Palace of Westminster
Meeting place of the UK Parliament, a symbol of British government.
The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, located in London, England. Colloquially known as the Houses of Parliament, it houses the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The palace is a centre of political life in the UK; 'Westminster' has become a metonym for the UK Parliament and the British Government, and the Westminster system of government commemorates its name. The Elizabeth Tower houses the bell nicknamed Big Ben, a landmark of London and the UK.
- location
- London, England
- architect
- Charles Barry (with Augustus Pugin)
- style
- Gothic Revival (Perpendicular Gothic)
- notable_feature
- Elizabeth Tower with bell nicknamed Big Ben
Lore & Background
Over centuries, Parliament adapted spaces like St Stephen's Chapel and the Painted Chamber.
Reader's Guide
Westminster Hall was saved. A competition for a new design was won by Charles Barry, who chose a Gothic Revival style. The new palace features ornate decoration and contributed to the spread of Gothic Revival architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Palace of Westminster?
It is the London-based meeting place of the United Kingdom's Parliament, colloquially known as the Houses of Parliament, and it houses both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Who designed the Palace of Westminster and in what architectural style?
Charles Barry led the design with Augustus Pugin contributing the ornamental details, and the building is a celebrated example of Gothic Revival architecture rooted in the Perpendicular Gothic tradition.
What is Big Ben?
Big Ben is the popular nickname for the great bell housed inside the palace's Elizabeth Tower, not the tower itself, and it has become one of the most recognizable symbols of London and the UK.
Why is the Palace of Westminster important?
It is the physical centre of British political life, and the name 'Westminster' has become a metonym for the UK Parliament and government, with the broader 'Westminster system' of parliamentary governance also taking its name from it.
Where is the Palace of Westminster located?
It stands on the south bank of the River Thames in central London, England, occupying the historic site of the medieval royal palace.
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