They are one of the most iconic sights in London. Situated on the shore of the River Thames, they have become an international symbol of Britain and national systems of government. The Houses of Parliament are both a captivating building to behold and an important historical monument.
The proper name for the Houses of Parliament is actually the Palace of Westminster. This hints at their royal past, as the Palace of Westminster was the main residence of the English monarch from the 11th century until the 16th century. Then, King Henry VIII moved the royal court to the nearby Palace of Whitehall. This enabled the Palace of Westminster to be used for other purposes. And during the reign of Henry’s son, Edward VI, some of England’s parliamentary meetings were held here.