Palace of Westminster


Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament). London, England. Charles Barry and Augustus W.N. Pugin (architects). 1840–1870 C.E. Limestone masonry and glass.

  • Early Victorian Era, across the River Thames. 
  • Great fire burned down previous palace; competition was held for design of new building
  • Gothic or Elizabethan; Gothic style, won by Charles Berry.
  • Industrialization: modern world unsettled people, not beautiful. 
  • Building uses modern innovation; concerned with ventilation. 
  • Loved to compare Medieval world of faith with the new one revolving around money and fortune. 
  • Regularity, rhythm and balance; symmetrical as opposed to the previous Gothic style. 
  • Example of interest in historical architectural style.
  • 1,1000 rooms, 100 staircases
  • Modern office building inside, Medieval outside