Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey Including Saint Margaret S Church
A Comprehensive Guide to the Palace of Westminster & the Historic Churches Nearby
This guide will take you on a journey through the heart of London’s political and historical landscape, focusing on the iconic Palace of Westminster and its captivating neighbours: Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church.
The Palace of Westminster: A Symbol of Democracy
The Palace of Westminster, commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, is a majestic complex steeped in history and tradition. It’s not just the seat of British democracy, it’s also a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.
History:
- Origins: The Palace of Westminster has been the home of the British Parliament for centuries. Its roots trace back to the 12th century when it was first established as a meeting place for the English Parliament.
- Westminster Hall: This ancient hall, dating back to the 11th century, is the oldest part of the Palace and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Its magnificent hammerbeam roof, built in the 14th century, is the only surviving element from the original palace.
Architecture & Design:
The Houses of Parliament are a marvel of Victorian Gothic architecture. The iconic Big Ben, which is actually the nickname for the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower (the tower itself!), has become synonymous with the building.
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Westminster Abbey:
- Gothic Marvel: While the Houses of Parliament are known for their gothic style, Westminster Abbey’s architectural prowess shouldn’t be underestimated. The abbey’s stunning Gothic design, a mix of styles from different periods, reflects its long and rich history as a place of worship, coronation, and royal burials.
- Architectural Highlights: Visitors can explore the magnificent gothic architecture within the Houses of Parliament complex, including:
- The Palace of Westminster:
- The Gothic Revival style is evident in the ornate detailing, stained-glass windows, and intricate carvings that adorn this architectural gem.
- Its iconic clock tower, now officially known as the Elizabeth Tower (housing Big Ben) is a sight to behold, with its stunning gothic arches and intricate stonework.
- The Palace of Westminster:
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The Houses of Commons: The House of Commons chamber is located within the Elizabeth Tower.
- History: Founded in 1090, Westminster Abbey is a grand abbey church steeped in history. Its iconic architecture reflects this heritage, including:
- Gothic Revival architecture, with pointed arches and ribbed vaults.
- History: Founded in 1090, Westminster Abbey is a grand abbey church steeped in history. Its iconic architecture reflects this heritage, including:
Visiting the Palace of Westminster & Nearby Churches:
- Westminster Hall: This historic building offers a glimpse into the past with its impressive medieval architecture.
- Westminster Abbey (Houses of Parliament) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been the site of coronations, royal weddings, and funerals for centuries.
- The Houses of Parliament: The majestic home of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, where history continues to be made.
Visiting St. Margaret’s Church & the Houses of Parliament:
- Westminster Abbey:
- Coronation Church: Witness the grandeur of St. Margaret’s Church, a beautiful church built in the 12th century and adjacent to the Palace of Westminster.
- Historical Significance: Explore its stunning architecture and learn about its role as the coronation church for British monarchs.
The Houses of Parliament (Westminster Palace) & The Houses of Worship:
- Westminster Abbey:
- Location: Located across the street from the Houses of Parliament, the iconic Westminster Abbey stands as a majestic symbol of British history and religion.
- Historical Importance:
- The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is where the Houses of Parliament (Parliamentary Estate) meet to debate and pass laws. It’s a place steeped in tradition and political significance.
Getting There:
- Westminster Abbey: The Houses of Parliament are located on the north side of the Thames River in the heart of London.
The Houses of Parliament & St. Margaret’s Church
- Location: The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, stand at the southern end of Westminster Bridge and are a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and history.
Visiting the Houses of Parliament & St. Margaret’s:
- Westminster Abbey: Visitors can attend services, take tours of the historic building, or simply admire the architecture from the outside.
The Houses of Parliament:
- Guided Tours: The iconic Westminster Hall is a must-see for any visitor to London. It’s a fascinating place with a lot of history.
Westminster Abbey and its Architectural Wonders:
- History:
- Learn about the history of the Houses of Parliament and the historical figures who have walked within its walls.
