Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church

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The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St. Margaret's Church: A Unique Blend of History and Architecture

The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St. Margaret's Church form a remarkable ensemble that stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of England. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, this significant complex is not only a symbol of the British political system but also a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture.

The Palace of Westminster, colloquially known as the Houses of Parliament, after the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two legislative chambers which occupy the building, serves as the meeting place for the Parliament of the United Kingdom. This iconic structure, located in the heart of London, is synonymous with the UK Parliament and the British Government. The Westminster System of government, named after the palace, reflects its central role in the political life of the nation.

The Elizabeth Tower, a prominent feature of the palace, is popularly known as Big Ben, although the name technically refers to the clock inside the tower. This 315-foot (96-meter) tall structure is a landmark of London and a symbol of British precision and ingenuity. The tower was completed in 1859, making it a relatively recent addition to the historical complex.

Adjacent to the Palace of Westminster lies Westminster Abbey, a Gothic abbey church that has been the coronation site for all English and British monarchs since William the Conqueror in 1066. With its striking blend of architectural styles, ranging from Norman to Perpendicular Gothic, Westminster Abbey is a veritable treasure trove of British history. Notable features include the Coronation Chair, the Poet's Corner, and the burial sites of numerous monarchs, statesmen, and literary giants.

Completing the triad is the tiny Church of St. Margaret, nestled within the grounds of the Abbey. Built in the Perpendicular Gothic style during the late Middle Ages (late 15th–early 16th century), St. Margaret's Church is a charming and historically significant chapel. It has served as the parish church for the Abbey's staff since the 16th century.

To sum it up, the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St. Margaret's Church constitute a unique blend of history, architecture, and national identity. Each component offers a glimpse into different aspects of British heritage, providing visitors with an unparalleled experience that transcends time and captivates the senses. Whether it be the political intrigue of the Houses of Parliament, the regal grandeur of Westminster Abbey, or the peaceful tranquility of St. Margaret's Church, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers something for everyone.

UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Westminster Palace, rebuilt from the year 1840 on the site of important medieval remains, is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture. The site – which also comprises the small medieval Church of Saint Margaret, built in Perpendicular Gothic style, and Westminster Abbey, where all the sovereigns since the 11th century have been crowned – is of great historic and symbolic significance.

UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site

Criterion (i): Westminster Abbey is a unique artistic construction representing a striking sequence of the successive phases of English Gothic art.

Criterion (ii): Other than its influence on English architecture during the Middle Ages, the Abbey has played another leading role by influencing the work of Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin in Westminster Palace, in the Gothic Revival of the 19th century.

Criterion (iv): The Abbey, the Palace, and St Margaret's illustrate in a concrete way the specificities of parliamentary monarchy over a period of time as long as nine centuries. Whether one looks at the royal tombs, the Chapter House, the remarkable vastness of Westminster Hall, of the House of Lords, or of the House of Commons, art is everywhere present and harmonious, making a veritable museum of the history of the United Kingdom.

Encyclopedia Record: Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the Parliament of the United Kingdom and is located in London, England. It is commonly called the Houses of Parliament after the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two legislative chambers which occupy the building. The palace is one of the centres of political life in the United Kingdom; "Westminster" has become a metonym for the UK Parliament and the British Government, and the Westminster system of government commemorates the name of the palace. The Elizabeth Tower of the palace, nicknamed Big Ben, is a landmark of London and the United Kingdom in general. The palace has been a Grade I listed building since 1970 and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

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