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The Debate ContinuesLondon Burning, and Reconstructed

Images from the programme showing the destruction of the House of Commons during the Second World War, and its subsequent rebuilding.

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Cementing the stone in place

The handle of the trowel used was made of oak saved from the timbers of the ruined chamber

  • The House of Commons, built in 1852
  • 10 May 1941
  • London burning
  • Daylight revealed an empty shell to be all that remained of the original chamber
  • The chamber was wrecked but the Commons endured
  • Calm and collected
  • Business as usual
  • Perfect hosts
  • In 1943 a select committee reported on its plans for rebuilding
  • On the fourth anniversary of its destruction, reconstruction began
  • October 1948 - the laying of a new foundation stone
  • Cementing the stone in place

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