Parliamentary Estate

The Parliamentary Estate is a complex of buildings along the River Thames in Westminster that houses government institutions and their meeting spaces. The structures include the Palace with its chambers, offices, and supporting facilities necessary for legislative work and administration.

The site originated in the 11th century under Edward the Confessor when a royal palace stood here, later becoming a place for government meetings. A major fire in 1834 destroyed much of the construction, leading to extensive rebuilding work that took place over several decades.

The ornate chambers and corridors display Gothic designs that visitors can see today when walking through the buildings. This place represents how power and tradition look in physical form, shaped through centuries of government work.

Visitors can access some areas through guided tours and must pass through security checks before entering any part of the building. Booking in advance is necessary, and arriving early helps you avoid long queues at the entrance.

Westminster Hall, part of the estate, dates back to 1097 and is the oldest surviving structure because it escaped the major fire that destroyed much of the complex. The hall features wooden roof construction from medieval times that remains largely unchanged and represents remarkable craftsmanship.