Palace of Westminster
aka Houses of Parliament
and Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) on the right.
The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the House of
Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the Parliament of
the United Kingdom. Commonly known as the Houses of Parliament after
its occupants, the Palace lies on the north bank of the River Thames
in the City of Westminster, in central London, England.
Its name, which is derived from the neighbouring Westminster
Abbey, may refer to either of two structures: the Old Palace, a
medieval building complex destroyed by fire in 1834, or its
replacement, the New Palace that stands today. The palace is owned by
the monarch in right of the Crown and for ceremonial purposes, retains
its original status as a royal residence. The building is managed by
committees appointed by both houses, which report to the Speaker of
the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker.
Photo 127, 1979