London's iconic skyline is incomplete without the majestic silhouette of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. This historic complex, officially known as the Palace of Westminster, stands as a testament to Britain's rich political heritage and architectural prowess. For visitors and history enthusiasts alike, exploring these hallowed halls offers a unique glimpse into the heart of British democracy. From the intricate clock mechanism of Big Ben to the grand chambers where laws are debated, every corner of this landmark tells a story of power, tradition, and time.
History and architecture of the Elizabeth Tower
The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture that has become synonymous with London itself. Standing at 96 meters tall, this clock tower has been keeping time for Londoners since 1859. The tower's design, crafted by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, harmoniously blends with the elaborate façade of the Houses of Parliament, creating a unified and imposing presence along the Thames riverbank.
Originally named the Clock Tower, it was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. The tower's construction was part of a larger rebuilding project following a devastating fire in 1834 that destroyed much of the old Palace of Westminster. This reconstruction marked a pivotal moment in British architectural history, setting a new standard for public buildings and influencing Gothic Revival architecture worldwide.
The tower's exterior is adorned with intricate stonework, featuring delicate carvings and ornate details that exemplify the craftsmanship of the Victorian era. Each of the four clock faces measures an impressive 7 meters in diameter, making them visible from great distances across London. The clock's reliability and accuracy have made it a symbol of British precision and steadfastness throughout the years.
Accessing Big Ben and Parliament: tours and security protocols
Visiting Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament requires some planning, as access is carefully controlled due to the site's significance. While the exterior can be admired freely, entering the buildings involves specific procedures and considerations. It's essential to note that tours of the Elizabeth Tower itself are currently limited and often booked months in advance.
Westminster Hall guided tours: tracing 1000 years of history
Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the parliamentary estate, offers guided tours that provide a fascinating journey through a millennium of British history. These tours, led by knowledgeable guides, take visitors through the vast medieval hall where coronation banquets were held and where many historical figures stood trial. The hall's hammer-beam roof, a masterpiece of medieval engineering, never fails to impress visitors with its grandeur and intricate wooden carvings.
House of Commons Chamber: witnessing parliamentary debates
For those interested in British politics, visiting the House of Commons Chamber is a must. When Parliament is in session, you can observe debates from the public galleries. This offers a unique opportunity to see democracy in action, as Members of Parliament discuss and vote on crucial national issues. The chamber's layout, with its opposing benches, reflects the adversarial nature of British parliamentary democracy.
St. Stephen's Hall: exploring medieval Westminster Palace
St. Stephen's Hall, once the site of the House of Commons until the 19th century, is rich with historical significance. Today, it serves as a grand entrance to the modern Commons Chamber. The hall's walls are adorned with statues and paintings depicting key moments in British parliamentary history, offering visitors a visual journey through the evolution of democracy in the UK.
Security screening process at Cromwell Green entrance
Security at the Houses of Parliament is understandably strict. All visitors must pass through airport-style security checks at the Cromwell Green entrance. It's advisable to arrive well in advance of your tour time to allow for these procedures. Prohibited items include large bags, sharp objects, and liquids over 100ml. Photography is restricted in certain areas, so it's important to follow the guidance provided by staff and tour guides.
Big Ben's iconic clock mechanism and restoration
The heart of Big Ben lies in its remarkable clock mechanism, a feat of 19th-century engineering that continues to fascinate horologists and visitors alike. This intricate system has kept London on time for over 160 years, with only minor interruptions for maintenance and repairs.
Dent's great clock: engineering marvel of the 19th century
The clock mechanism, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison (later Lord Grimthorpe) and built by clockmaker Edward John Dent, is a masterpiece of precision engineering. The main clock features a double three-legged gravity escapement, which ensures accuracy by separating the pendulum from the clock's wheel-train. This innovative design allows the clock to maintain remarkable accuracy, typically varying by less than two seconds per week.
The clock's pendulum, measuring 3.9 meters in length and weighing 300 kilograms, beats once every two seconds. To compensate for temperature changes that could affect the pendulum's length and thus the clock's accuracy, a stack of old penny coins is used to make fine adjustments. This simple yet effective solution demonstrates the ingenuity of Victorian engineering.
2017-2022 conservation project: challenges and achievements
In 2017, Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower embarked on a major conservation project, the most extensive in its history. This ambitious undertaking aimed to address structural issues, restore the clock mechanism, and enhance visitor facilities. The project faced numerous challenges, including the discovery of significant bomb damage from World War II that had been hidden for decades.
Key achievements of the restoration include:
- Cleaning and repairing over 1,000 pieces of the clock mechanism
- Restoring the tower's original Prussian blue color scheme
- Installing a lift to improve accessibility
- Repairing and reglazing the clock dials
- Enhancing fire safety systems throughout the tower
The project's completion in 2022 marked a new chapter for this beloved landmark, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Elizabeth Tower's Ayrton Light: signaling parliamentary sessions
Atop the Elizabeth Tower sits the Ayrton Light, a lesser-known but significant feature. This lantern, installed in 1885, serves as a signal that Parliament is in session. When both Houses are sitting after dark, the light shines, visible across London. This tradition continues to this day, symbolizing the ongoing work of democracy even in the late hours.
