In both Houses, we tourists were not allowed to sit on the benches or chairs. for these are reserved for the elected or appointed members. Fortunately, there were other "allowable" seats along the way. Below, for special occasions, such as the monarch's annual address, members of the Commons join the Lords in this chamber, as below pictured in 2015.

Here is the House of Commons in 1808, as drawn for the Microcosm of London.

The House of Commons today.

Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the House of Commons.

When the Houses are in session it is possible to obtain passes to the Visitor's Gallery to listen to debates, but often the remainder of the building may be closed to tourists.

As usual, the tour ended with a visit to the gift shop and tea room. Time for a cuppa.
         More London exploits to come: Courtauld Gallery, the Guildhall, Kensington Palace, and  Frederick Leighton;s House, to name a few.