London is a city full of iconic buildings, grand monuments, and national treasures.  Perhaps the most striking and city-defining of them all is the Palace of Westminster and the Elizabeth Tower, which houses the famous Big Ben bell.  Although this structure looks quite ancient, it was actually built starting in 1840 in the English perpendicular gothic style to replace an earlier palace that had been destroyed by fire in 1834.  The fire was captured by artist J. M. W. Turner in a series of paintings including the one below.  The current palace was designed by Sir. Charles Barry, and is home to England’s Houses of Parliament.

For more information about visiting the House of Parliament in London, visit their official website here.