Parliamentary traditions and ceremonies at Westminster
The Houses of Parliament are steeped in traditions that date back centuries, many of which continue to play a vital role in modern British politics. These customs and ceremonies provide a unique insight into the UK's constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
One of the most notable ceremonies is the State Opening of Parliament, where the monarch delivers the Queen's (or King's) Speech, outlining the government's agenda for the coming session. This grand occasion sees the Sovereign enter the House of Lords, while the House of Commons is summoned by the Black Rod, an official who has the door to the Commons symbolically slammed in their face, representing the Commons' independence from the Crown.
Another fascinating tradition is the practice of MPs dragging the newly elected Speaker of the House to the chair. This custom dates back to times when the Speaker's role was dangerous, as they were responsible for communicating Parliament's will to the monarch, sometimes with fatal consequences.
The division lobbies, where MPs vote by physically walking through different corridors to signify their 'Aye' or 'No' votes, is another unique aspect of British parliamentary procedure. This method of voting, while seemingly archaic, allows for informal discussions and last-minute persuasions, playing a crucial role in the democratic process.
Surrounding Westminster area: notable landmarks and attractions
The area surrounding the Houses of Parliament is rich with historical and cultural significance, offering visitors a wealth of attractions to explore. This neighborhood, known as Westminster, serves as the political heart of the United Kingdom and boasts some of London's most iconic landmarks.
Westminster Abbey: coronation site of british monarchs
Just a stone's throw from Big Ben stands Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country. This magnificent church has been the coronation site for British monarchs since William the Conqueror in 1066. It also serves as the final resting place for many of Britain's most influential figures, including scientists, poets, and royalty.
The abbey's architecture spans nearly a thousand years, with highlights including the intricate fan-vaulted ceiling of the Henry VII Chapel and the Cosmati pavement in front of the High Altar. Visitors can explore the Poets' Corner, where literary giants such as Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens are memorialized, and the Coronation Chair, used in every coronation since 1308.
10 Downing Street: official residence of the prime minister
A short walk from Parliament Square brings you to 10 Downing Street, the official residence and office of the British Prime Minister. While public access is restricted, the famous black door and polished brass letterbox are visible from Whitehall. The street itself has become synonymous with the highest echelons of British government, often used in media shorthand to refer to the Prime Minister's office or decisions.
The building's history dates back to the 17th century, and it has served as the Prime Minister's residence since 1735. Behind its unassuming façade lies a complex of offices and living quarters, including the Cabinet Room where government meetings are held.
Churchill War Rooms: underground WWII command center
Hidden beneath the streets of Westminster are the Churchill War Rooms, a fascinating museum that preserves the underground bunker used by Winston Churchill and his staff during World War II. This secret complex, now part of the Imperial War Museums, offers visitors a glimpse into the nerve center of Britain's war effort.
The rooms have been meticulously preserved, appearing much as they did when they were hurriedly abandoned at the end of the war. Highlights include the Map Room, where the progress of the war was tracked 24 hours a day, and Churchill's bedroom, which he rarely used, preferring to sleep at 10 Downing Street despite the risk of air raids.
Westminster Bridge: iconic thames river crossing
Westminster Bridge, with its distinctive green paint matching the leather seats in the House of Commons, offers some of the best views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. This Grade II listed structure, opened in 1862, is one of London's most photographed bridges.
Standing on the bridge, you can appreciate the full grandeur of the Palace of Westminster reflected in the Thames. The bridge also provides excellent views of the London Eye and the South Bank, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike.
Photography tips and best viewing points for Big Ben
Capturing the perfect shot of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament is a goal for many visitors to London. The iconic clock tower offers numerous photographic opportunities, each presenting the landmark in a different light and context. Here are some tips and prime locations for photographing this world-famous landmark:
- Westminster Bridge: For classic frontal views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, especially beautiful at sunset.
- South Bank: Walk along the river for varying angles and reflections in the Thames.
- St. James's Park: Capture Big Ben framed by trees and flowers, particularly stunning in spring and autumn.
- Parliament Square: For close-up shots and details of the tower's architecture.
- Hungerford Bridge: Offers a unique perspective with Big Ben in the distance, framed by the city skyline.
When photographing Big Ben, consider the following tips:
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full height of the tower and its surroundings.
- Experiment with night photography to capture the illuminated clock faces.
- Include people or iconic London elements (like red buses) in the foreground for scale and context.
- Be patient and wait for the right light; early morning or golden hour can provide dramatic lighting conditions.
- Consider using a tripod for low-light shots or to capture the motion of traffic while keeping the tower sharp.
Remember that the area around Big Ben can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Arriving early in the morning or later in the evening can help you avoid the crowds and capture more serene images. Additionally, keep an eye on the weather forecast; a mix of clouds and clear sky can add drama to your photographs.
For those interested in capturing unique angles, consider booking a ride on the London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel offers aerial views of Big Ben and the entire Westminster area, providing a perspective that's impossible to achieve from ground level. The changing elevation as you rotate offers multiple opportunities to frame your shot perfectly.
Lastly, while it's tempting to focus solely on Big Ben, don't forget to explore the intricate details of the surrounding architecture. The neo-Gothic façade of the Houses of Parliament offers a wealth of photographic subjects, from ornate carvings to the play of light and shadow on the stonework. These details can provide compelling close-up shots that complement your wider views of the landmark.