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

The iconic Gothic building on the banks of the River Thames is officially named the Palace of Westminster. Although it serves as the United Kingdom's legislative hub, it retains the title of a royal palace and is a possession of the Crown. Its much more common name is derived directly from its function: it contains the two chambers, or "houses," of the UK Parliament. These are the House of Commons, whose members are elected, and the House of Lords, whose members are appointed or hold hereditary titles.

The "New" in its official title is a crucial historical clue. The structure seen today is not the original. In 1834, a catastrophic fire swept through the medieval Palace of Westminster, destroying nearly the entire complex. The government quickly launched a competition to design a replacement, specifying that it should be in either the Gothic or Elizabethan style to harmonize with the surviving historic buildings on the site.

The winning design came from architect Charles Barry, with significant contributions from Augustus Pugin, who was responsible for the ornate, detailed interiors. This grand Victorian reconstruction, built around the surviving Westminster Hall, is the "New Palace" that has become a world-famous symbol of London. Its most recognizable feature, the Elizabeth Tower, houses the Great (Review) Bell, which is affectionately known around the globe as Big Ben.