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Dramatic fire of 1834
Over 700 years of history were destroyed in the dramatic fire of 1834.
William the Conqueror established the Palace of Westminster, soon after the Tower of London. Courts travelled around the country with the King during the Medieval period, but by the 15th century, they became established in the Palace.
Before the fire, the river frontage exhibited an odd mixture of brick and stone buildings, with the ancient "Chapel of St. Stephen in the middle. The speaker's house and garden were here, and the Star Chamber, where Charles I was tried by Parliament.
The old hall of Westminster, which was central to the Medieval palace, was constructed mainly during the reign of Richard II in the 14th century. It is now the vestibule to the Houses of Lords and Commons in the modern building.
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Destruction of Parliament by Fire, 16 Oct 1834 |
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The Houses of Parliament |
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Reconstruction
The modern Palace of Westminster, was built in 1840 to the ornate Tudor design of Sir Charles Barry. It covers 8 acres and has nearly 1,100 rooms.
The Houses of Lords and Commons are contained within, but most tourists are familiar with the clock tower. Big Ben is actually the 8 ton bell contained within the tower, and famous across the world as it chimes the hour on the radio.
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Introduction
Westminster
