The Palace of Westminster, known also as the Houses of Parliament, is where the two Houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the House of Lords and the House of Commons) conduct their sittings. The Palace lies on the north bank of the River Thames in the London borough of the City of Westminster, close by other government buildings in Whitehall. The 1097. The palace originally served as a royal residence, but no monarch has lived in it since the 16th century. Most of the present structure dates from the 19th centu ...

Including:

• Palace of Westminster - History
• Palace of Westminster - Exterior
• Palace of Westminster - Stonework
• Palace of Westminster - Towers
• Palace of Westminster - Grounds
• Palace of Westminster - Interior
• Palace of Westminster - Lords Chamber
• Palace of Westminster - Commons Chamber
• Palace of Westminster - Westminster Hall
• Palace of Westminster - Other rooms
• Palace of Westminster - Security
• Palace of Westminster - Culture and tourism
• Palace of Westminster - External link

Read more here: » Palace of Westminster: Encyclopedia - Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster includes approximately 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases, and 3 miles (5 km) of passageways. The building includes four floors; the ground floor includes offices, dining rooms, and bars. The first floor houses the principal rooms of the Palace, including the Chambers, the lobbies, and the libraries. The Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, the Prince's Chamber, the Lords' Chamber, the Peers' Lobby, the Central Lobby, the Members' Lobby, and the Commons' Chamber all lie in a straight line from south to north, in the order noted. (Westminster Hall lies to a side at the Commons end of the Palace.) The top tw ...

See also:

Palace of Westminster, Palace of Westminster - History, Palace of Westminster - Exterior, Palace of Westminster - Stonework, Palace of Westminster - Towers, Palace of Westminster - Grounds, Palace of Westminster - Interior, Palace of Westminster - Lords Chamber, Palace of Westminster - Commons Chamber, Palace of Westminster - Westminster Hall, Palace of Westminster - Other rooms, Palace of Westminster - Security, Palace of Westminster - Culture and tourism, Palace of Westminster - External link

Read more here: » Palace of Westminster: Encyclopedia II - Palace of Westminster - Interior

A cartoon is any of several forms of art, with varied meanings that evolved from one to another. Cartoon - Historical. In its original historical meaning, a cartoon (from the Italian cartone, meaning "big paper") is a full-size drawing made on paper as a study for a further artwork, such as a painting or tapestry. Cartoons were typically used in the production of frescoes, to accurately link the component parts of the composition when painted onto plaster over a series of days. Such cartoons often ha ...

Including:

• Cartoon - Historical
• Cartoon - Print media
• Cartoon - Motion pictures

Read more here: » Cartoon: Encyclopedia - Cartoon

United Kingdom This article is part of the series: Politics of the United Kingdom Parliament The Crown: Queen Elizabeth II House of Lords Lord Chancellor: Lord Falconer House of Commons Speaker: Michael Martin Prime Minister: Tony Blair Cabinet Government departments Scottish Parliament Scottish ExecutiveIncluding:

• British monarchy - History
• British monarchy - English monarchy
• British monarchy - Scottish monarchy
• British monarchy - Since the Union of the Crowns
• British monarchy - Succession
• British monarchy - Regency
• British monarchy - Political role
• British monarchy - Royal Prerogative
• British monarchy - Commonwealth role
• British monarchy - Finances
• British monarchy - Residences
• British monarchy - Style
• British monarchy - Arms of Dominion

Read more here: » British monarchy: Encyclopedia - British monarchy

The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, generally shortened to just Black Rod, is an official of a figure in the parliaments of a number of Commonwealth countries. The position originates in the House of Lords of the British Parliament where they represented the Sovereign and as Serjeant-at-Arms, and also of the Lord Chamberlain's Department. The title is derived from his staff of office, an ebony staff topped with a golden lion, which is the main symbol of the office's authority. His equivalent ...

