At the north-eastern end of the Palace is the most famous of its towers, the Elizabeth Tower (96.3m, 316ft), commonly known as Big Ben after its main bell. The tower also houses a large, four-faced clock designed by Augustus Pugin.

It is commonly called the Houses of Parliament after the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two legislative chambers which occupy the building. The palace is one of the centres of political life in the United Kingdom ; "Westminster" has become a metonym for the UK Parliament and the British Government , and the Westminster system of ...

Do you think you could make decisions that shape a whole nation? A visit to the Houses of Parliament, and the very famous and immediately recognisable clock tower standing alongside it, is the place to go to see how this happens in the UK.

Jun 2, 2021 · Following which the Houses of Parliament rebuilt by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin in the magnificent form they remain today. The iconic clock tower largely known as ‘ Big Ben ‘ was built during this time, and has swiftly become one of …

Read about the current Palace of Westminster as designed by architect Sir Charles Barry. The early history of the Palace of Westminster from the 11th century to the fire of 1834. The name Big Ben is often used to describe the tower, the clock and the bell but the name was first given to the Great Bell which was first struck on the 7 September 1859.

UK Parliament is open to visitors with a range of tours which enable you to see inside one of the world's most famous buildings and find out about the work of UK Parliament. Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of …

Jan 21, 2025 · Elizabeth Tower (formerly St. Stephen’s Tower), about 320 feet (97.5 metres) in height, contains the famous tower clock Big Ben. Along with Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church , the Houses of Parliament were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site …

Find out about this spectacular tower which crowns the Palace of Westminster. The Palace of Westminster includes a number of distinctive towers. Read more about them, and why they were constructed. Learn about the wartime Parliament and the temporary homes of the Lords and Commons during those years.

Apr 20, 2024 · The Houses of Parliament stand as a key symbol of British rule. Known as the Palace of Westminster , it’s where the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet. This place is famous for its striking architecture, like the iconic Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben .

The Houses of Parliament are renowned for their striking architectural features, from the pinnacled towers and expansive facade to its intricately decorated interiors. Some of the key highlights include: