Westminster Palace, or the Houses of Parliament as it is more often known, was originally inhabited by English kings but since the 16th century has accommodated parliament instead. Today it is the meeting place for the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

It is perhaps most famous in British history as the site for Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up the parliament in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Fawkes, along with his fellow conspirators, was eventually captured and prevented from carrying out the plan. If you walk around the palace nowadays you can see an odd echo of this in the security barriers that surround it, designed to prevent anyone bringing explosives close enough to cause damage.

The Houses of Parliament as you see them now were rebuilt over 30 years following a fire in 1834. They are an example of the so-called Gothic Revival style and while their elaborate and ornate stonework divides opinion, they are a unique symbol of London and a striking and imposing sight. The famous clock tower that rises out of the north-eastern end of the building is technically called just that, the Clock Tower. It is, of course, more popularly known as ‘Big Ben’ – after the name given to the main bell that chimes out the hours.