Guide du routard Londres
Le parlement
Backpackers' Guide to London's Tourist Information | Backpackers' Guide to London Tourist Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to London's Historical Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to Shopping in London | Backpackers' Guide to Sport in London | Backpackers' Guide to Entertainment in London | Backpackers' Guide to Food in London | Backpackers' Guide to London Museums Bitten by the political bug? Jump out of your warm hotel sheets and head to the House of Parliament for a day of British rule. The Mother of all Parliaments, more respectively called the Palace of Westminster, houses the British parliament, which is the seat of the Government of the United Kingdom. It consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Under the House of Parliament, the laws, government policies and administration, and expenditures of the lands are debated daily. Originally built in the 11th century by Edward the Confessor, the Palace of Westminster was formerly the residence of England’s kings until the early 16th century. In 1512 though, it ceased to be a royal abode because of a fire that consumed most of the building. It was converted into the House of Parliament. Containing 1,000 rooms, 11 courtyards, 8 bars, and 6 restaurants, the House of Parliament only allows the public access to the Visitor’s Galleries, where one can twatch the Commons or Lords in session. However there are guided tours of Westminster Hall, which showcases a fine example of medieval design. The best activity to catch is the Prime Minister’s Question Time which is held at 15.00 on Wednesdays. The most renowned landmark in London is found at the House of Parliament. Contrary to popular belief, the Big Ben is not the clock tower but the thirteenth bell which strikes the hour. Big Ben’s deep chimes can be heard daily on BBC radio. Named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the Commissioner of Works at the time when the bell was hung in 1958, Big Ben was the second bell to be cast for the clock—the first one cracked during a test ring. The clock on the tower is Britain’s largest and has been keeping almost exact time continuously since 1859. A place of much history and power, the House of Parliament is a great destination to visit. Romanticize the stories built upon its famous landmark, the Big Ben, and get involved in the daily government dealings of the Commons and Lords.
Introduction
History
Features
Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677
