Westminster Palace, also known as the Houses of Parliament, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally a royal residence, it evolved into the seat of England’s government and one of the most iconic structures in the UK.

Early History

The palace began as a royal residence in the 11th century, when Edward the Confessor constructed a royal palace and church on the site, which would become Westminster Abbey. William the Conqueror, after his victory in 1066, made it a significant administrative center. Over the following centuries, Westminster Palace grew into the primary residence for English kings and a center of royal government.

The Birth of English Parliament

In the 13th century, Westminster Palace became closely associated with government functions. Under King Henry III and Edward I, the hall was expanded, and the English Parliament began to meet more frequently within the palace. In 1295, the Model Parliament, considered the first representative parliament, convened there. During this time, Westminster Hall became the setting for court cases, banquets, and state functions, including the trials of notable figures like Sir Thomas More.

Transition from Royal Palace to Government Center

In 1512, a fire devastated large parts of the palace, leading King Henry VIII to move his residence to Whitehall Palace. After this move, Westminster Palace began transitioning away from being a royal residence, instead serving as the permanent home of Parliament. This transition made it the center of English governance and legislative affairs. The Commons and Lords began holding regular sessions in different chambers, and it gradually developed into the two-house system still in place today.

The Great Fire of 1834

A major fire in 1834 nearly destroyed the entire palace, sparing only a few structures, including Westminster Hall, the Jewel Tower, the Cloisters, and the Chapel of St. Mary Undercroft. After the fire, the British government decided to rebuild the palace with a design that would suit its role as the heart of Parliament. Architects Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin won the bid to create the new Gothic Revival design. The iconic design, including the Clock Tower (now known as Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben), embodies the Gothic style and has become a symbol of British governance.

Modern Era and Significance

Today, Westminster Palace remains the seat of the UK Parliament, housing the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Over the years, it has seen momentous debates, including those around women’s suffrage, both World Wars, and major reforms to British law. Westminster Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major landmark, embodying centuries of British political history and architecture.

This historical evolution—from a royal palace to a parliamentary institution—reflects the shifting structure of English and, later, British governance, and Westminster Palace remains one of the most significant political buildings in the world.

Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower, two of the most iconic features of the British Parliament’s Westminster Palace, have fascinating histories. Often mistakenly used interchangeably, Big Ben technically refers to the great bell within Elizabeth Tower, although many people use "Big Ben" to refer to the entire clock tower.

Origins and Design of Elizabeth Tower

Elizabeth Tower was constructed after the Great Fire of 1834, which destroyed much of Westminster Palace. Following the fire, architects Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin were commissioned to redesign the palace in a Gothic Revival style, and they incorporated a clock tower into the plans. Completed in 1859, the tower initially was called simply the "Clock Tower." However, in 2012, it was renamed Elizabeth Tower to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, marking her 60th year on the throne.

The tower stands at over 96 meters (315 feet) tall, with 334 stairs leading up to the clock and bell room. Its design incorporates Victorian Gothic elements, such as intricate stonework and an iron spire, and it has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

The Clock and Bells

The clock itself was an engineering marvel of its time, built by clockmaker Edward John Dent and completed by his stepson, Frederick Dent. It was the largest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world when it was built. Each of the four clock faces measures about 7 meters (23 feet) in diameter, and they are illuminated, allowing them to be seen across London. The clock’s movement is regulated by a stack of old pennies placed on the pendulum to adjust its rate, a unique method that has maintained the clock’s accuracy over the years.

Big Ben, the Great Bell inside the tower, weighs over 13.5 tons and strikes the hour with its famous "bong." The original bell, cast in 1856, cracked soon after installation and had to be recast in 1858 by George Mears of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. This bell also developed a crack, but instead of recasting it again, engineers simply rotated it slightly and used a lighter hammer to strike it, creating its distinctive sound.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Since its completion, Big Ben has become an enduring symbol of British resilience and heritage. The chimes of Big Ben rang through both World Wars, becoming a broadcasted symbol of hope, especially during the Blitz of World War II. In modern times, its chimes mark the New Year and important state occasions.

From 2017 to 2021, Elizabeth Tower underwent an extensive conservation project, during which Big Ben was largely silent except for special occasions. This restoration aimed to preserve the clock’s mechanisms, clean the intricate stonework, and refurbish the faces.

Big Ben Today

Today, Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower remain one of the most beloved landmarks in the UK. They symbolize British democracy and the endurance of the country’s historical architecture, maintaining both time and tradition. The tower’s Gothic splendor and Big Ben’s distinct chime continue to capture the imaginations of Londoners and visitors alike, standing as a proud testament to Britain’s rich architectural and cultural history