Facts and Data
Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Westminster Abbey Website
Jewel Tower
House of Parliament
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1987
Size of heritage: 10 ha
Coordinates:
Longitude: 0,129°
Latitude: 51,500°
Summary
Westminster Palace, rebuilt from the year 1840 on the site of important medieval remains, is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture. The site – which also comprises the small medieval Church of Saint Margaret, built in Perpendicular Gothic style, and Westminster Abbey, where all the sovereigns since the 11th century have been crowned – is of great historic and symbolic significance.
Location on Map
Show bigger map on Openstreetmap
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, along with Saint Margaret’s Church, are iconic landmarks located in the City of Westminster, London, England. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds immense historical and cultural significance, representing the heart of British democracy and the country's religious heritage.
History
The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Originally a royal residence, it became the primary meeting place for the English Parliament in the 13th century. Over the centuries, the palace underwent numerous expansions and renovations, resulting in its distinctive Gothic Revival architecture seen today.
Westminster Abbey, adjacent to the Palace of Westminster, has an even longer history. Founded in the 10th century, it has served as the coronation church for English and British monarchs since 1066. The abbey has witnessed numerous royal weddings, funerals, and other significant events throughout the centuries, making it a symbol of national identity and continuity.
Saint Margaret’s Church, located between the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, is the parish church of the British Parliament. Dating back to the 12th century, it has been an integral part of the political and religious life of the area.
Current State
The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two chambers of the British Parliament. It remains a functioning political institution, where debates, legislation, and decision-making take place. The palace is an architectural masterpiece, with its iconic clock tower, known as Big Ben, being one of the most recognizable symbols of London.
Westminster Abbey continues to be an active place of worship and a major tourist attraction. Its stunning Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and the Poets' Corner, where many famous writers are buried, draw visitors from around the world. The abbey also hosts regular religious services, including daily choral evensong.
Saint Margaret’s Church, as the parish church of the British Parliament, plays a vital role in the spiritual life of the political community. It offers regular services and is open to visitors who wish to explore its historical and architectural significance.
Together, these three sites form a unique ensemble that showcases the intertwining of political and religious power in British history. The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, with Saint Margaret’s Church as a connecting element, represent the continuity of British democracy and the enduring influence of the monarchy.
Preserving and protecting this UNESCO World Heritage site is of utmost importance. The Palace of Westminster is currently undergoing a major restoration project to address structural issues and ensure its long-term sustainability. This project aims to safeguard the historical integrity of the palace while modernizing its facilities to meet the needs of a 21st-century Parliament.
Visitors to the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and Saint Margaret’s Church can experience firsthand the grandeur and historical significance of these iconic landmarks. Whether attending a parliamentary debate, exploring the abbey's rich history, or attending a religious service, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique and immersive experience that captures the essence of British culture and heritage.
Hotels and places to stay
Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel
TRAVELODGE LONDON BELVEDERE
Holiday Inn LONDON - BEXLEY
TRAVELODGE LONDON BARKING
Barking Hotel
TRAVELODGE LONDON WOOLWICH
Julius Lodge
ibis London Barking
London Dagenham
London Bexleyheath
Videos from the area
Whats On London Tourist Attractions
http://www.whatonlondon.com/ Whats on London: An Remarkable Holiday! Life without event is boring. Lifestyle with dullness is not even a life! Why not visit a new place as a breather? Go...
MW3\\GAME PLAY//Xx-JaVi_RBb-xX Bomba en dome!! MOAB!!
Bueno aqui os dejo un game play de Xx-JaVi_RBb-xX en el que se hace una bomba en el mapa del call od duty mw3 decir si os gusta y subcribiros gracias.
SkySessions- The Tallships Depart London- Quadcopter Onboard Thames River Thamesmead
Footage Onboard My Tbs Custom Quadcopter filming the tallships depart london after the tallships festival 2014. Filmed from my tbs custom with sj4000 Hd (NoGimbal)
Lesnes Abbey Conservation Volunteers - Bexley
Short film created from photos taken on Lesnes Abbey Conservation Volunteer (LACV) events in Lesnes Abbey Wood, Bexley, London. Lesnes Abbey Conservation Volunteers (LACV) is a small local...
Southmere Lake Fish GOLD
Here you will see a nice big gold fish in Southmere lake Thamesmead The gold one stands out really well but there is also an other fish along side it. it was a cloudy day but still got a good view.
View from The Shard, London, July 2013 (4)
The Shard and City of London views. London, July 2013. sheeppower Productions, July 2013. More pics at: http://www.simonlaub.net/Fortunecity/londonshard/inde...
Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners. 
London City AirportLarge airport - 3 mi (6 km)
London Biggin Hill AirportMedium airport - 12 mi (20 km)
Rochester AirportSmall airport - 19 mi (31 km)
Redhill AerodromeSmall airport - 23 mi (37 km)
London Heathrow AirportLarge airport - 25 mi (42 km)
London Stansted AirportLarge airport - 27 mi (44 km)
London Gatwick AirportLarge airport - 28 mi (45 km)
London Luton AirportLarge airport - 34 mi (54 km)
Bigger and popular cities in the wider vicinity are these:
- Bexleyheath
- Bromley
- Camberwell
- Catford
- City of London
- City of Westminster
- Croydon
- Dagenham
- East Ham
- Enfield Town
- Fyfield
- Grays
- Hackney
- Ilford
- Islington
- London
- Poplar
- Romford
- Walthamstow
- Wood Green
- Woolwich
These are some smaller cities that might be interesting. They are all rather close.
- Abbey Wood
- Aldersbrook
- Barking
- Canning Town
- Charlton
- Chislehurst
- Coldblow
- Crayford
- Dartford
- Eltham
- Erith
- Fairlop Waters
- Foots Cray
- Goodmayes
- Kidbrooke
- Manor Park
- Marks Gate
- Mottingham
- New Eltham
- North Woolwich
- Plumstead
- Purfleet
- Rainham
- Redbridge
- Sidcup
- Slade Green
- Swanley
- Thamesmead
- Welling
- Wilmington