The Victorian Palace of Science

The Palace of Westminster, renowned as the seat of Britain's Houses of Parliament, was also a hub of Victorian scientific innovation during its construction (1834–1860). This study reveals that politicians and officials leveraged cutting-edge science to create a radical, modern building. Experimentalists used the House of Commons for chemistry experiments, geologists debated the Palace’s stone materials, natural philosophers tested air purity by hanging meat around the structure, and mathematicians aimed to pioneer electrically-controlled time synchronization across public spaces. These projects underscore the politically contentious yet transformative role of Victorian science in shaping one of the world's most iconic buildings.

Gillin, E. J. (2017). The Victorian Palace of Science. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108303873