Tag: House of Commons Chamber

Victorian Commons, 19th Century history, Buildings and Architecture, Parliamentary Life, Victorian

‘Like herrings in a barrel’: the House of Commons chamber prior to 1834

When picturing the 19th-century Houses of Parliament, many people might think of the grand buildings designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin which are still in use today. However, the Commons chamber they created was the third different debating chamber to be occupied by 19th-century MPs. Dr Kathryn Rix, Assistant Editor of our House of Commons 1832-1945 section, looks at the House of Commons chamber … Continue reading ‘Like herrings in a barrel’: the House of Commons chamber prior to 1834

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Contemporary History, 20th century history, Buildings and Architecture, Modern, Oral history

‘You just become a tiny little speck of history’: First Impressions of the Palace of Westminster

When newly elected MPs first enter the Palace of Westminster, it is hard to ignore the hundreds of years of history that surrounds them. And as Dr Emma Peplow, Head of Oral History at the History of Parliament explores, this legacy could prove inspirational, impressive, or even overwhelming… Find out more about the history of the Palace of Westminster and its famous Elizabeth Tower, home … Continue reading ‘You just become a tiny little speck of history’: First Impressions of the Palace of Westminster

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Modern, 20th century history, Buildings and Architecture, Military history

‘London’s Latest Ordeal’: the Blitz and rebuilding of the House of Commons Chamber

On the evening of the 10/11 May 1941 the House of Commons Chamber was destroyed during the Blitz. In today’s blog, 80 years on, our Public Engagement Assistant Connie Jeffery explores the event and how Parliament rebuilt and recovered from the destruction… Like much of the United Kingdom’s home front, Westminster was no stranger to the effects of the Second World War. Parliament’s recognisable home … Continue reading ‘London’s Latest Ordeal’: the Blitz and rebuilding of the House of Commons Chamber

Connie JefferyLeave a comment