Visit the Houses of Parliament: The Seat of UK Government
The political institution of Parliament has the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Parliament itself has changed and evolved over many hundreds of years. With the emergence of the two Houses, the shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament is dramatic.
Parliament of the Past
Parliament origins trace its roots to the 12th Century. Archbishops and barons were part of the King’s council and they decided judgments and taxation and discussed politics of the day. Later knights represented their separate counties and thus the beginning of the House of Commons in Parliament. At the beginning of the 13th Century the word Parliament was coined to describe the meetings.
During the 14th Century the two separate Houses developed into the Lords and the Commons. The Lords consisted of the clergy and the noble classes and the Commons were representatives of the cities, towns and counties.
King Henry V was responsible for elevating the House of Commons to equal the House of Lords. In the 17th Century war broke out between the monarchy and backers of Parliament. Oliver Cromwell established a Commonwealth and Charles I, King at the time was put to death on January 30th 1649.
There is much more history associated with the Houses of Parliament and those that would like to learn more can visit www.parliament.uk. At Parliament’s homepage you can delve deeper into history and political buffs can learn exactly how the democratic process of Parliament works.
Plan a Visit to the Houses of Parliament
Whether you are a visitor from across the pond, other European or Asian nations or a citizen of the United Kingdom, Parliament is open to all. Visitors can watch as laws are passed, tour the buildings and climb the Clock Tower.
Visitors from Britain can climb Big Ben, tour the Houses of Parliament, observe committees and judicial hearings and attend vigorous debates anytime of the year. Visitors from abroad can attend the same events as British Citizens, but only during the Summer Opening.
Visitors may want to explore the Archives of Parliament. There are thousands upon thousands of records from the House of Commons and Lords that contain a wealth of historic material that relates to Parliament. A tour of Parliament consists of visiting the estate’s key areas such as the Queen’s Robing Room and the debating chambers of the Lords and Commons. A trained guide will take visitors through the designated areas. The tour lasts just over an hour and will leave the visitor more informed of the Parliamentary process than when they first entered the estate.
If you are unable to visit the Houses of Parliament in person, feel free to take the online tour that is available for anyone with an internet connection. Packed with history of iconic figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister during World War II, and heated Parliamentary debates, a visit to the Houses of Parliament is a must for anyone that seeks to understand the inner workings of the United Kingdom.
