24. Houses of Parliament
Charles Barrie & Augustus W. Pugin's iconic building
Westminster, London
The Houses of Parliament or the Palace of Westminster are arguably among the most iconic buildings that the Salads have visited. Like most iconic buildings it was not delivered on time or on budget, and controversy over whether the Architects responsible for it – Charles Barry and Auguste Pugin deserve greater credit for the works. The design competition launched in 1834 specifically sought entries that were to be ‘gothic or ‘elizabethan’ as aa symbolic gesture that would ‘connect the new building to the order, stability, and prowess of the nation’s past’ and definitely not neo-classical or ‘italianate’ in style which would appear too ‘republican’. Which seems to resonate with far more current political turmoil and the nation’s fixation or nostalgia for times gone by. The most memorable parts of the tour include the vastness of the Painted Westminster Hall, the only section of the timber medieval palace that was preserved in the new plan, the scale of the house of commons and lords which appear much intimate than when seen on television and seeing the post slots of each MP in St Stephen’s hall, carefully labelled with embossed ribbon tape.