Saturday and a slow start to the morning, followed by a long walk from Kate's house (Vanburgh House, 40 Folgate St E16UL) to the Houses of Parliament. Couldn't resist an 'on-the-run' photo of one of the many art works on the way.
Went past a feature which could be described as a 'party bus'. Powered by pedals variously attached to feet of party people. Looks like it is steered by a sober driver. It seemed to infuriate the buses and cars stuck behind.
Our entry gate was the Oliver Cromwell gate of the 'Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament' (must get the name right - didn't realise the historical significance of the Palace part of the name). Was a bit disappointed with the unkempt entry way past Cromwell's statue with long grass and unsightly structures. Temporary building enclosures are understandable, but long grass?
The tour starts in the Westminster Hall, which dates way back and still has a grandeur about it. The scene of great ceremonies and lavish celebrations from the not-too-distant past. The hideous bit of cloth hanging on the left, fortunately, is a temporary art work. I don't get it!
Sadly, we were not allowed to take photos on the tour, so I trawled through some online photos to show the features I would have wanted to show.
The House of Lords is quite splendid, especially the ceremonial space where the Queen sits once per year to deliver 'her' speech, written by the government of the day.
The crown, worn only for such occasions, is especially significant, with the world's second biggest diamond. Note that the Prince's chair is a strategic 1-2 inches lower than the Queen's.
The House of Commons is far less grand and a remarkably small house. Has about 450 seats for 600+ members, but apparently Winston Churchill insisted it be the same small size as before WW2 when it was bombed and destroyed. It was too small then by the way.
The features are directly the same as our Aussie parliaments, not surprisingly because ours were designed as copies of the Westminster style. Fortunately, ours was expanded somewhat for 1988, but even that was less than adequate.
I couldn't resist including a few photos from the quaint but common procedures. Below is the organisational chief of the Senate, the Usher of the Black Rod, hammering on the lower chamber's door with the black rod, to invite that lower chamber to join the upper chamber (in UK this means a few only, because they don't fit) for a ceremonial occasion. The next photo shows the procession back to the Lords.
Of special interest, is the truly grand statue of Winston Churchill, hovering near the Commons' door. Regardless of your view of Churchill, it is a great statue! He insisted the nearby arch and entrance to this door, damaged by the bombing, remain as is during and after reconstruction.
The Usher of the Black Rod inviting the Commoners to join the Lords.
Another few photos I couldn't resist. Below is the procession through the Lords on the way to 'check the cellars'. Guy Fawkes, (who some would argue is the only person ever to enter Parliament with honest intentions), has brought about this quaint but ancient ritual.... and below that, Barack Obama in the splendid central space, inspecting the damaged doorway near Churchill's statue.
.... and below is the House of Lords packed for the ceremonial opening of Parliament, which happens every year usually during May.
Back to Westminster Hall after the tour finished.
Then we gathered for a great meal with some friends of Kate and Alex at a Turkish restaurant. Long live EFES! A great beer. Then back to Bec and Tony's where we were treated to some good wine, great vinyl (and dance moves) from Tony!
Sunday and Alex has to return to Singapore, so Kate takes over the 'selfie' duties. Much better result!
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