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3: Victorian Masterpiece

First transmitted in 1983, The Great Palace takes a view inside Britain's world famous Houses of Parliament.

First transmitted in 1983, 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.

50 minutes

Last on

Fri 30 Jul 199312:30
BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire

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Did You Know?

The Palace of Westminster is the legacy of architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, and with their different skills, the two made for a successful partnership. On his colleague's advice, Barry modelled Big Ben on the clock tower of Scarisbrick Hall, which Pugin had designed. In contrast, their sons were uncompromising towards each other and disagreed on 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.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 17 Nov 198321:30
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire
  • Sun 20 Nov 198316:20
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire
  • Sun 6 Jul 198610:30
    BBC One
  • Mon 6 Feb 198915:05
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire
  • Fri 30 Jul 199312:30
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire

Featured in...

  • Big Ben

    Celebrating the world-famous clock tower.

Big Ben Collection

Big Ben Collection

This programme is available online as part of the Big Ben Collection.