The Great Palace: The Story of Parliament - Victorian Masterpiece
The Palace of Westminster is the legacy of architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. They began rebuilding Parliament after a fire all but destroyed it in 1834. Constructed on a site with 800 years of political history, this comparatively small seat of government has commanded respect ever since. Contributors who pay homage in this programme include then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who drew inspiration from its designs. Meanwhile, chiming reassuringly in the background is Big Ben, the palace's crowning glory.
The two architects with their different skills made for a successful partnership. On his colleague's advice, Mr Barry modelled Big Ben on the clock tower of Scarisbrick Hall, which Mr Pugin had designed. In contrast, their sons were uncompromising towards each other and disagreed about their fathers' achievements. Charles Barry's son Edward assisted with the upper parts of the clock tower, and carried out his father's wishes by completing the Palace of Westminster.