Read more here: » Black Rod: Encyclopedia - Black Rod

United Kingdom This article is part of the series: Politics of the United Kingdom Parliament The Crown: Queen Elizabeth II House of Lords Lord Chancellor: Lord Falconer House of Commons Speaker: Michael Martin Prime Minister: Tony Blair Cabinet Government departments Scottish Parliament Scottish ExecutiveIncluding:

• British House of Commons - History
• British House of Commons - The Reform Acts and Parliament Acts
• British House of Commons - Members and elections
• British House of Commons - Qualifications
• British House of Commons - Officers
• British House of Commons - Procedure
• British House of Commons - Committees
• British House of Commons - Legislative functions
• British House of Commons - Relationship with the Government
• British House of Commons - Latest election
• British House of Commons - Current composition
• British House of Commons - The chamber in film and television

Read more here: » British House of Commons: Encyclopedia - British House of Commons

The British decimal Penny (1p) coin, produced by the Royal Mint, was issued on 15 February 1971, the day the British currency was decimalised. In practice, it had been available from banks in bags of £1 for some weeks previously. The coin was initially minted from bronze, but since 1992 it has been minted in copper-plated steel. As this is less dense than bronze, post-1992 coins have been slightly thicker. The co ...

Read more here: » British One Penny coin: Encyclopedia - British One Penny coin

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch (or sovereign), and the largest "working" royal palace remaining in the world. The expression "Buckingham Palace" or simply "The Palace" has become a common way of referring to the source of press statements coming from parts of the British Royal Family (see Metonymy). In addition to being the London home of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace is a setting for state occasions, royal entertaining and base for all officially visiting heads of state, and is a major tourist attraction. It has been a rallying point fo ...

Including:

• Buckingham Palace - History
• Buckingham Palace - Early history
• Buckingham Palace - House to palace
• Buckingham Palace - Queen Victoria
• Buckingham Palace - The 20th century
• Buckingham Palace - World War
• Buckingham Palace - Interior
• Buckingham Palace - Court ceremonies
• Buckingham Palace - Security
• Buckingham Palace - Use and public access
• Buckingham Palace - Flags at Buckingham Palace
• Buckingham Palace - The Palace today
• Buckingham Palace - Footnotes

Read more here: » Buckingham Palace: Encyclopedia - Buckingham Palace

London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England. London produces 17% of the UK's GDP, and is one of the world's major business, political and cultural centres. The capital of the former British Empire, London is a leader in international finance, communications, entertainment, fashion and the arts and has considerable influence worldwide. London is one of the world's major global cities ...

Including:

• London - Defining London
• London - Geography and climate
• London - History
• London - Modern London
• London - Culture
• London - London Districts
• London - Central London
• London - East London
• London - The East End
• London - Docklands
• London - West London
• London - North London
• London - South London
• London - Demographics
• London - Government
• London - Business and economy
• London - Transport and infrastructure
• London - Education
• London - Media
• London - Technology
• London - Style and Fashion in London
• London - Religion
• London - Sport
• London - London tourist attractions
• London - Places of interest
• London - List of hotels in London
• London - Buildings and monuments
• London - Museums and galleries
• London - Markets and shopping areas
• London - Parks and gardens
• London - Other places of interest
• London - London in the arts
• London - Literature featuring London
• London - Films featuring London
• London - Television programmes featuring London
• London - Songs featuring London
• London - Video Games featuring London
• London - Major exhibitions staged in London
• London - Parades

Read more here: » London: Encyclopedia - London

United Kingdom This article is part of the series: Politics of the United Kingdom Parliament The Crown: Queen Elizabeth II House of Lords Lord Chancellor: Lord Falconer House of Commons Speaker: Michael Martin Prime Minister: Tony Blair Cabinet Government departments Scottish Parliament Scottish ExecutiveIncluding:

• Parliament of the United Kingdom - History
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Parliament of England
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Parliament of Scotland
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Parliament of Ireland
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Parliament of Great Britain
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Parliament of the United Kingdom
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Modern era
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Composition
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Procedure
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Term
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Legislative functions
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Judicial functions
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Relationship with the Government
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Sovereignty
• Parliament of the United Kingdom - Privileges