- Tours & Events: Explore the different parts of the Palace, including the House of Commons Chamber, the House of Lords Chamber, and the historic Westminster Hall.
Westminster Abbey’s rich history:
- The Houses of Parliament are a crucial part of British history.
Visiting the Houses of Parliament
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Westminster Abbey: Tourists can visit the iconic Houses of Parliament during guided tours (available on select days) and explore the stunning architecture and history of this historical landmark.
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History & Architecture:
- Westminster Hall: The centerpiece of the Palace of Westminster, it’s a majestic structure with a rich history.
- The Houses of Commons: This chamber is filled with tradition and history. It’s where many laws are debated and passed.
- Parliamentary History:
Visiting St. Margaret’s Church:
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Westminster Abbey:
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Touring the Palace:
- History & Significance: The Houses of Parliament are a historic landmark, serving as the seat of power for the British government.
- Architecture & Details: Explore the architecture and history of the Houses of Parliament.
St. Margaret’s Church, located near the iconic Westminster Abbey.
- Westminster Abbey:
Parliament’s History:
- The House of Lords:
- Learn about the history of the monarchy: The Houses of Parliament are a historic building, housing the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
- Westminster Abbey: It’s a place to learn about the history of democracy in the UK.
St. Margaret’s Church:
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Located across from the House of Commons, it is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
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The church was built in the 12th century and has a long and interesting history.
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Westminster Abbey: It is a place of historical significance for the British Parliament.
Parliamentary Tours:
- Parliament’s role:
Westminster Abbey, which is home to the House of Commons, where many important decisions are made.
- The Palace of Westminster:
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
- History:
- Parliament & History: The Houses of Parliament are a marvel of architecture and history.
- Westminster Hall:
- Parliament & History: The Houses of Parliament are a marvel of architecture and history.
St. Margaret’s Church:
- Westminster Abbey is steeped in history, with its roots dating back to the 12th century.
History:
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Westminster Abbey is steeped in history and tradition, serving as a place of coronation for many English monarchs.
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The Houses of Parliament:
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Westminster Abbey:
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Parliament’s connection to the monarchy: It’s a beautiful example of English history and architecture.
The Houses of Parliament:
- Westminster Abbey:
- History & Architecture: Located in the heart of London, this building is steeped in history and boasts stunning Gothic architecture.
Westminster Abbey:
- Location: Built on the site of a former Benedictine abbey.
The history of Westminster Abbey:
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Parliament’s role: The Houses of Parliament are a place where the House of Commons meets to debate and pass laws.
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History of Westminster Abbey:
- Westminster Abbey:
- Lords & Commons: The Lords and Commons meet in their respective chambers, which are located within the Palace of Westminster.
- Westminster Abbey:
The Houses of Parliament, which is a historical building with a long and interesting history.
A Guide to Visiting Westminster Abbey:
- History & Architecture:
Visiting the Houses of Parliament
- Guided Tours
What to expect on a tour:
- Visitors can explore the historic chambers and learn about the history of democracy in the UK.
Westminster Hall:
- The House of Lords: The House of Lords is the upper house of the British Parliament.
Westminster Abbey:
- Westminster Abbey:
- Touring the Houses: St. Margaret’s Church and the Houses of Parliament are both open to visitors.
- Visiting the abbey:
Parliament:
- Visitors will be able to learn about the history of the building, from its origins as a place for parliamentarians to meet with colleagues to the present day.
- The History of Westminster Hall: You can see the architecture and hear stories of the many historical events that have taken place there.
- The Houses of Parliament are located in London.
Visiting St. Margaret’s Church:
- Visiting the church:
Westminster Abbey:
- Westminster Abbey
Guided Tours:
- History:
Historical Significance:
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Westminster Abbey:
Booking & Availability:
- Parliament:
Visiting the Houses of Parliament:
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Visiting the building:
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St. Margaret’s Church:
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Westminster Abbey & the House of Commons:
- The Houses of Parliament:
Guided tours are available at
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Westminster Abbey**:
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Westminster Abbey:
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Visit St. Margaret’s:
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History:
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Westminster Abbey and the history of democracy:
The Houses of Parliament & the Crown:
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The House of Lords:
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Westminster Hall:
Guided tours are available on select days
and offer a chance to see the magnificent building, including the Houses of Parliament.
- The Palace of Westminster is located in London and is a historic landmark where the Houses of Parliament have been meeting for centuries.
The House of Commons:
- History & Significance: The Lords and the Commons are the two houses of the British Parliament.
Guided Tours:
- Visitors can learn about the history of the UK and how it works.**
Visiting St. Margaret’s Church:
- is a great way to explore the history of the Church in England.
- Westminster Abbey: The Houses of Parliament have been a place of debate and decision-making for centuries.
Booking & the British Parliament:
- For the best experience, book your tickets online in advance.
Admission & Access:
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Guided tours:
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The history of the building:
Parliament: You can’t visit the Houses of Parliament without a tour.
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Tickets for St. Margaret’s Church:
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The House of Commons and Westminster Abbey are accessible by wheelchair.
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The UK Parliament is open to the public, but visitors need to book tickets in advance.
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Visiting the Abbey:
The history & Visiting the Houses:
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Tours of St. Margaret’s Church are available for those who wish to learn more about its history and architecture.
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Westminster Abbey:
Price:
- Tickets:
Big Ben (Houses of Parliament)
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The Houses of Parliament:
The House of Commons:
Book a tour *
Planning Your Visit:
- To book a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster, you can contact them directly.
- You can also visit their website and fill out a booking form to see the history & architecture of the Houses of Parliament.
- The House of Lords is open for tours on select days, but the house itself is closed to the public during sessions.
The Abbey:
Westminster Abbey:
History:
Visiting the Houses of Parliament:
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You can visit the House of Commons and Westminster Hall on a guided tour.
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The Palace of Westminster is located in London, England.
The UK’s history & Architecture:
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Westminster Abbey:
To book a tour:
Visit the Houses of Parliament website:
The House of Commons: *
Visiting the building:
Booking information for St. Margaret’s Church:
Historical Tours:
- The Houses of Parliament
History & Architecture:
- The Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster, and the Houses of Lords are located in the historic city of London.
History:
- Big Ben:
The House of Commons,
Westminster Abbey:
Visiting St. Margaret’s Church:
Historical Significance:
- The House of Commons
Booking Information:
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The building
The history of Westminster Abbey: The Houses of Parliament are a popular tourist destination in London, offering a chance to see the iconic structure. *
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History & Architecture: *
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The House of Lords:
The Houses of Parliament:
- is a magnificent building that has played a crucial role in the UK’s history and democracy.
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For information on Visiting the Houses of Parliament:
and seeing its history:
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Booking information for tours:
Westminster Abbey:
The House of Commons:
Historical significance:
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Big Ben is a nickname for the clock tower, which houses the Elizabeth Tower.
Book your visit to St. Margaret’s Church:
The history of the Houses of Parliament: *
St. John’s Square:
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Ticket information for the Houses of Parliament:
How to access the House of Lords: *
Visiting the Abbey:
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The Houses of Commons & The House of Lords:
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Tour Information:
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Big Ben is a nickname for the Elizabeth Tower,
which houses the Great Bell.
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How to book: *
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The history of the Houses of Parliament:
History & The House of Lords:
The House of Commons:
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The Elizabeth Tower & The Houses of Parliament: *
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Booking:
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The Houses of Commons:
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Westminster Hall: *
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Booking information for Westminster Abbey:
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How to learn more about Westminster Hall:
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Big Ben (the nickname for the bell in the clock tower) and the Houses of Parliament:
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The Houses of Commons & the history of Westminster Abbey:** **
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The Houses of Parliament & the Elizabeth Tower:** **
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- Westminster Abbey:
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The history of the Houses of Commons**: *
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The History of Westminster Abbey: *
How to book your tickets:
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