Victoria Tower, Gothic tower at Palace of Westminster, London, England
Description
Victoria Tower rises at the southwestern corner of the parliamentary complex, reaching a height of 98.5 meters (323 feet), with granite steps and iron framework shaping the interior. The structure follows a Gothic Revival design, with turrets and ornamental details distributed across multiple floors.
History
Construction began in 1843 after a major fire destroyed the old parliamentary building, and was completed in 1860. Originally, the structure bore the name King's Tower before being renamed in honor of the queen.
Culture
The name honors Queen Victoria, whose reign marked the completion of the structure. Since then, the entrance at the base has served for the arrival of the British monarch during important state ceremonies.
Practical
The interior is not open to the public, as it functions as archive space for parliamentary documents. Visitors can view the exterior from the nearby riverside walk, where the Gothic details are clearly visible.
Did you know?
A flagstaff at the summit carries the Union Flag daily, which changes to the Royal Standard during visits by the monarch. The choice of granite and iron materials was technically advanced for the mid-19th century and enabled the tall construction.
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