Read more here: » Parliament of the United Kingdom: Encyclopedia - Parliament of the United Kingdom

Big Ben is the colloquial name of the Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster in London, and an informal name for the Great Bell of Westminster, the largest bell in the tower and part of the Great Clock of Westminster. The clock tower is at the north-western end of the building, the home of the Houses of Parliament, and contains the famous striking clock and bell. Big Ben - Naming. Big Ben is the most commonly used name for the Clock Tower but it is actually the bell that is cal ...

Including:

• Big Ben - Naming
• Big Ben - History and construction
• Big Ben - The Clock Tower
• Big Ben - The clock and its faces
• Big Ben - The Great Bell of Westminster
• Big Ben - Other bells
• Big Ben - Similar turret clocks
• Big Ben - Reliability
• Big Ben - Culture
• Big Ben - Fiction
• Big Ben - Gallery

Read more here: » Big Ben: Encyclopedia - Big Ben

For broader historical context, see 1260s and 13th century. 1265 - Events. 1265 - Europe. January 20 - In Westminster, the first elected English parliament (De Montfort's Parliament) conducts its first meeting in the Palace of Westminster, now also known as the Houses of Parliament. Before August - Future King Edward I of England escapes captivity in the hands of Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester. August 4 - The Battle of Evesham of the Sec ...

Including:

• 1265 - Events
• 1265 - Europe
• 1265 - Africa and Asia
• 1265 - Births
• 1265 - Deaths

Read more here: » 1265: Encyclopedia - 1265

The Act of Union 1800 merged the Kingdom of Ireland and the Kingdom of Great Britain (itself a merger of England and Scotland under the Act of Union 1707) to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on 1 January 1801. The Act was passed by both the British and Irish parliaments. The Irish parliament had been given a large measure of independence by the Constitution of 1782, after centuries of being subordinated to the English (and later, British) Parliament. Thus, many members had guarded its autonomy jealously, i ...

Read more here: » Act of Union 1800: Encyclopedia - Act of Union 1800

Buildering (also known as urban climbing, structuring, or stegophily) is the act of climbing the outside of buildings and other urban structure. The word "buildering" is a portmanteau combining building with the climbing term bouldering. Usually involving free climbing in difficult conditions, buildering can be very dangerous and is often practiced outside of legal bounds, and is thus mostly undertaken at night-time. Adepts of buildering who are seen climbing on buildings without authorization are regularly ...

Including:

• Buildering - Famous urban climbers

Read more here: » Buildering: Encyclopedia - Buildering

April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 248 days remaining. April 27 - Events. 1124 - David I becomes King of Scotland. 1296 - Battle of Dunbar: The Scots are defeated by Edward I of England. 1509 - Pope Julius II places the Italian state of Venice under interdict. 1521 - Battle of Mactan: Explorer Ferdinand Magellan is killed by natives in the Philippines led by chief Lapu-Lapu. 1565 ...

Including:

• April 27 - Events
• April 27 - Births
• April 27 - Deaths
• April 27 - Holidays and observances

Read more here: » April 27: Encyclopedia - April 27

A bell is a simple sound-making device. The bell is a percussion instrument and an idiophone. Its form is usually an open-ended hollow drum which resonates upon being struck. The striking implement can be a tongue suspended within the bell, known as a clapper, a small, free sphere enclosed within the body of the bell, or a separate mallet. Bells are usually made of metal, but small bells can also be made from ceramic or glass. Bells can be of all sizes: from tiny dress accessories to church bells literally weighing tons. ...

