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To many, London's House of Parliament and its tower clock commonly referred to as Big Ben, is London's most famous and recognizable symbols. As soon as you step out the door of Westminster Station you will be in awe from the sight of Big Ben. House of Parliament is officially known as the Palace of Westminster. It was built in 1840 and contains over 1,000 rooms and 3 km of corridors. The Palace of Westminster was built in traditional neo-gothic style, which was the sign of the times when it was built. There is a visitor's gallery for the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The latter is usually more interesting and is where Parliament meets to debate new legislations. The oldest part of the Palace of Westminster is Westminster Hall, which was built in 1099. Westminster Hall served as a courthouse until the 19th century

The UK Parliament is based on a two chamber system. The House of Lords and the House of Commons sit separately, and are constituted on different principles. However, the legislative process involves both Houses.

Parliament has three main functions:

• to examine proposals for new laws;

• to scrutinise government policy and administration;
  
• to debate the major issues of the day.