The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the British Parliament, home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords. A royal palace has stood here since the eleventh century, but most of it burned in 1834. Only a few parts survived, including the great Westminster Hall from the eleventh century.
Charles Barry won the competition to design a new palace, choosing the Gothic Revival style. He was assisted by Augustus Pugin, and the palace became famous for its ornate decoration. Construction began in 1840 and lasted about 30 years, through delays, rising costs and the deaths of both men. The finished palace helped spread the Gothic Revival far beyond Britain.
Its Elizabeth Tower holds the bell known as Big Ben, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The palace is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Comments