The Houses of Parliament, located on the Thames River in London, is the meeting place of Great Britain’s bicameral legislature, composed of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

History and Architecture

The original palace was built in the 11th century. However, a fire destroyed most of the building in 1834. The current Houses of Parliament was constructed between 1840 and 1870, with designers Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin. The building features three large towers, including the Elizabeth Tower, which holds the bell Big Ben.

The Houses of Parliament has undergone several renovations and repairs over the years, including a reconstruction of the House of Commons chamber after it was destroyed in bombings during World War II. In 1987, the building was designated as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Security and Incidents

Visitors to the Houses of Parliament are subject to airport-style security checks, and the estate is equipped with security technology such as CCTV cameras and alarms. Armed police officers are also present on the premises. The building has been the target of several attacks, including a terrorist incident in 2017, in which four people were killed and scores injured.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.