London tourists might know that the "New Palace of Westminster" is more commonly known as ... what?

The magnificent building that stands on the banks of the River Thames, officially known as the New Palace of Westminster, is almost universally recognized by a different name: the Houses of Parliament. This common designation stems directly from its primary function as the home of the United Kingdom's Parliament, which is comprised of two legislative bodies, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. While the "Palace" title reflects its royal heritage, the everyday name highlights its role as the enduring heart of British democracy.

The site's history stretches back to the 11th century when it was first established as a royal residence. For centuries, it served as the principal palace for English monarchs. However, after a fire in 1512 destroyed the royal apartments, King Henry VIII chose to relocate to Whitehall, leaving the Westminster palace to be increasingly used by Parliament and the royal law courts. A much larger and more devastating fire in 1834 destroyed most of the medieval complex, paving the way for the construction of the current Gothic Revival masterpiece, designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, between 1840 and 1876.

Beyond its political significance, the Houses of Parliament is a structure of immense scale and fascinating details. It boasts over 1,000 rooms, 100 staircases, and three miles of corridors. Many visitors are surprised to learn that "Big Ben" is not the name of the iconic clock tower itself, but rather the nickname for the massive bell housed within the Elizabeth Tower. The building even faced a peculiar challenge in 1858, when parliamentary proceedings were nearly halted due to the overwhelming stench from the polluted River Thames, an event famously dubbed "The Great Stink."