Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament
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Big Ben is one of the world's most recognisable
landmarks, and at a height of 320 feet this clocktower
has dominated the Westminster skyline since Victorian
times. Technically, Big Ben is actually the 14
tonne bell on which the hours are struck rather
than the clock face or tower itself, and the chimes
of this bell have become famous throughout the world
from their daily use on the BBC radio and television
networks.
The adjacent Houses of Parliament have been the
seat of government in Britain for five centuries.
The two-tiered system - with the Commons being
the elected arm, and the Lords consisting of
appointees from the peerage - has come under fundamental
review recently by Tony Blair's Labour Government,
with the Lords now being phased out of existence.
The House of Commons is the central focus for British
political activity, and has been used as the model
for other parliamentary democracies throughout the
world (examples of which include Australia and New
Zealand).
Highlights of a trip to Big Ben & The Houses
of Parliament include:
- The initial view of Big Ben as you exit
Westminster tube station
- Westminster Hall, the only remnant of the
original palace that stood on this site in the 11th
century.
- Prime Minister's Question Time, for which
tickets need to be obtained prior
- The House of Commons
- The House of Lords
Getting There
Westminster W1. Located on the banks of the Thames,
next to Westminster Bridge and across the road from
Westminster Abbey.
Westminster tube and Victoria BR or by boat to Westminster
Pier.
Opening Times and Admission Prices
Big Ben and the clock tower interior is not open
to the public.
The Houses of Parliament are only open to those in
possession of the appropriate permit. These can be
obtained by written application to the Paliamentary
Education Unit, Norman Shaw Building (North), London
SW1A 2TT. Telephone: 0207 219 4600 or e-mail: edunit@parliament.uk
More Information
Contact the House of Commons Information Office,
House of Commons, London SW1A 2TT. Telephone: 0207
219 4272 or e-mail: hcinfo@parliament.uk.
Also check out www.parliament.uk.
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