London Things to Do Tips by tini58de

Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament and Big Ben Review

Edward the Confessor had the original palace built in the eleventh century. The British parliament is the seat of the Government of the United Kingdom. The Palace of Westminster consists of the House of Commons (elected) and the House of Lords(not elected- hereditary and nominated).

Parliamentary government in the United Kingdom is based on a two-chamber system. The House of Lords (the upper House-not elected) and the House of Commons (the lower house-elected at least every 5 years) sit separately and are constituted on entirely different principles. The legislative process involves both Houses - the Commons and the Lords.

The main functions of Parliament are to: examine proposals for new laws, provide, by voting for taxation, the means of carrying on the work of government, scrutinise government policy and administration, including proposals for expenditure and to debate the major issues of the day.
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The Tower of London Tower of London Review

The Tower of London was first built in 1078 by William the Conqueror(1066-1087) who was tragically killed by Walter Tyrell in a hunting accident in the New Forest. During the Towers history it has been a palace, prison, treasury, zoo and arsenal. The Crown Jewels are housed in the tower. Also the Medieval Palace, the " Bloody" Tower. Free tours by the Yeoman Warders.
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Whitehall Whitehall and Downing Street Review

Guarded by mounted soldiers, the Horse Guards is the home of the Troopers of the Household Cavalry. Each day at 11am, (Sundays are at 10.00 - confirm before travelling) there is a Changing of the Guard ceremony. The ceremony is similar to the pomp of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, although not as grand, but is very popular amongst tourists to London.
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Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly Circus Review

In the middle of Piccadilly Circus stands the small statue of the Angel of Christian Charity by Alfred Gilbert, erected in 1893 in memory of the Victorian philanthropist, Lord Shaftesbury. Today, however, the statue is commonly regarded as depicting Eros, the Greek god of love.

Big Ben Houses of Parliament and Big Ben Review

Big Ben, one of Londons famous landmarks is found at the Houses of Parliament. Big Ben is not the clock tower but the thirteenth bell which strikes the hour. It is counterweighted with old pennies!

St. Paul's Cathedral St Pauls Cathedral Review

Situated on the north bank of the River Thames St Paul`s distinctive dome was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1710 after the great fire of 1666 destroyed the original church. The cathedral consists of the Crypt, Ambulatory and Whispering Gallery. The entrance price also includes a visit to the Crypt and Ambulatory.
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Website: http://www.stpauls.co.uk/rindex.htm