Palace of Westminster

We had an unexpected and very generous gift of a tour of the Palace of Westminster AKA the home of the UK Parliament. This is probably one of the most recognisable buildings in London but to be introduced to its history was wonderful. From the red benches in the House of Lords to the green ones in the House of Commons, the Royal Throne (in need of some TLC) to the fine works of art, the bronze statues to the Queen's Robing Room, all of it impressive and expertly explained by our knowledgeable guide. But it was the magnificent Hall of Westminster that really made us feel the wealth of history within the whole building. The hammer-beam roof, the largest in the world and built in 1393, was impressing HG but not me until I heard that when it was restored over 100 years ago they used oak from Wadhurst, Kent! (One of my blip friends will know the connection!)
A truly fabulous day out which was rounded off with a meal at Gilbey's in the old County Hall. London is the most wonderful city!