Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament

For over 900 years this impressive assemblage of Gothic buildings has been the home of English government. Indeed, no other place so potently symbolises democracy in the Western world. The building covers an area of eight acres and consists of 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases, 11 courtyards and over three kilometres of passages.

The House of Lords occupies the southern end of the building whilst the House of Commons occupy the northern end. Within the Houses of Parliament there is also Westminster Hall, the Crypt Church, Members' Lobby, the Commons Library and the Peers Library. Outside, the tower containing Big Ben remains the single most celebrated structure in this very picturesque riverside seat of British government. In order to attend PMQ (Prime Minister's Question Time) in the House of Commons' Strangers' Gallery, UK citizens need to contact their local MP in advance to ensure entry. Alternatively one can queue at St Stephen's entrance but this may not prove successful.