Including:

• Bell instrument - Uses for bells
• Bell instrument - Church and temple bells
• Bell instrument - Buddhist bells
• Bell instrument - Bells as musical instruments
• Bell instrument - Bellmaking
• Bell instrument - Belltowers
• Bell instrument - Ancient Chinese bells
• Bell instrument - Famous bells
• Bell instrument - Big Ben
• Bell instrument - The Great Bell of Dhammazedi
• Bell instrument - The Great Mingun Bell
• Bell instrument - Great Tom
• Bell instrument - The Liberty Bell
• Bell instrument - Sigismund
• Bell instrument - Tsar-Kolokol III
• Bell instrument - The World Peace Bell
• Bell instrument - Pummerin
• Bell instrument - Chimes

Read more here: » Bell instrument: Encyclopedia - Bell instrument

2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. It was designated the: International Year of Rice (by the United Nations) International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition (by UNESCO) 2004 World Health Day topic was Road Safety (by World Health Organization) Year of the ...

Including:

• 2004 - Events
• 2004 - January
• 2004 - February
• 2004 - March
• 2004 - April
• 2004 - May
• 2004 - June
• 2004 - July
• 2004 - August
• 2004 - September
• 2004 - October
• 2004 - November
• 2004 - December
• 2004 - Births
• 2004 - Deaths
• 2004 - January
• 2004 - February
• 2004 - March
• 2004 - April
• 2004 - May
• 2004 - June
• 2004 - July
• 2004 - August
• 2004 - September
• 2004 - October
• 2004 - November
• 2004 - December
• 2004 - Nobel Prizes

Read more here: » 2004: Encyclopedia - 2004

The Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (Charles Philip Arthur George Mountbatten-Windsor) (born 14 November 1948), is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He is heir apparent to the thrones of the United Kingdom and 15 other Commonwealth Realms. He has held the title of Prince of Wales since 1958 and is styled HRH The Prince of Wales, and in Scotland, HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay. Constitutionally he is the first in line to the throne, but third in order of ...

Including:

• Charles Prince of Wales - Birth
• Charles Prince of Wales - Early life
• Charles Prince of Wales - Education
• Charles Prince of Wales - School
• Charles Prince of Wales - University
• Charles Prince of Wales - Created Prince of Wales
• Charles Prince of Wales - Romances
• Charles Prince of Wales - First marriage
• Charles Prince of Wales - Death of The Princess of Wales
• Charles Prince of Wales - Relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles
• Charles Prince of Wales - Second marriage
• Charles Prince of Wales - Personal interests
• Charles Prince of Wales - Media appearances
• Charles Prince of Wales - Military career
• Charles Prince of Wales - Official residence
• Charles Prince of Wales - Principal title in use

Read more here: » Charles Prince of Wales: Encyclopedia - Charles Prince of Wales

The Westminster System is a democratic system of government modelled after that of the United Kingdom system, as used in the Palace of Westminster, the location of the UK parliament. The system is a series of procedures for operating a legislature. It is used, or was once also used, in most Commonwealth and ex-Commonwealth nations, beginning with the Canadian provinces in the mid-19th century. It is also used in Australia, India, the Republic of Ireland, Jamaica, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Malta. There are other parliamenta ...

Including:

• Westminster System - Key characteristics
• Westminster System - Operation
• Westminster System - Cabinet government
• Westminster System - Consequences
• Westminster System - Ceremonies
• Westminster System - Some countries under the Westminster system
• Westminster System - Notes
• Westminster System - Bibliography
• Westminster System - External link

Read more here: » Westminster System: Encyclopedia - Westminster System

The Victoria Embankment, is part of the Thames Embankment, a road and walkway along the north bank of the River Thames in London. Victoria Embankment extends from the City of Westminster into the City of London. Victoria Embankment - History. It was created in 1870 by Joseph Bazalgette, and was a project of the Metropolitan Board of Works. The original impetus was the need to provide London with a modern sewerage system. Another major consideration was the relief of congestion on The Strand and Fleet Street ...

Including:

• Victoria Embankment - History
• Victoria Embankment - Route
• Victoria Embankment - Transport
• Victoria Embankment - Tourist attractions

Read more here: » Victoria Embankment: Encyclopedia - Victoria Embankment