Parliament Square

Parliament Square is one of London's main tourist attractions. It includes the Houses of Parliament (and other important government buildings), several churches, a bunch of statures, and green space. Big Ben is located at the north end of the Houses of Parliament next to the River Thames.

The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is commonly called the Houses of Parliament after the House of Commons and House of Lords, the two legislative chambers which occupy the building. The building was constructed in 11th century and was the primary residence of the Kings of England until 1512, when fire destroyed the royal apartments. During the second world war, the palace was hit 14 times. Big Ben is one of the three towers of the palace.

Houses of Parliament

Statues of Oliver Cromwell (L) and Richard III (R)

St. Margaret's Church

On the day I visited (in 2024), it was election day. After 12 years in power, the Labor Party regained control. Not good news for farmers in Britain. There was a bit of a police presence around Parliament Square, but otherwise things were calm. Just a few demonstrators.

Election Day protests

I saw Big Ben for the first time in 1991. In 2019, it was being restored. The clock face was covered. In 2024, I got to see Big Ben in all its glory. Of course, Big Ben is one of London's most famous landmarks. It is the Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster. It is probably the world's most famous clock. The clock was completed in 1859. It is 316 feet tall. 

There are 12 statues of statesmen and other notable people in Parliament Square. The most notable statue is the one of Winston Churchill. It faces Parliament.

Sir Winston Churchill

Nelson Mandela