Visit to Palace of Westminster

On 21stMay twenty five Senlac Rotarians and guests travelled to the great metropolis of London for a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster which houses the UK Parliament. Arriving in time for the end of the fire alarm evacuation of the Palace and having passed through a thorough security screening the group was welcomed by local MP, Huw Merriman who briefly explained the day’s parliamentary programme and his role in it. The tour started with the guide leading us along the route taken by the Sovereign on the occasion of the opening of Parliament and explaining the history and significance of each point along the route. The starting point was the Norman Porch, so named because of the intention to house statues of the Norman Kings, which stands at the top of the Royal Staircase. The guide explained to us that originally the Monarch was supported by the “Warriors” those who owned large estates and fought the wars, in other words the Peers. The next point was the magnificent Queen’s Robing Room with the Chair of State, rich panelling on the walls and ceilings and paintings representing the chivalric virtues based on the legend of King Arthur. Passing into the Royal Gallery, now used a working office for the Peers and .for important occasions including state receptions, dinners and parliamentary ceremonies, often with Members of both Houses present. Within the Gallery are paintings of Monarchs and their consorts, and two enormous paintings depicting the Battle of Trafalgar and the Battle of Waterloo.

Edward III came to the throne in 1327, and from that point the representatives of the counties (knights of the shire) and of the towns (burgesses) became a permanent part of Parliament. After 1332 they sat together in one chamber and were known as the House of Commons. After 1341 these Commons deliberated separately from the King and his nobles (the Peers)

The next stop was the Lord’s Chamber, the most lavishly decorated room in the Palace, predominately decorated in red. At the far end of the Chamber on a dais is the Royal Throne. This ornate gilded piece is based on the early 14th-century Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey.

Between the Chambers is the Central Lobby which is the core of the Palace of Westminster and was designed by Charles Barry as a meeting place for Members of both Houses, and where MPs can meet their constituents. It is also the area where TV interviews take place. The Commons Chamber, predominately green in colour, is much more austere than the Lords’ Chamber and was rebuilt after the war; a number of Commonwealth countries presented gifts to furnish the Chamber.

The tour continued through St Stephens Hall, rebuilt on the site of the old Royal Chapel which was destroyed by the fire of 1834, before entering Westminster hall, the oldest part of the Palace. Built in 1097 by William ll to impress his new subjects, the Hall has remained the central pivot of the Palace and is considered to be the most precious part of it. When fires and incendiary bombs have threatened the Hall it has been given priority protection by everyone, including Prime Ministers and Lords of the Realm.

A fascinating day made even more interesting by the tour guide whose knowledge was excellent. Thanks go to Pat Connor for organising the day and taking good care of us.

More information on the history, architecture and contents can be found on:-

https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/