Westminster Palace #5

The Palace of Westminster, or as everyone knows it now, the House of Parliament, was the royal residence of the Kings of England until a fire destroyed almost everything in 1512. Since then, it has been home of Parliament.  In 1530, Henry VIII acquired Whitehall Palace and used it has principal residence. Although Westminster officially remained a royal palace, it was used by the two Houses of Parliament and by the various royal law courts.  Because it was originally a royal residence, the Palace included no purpose-built chambers for the two Houses.  As such they have been smashed into two tiny rooms without enough seating for everyone at the same time.  

In 1834, a fire broke out in the Palace, and pretty much everything other than Westminster Hall was burnt to the ground.   The modern palace was built starting in 1840, and stands much as it is now.  I wish I could have taken pictures inside, because the two 'houses' are super small, I can imagine why anyone would willing campaign for Parliament knowing full well what they were getting into.  If you get really bored they broadcast live everyday what is going on in Parliament.  You should watch its pretty crazy.  

I am by no means a political know it all, but there seems to be absolutely no rhyme or reason to the way they do things.  The House of Lords really doesn’t have any power or reason for being.  And the seating of House of Commons is first come first served.  You could end up standing room only if you get stuck in traffic.  Seems to me they make up a bunch of rules just to be ridiculous. 

The only part of the of the tour we could take pictures was Westminster Hall. It is the oldest part and the building and as I said, only thing that didn’t burn down down in the fire.  Apparently Oliver Cromwell's head was staked on a pole and sat in the rafters after he was beheaded.  It stayed up there for something like 25 years.  Remember when I said that William Wallace wasn't tried at the Tower of London like in the movie.  Well, you are looking at the place where the actual trial was held. 

Also this is where the royals are laid in state.  When Princess Diana died they said the line to view the body was 13 miles long.  Even moving at normal walking speed you are talking what 4-5 hours to get there.                             

Me before the security check

Me after the security check

Look kids!!!! Big Ben.....Parliament!!!!