01
Hidden Gem: The Jewel Tower, located near the Houses of Parliament, is one of the oldest buildings in London. Built around 1365, it served as the official storage place for royal treasures, including gold and jewels. 2. Fact: The Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) has a total of 1,000 rooms, including 100 staircases and 2 miles of corridors! It's like a massive maze waiting to be explored. 3. Quirky Detail: "Big Ben" is not actually the name of the famous clock tower. It refers to the bell inside the tower which weighs a staggering 13. 5 tons! The proper name for the tower is Elizabeth Tower. 4. Fact: The House of Lords in the Houses of Parliament has a special chair called the "Woolsack." It's a large cushion filled with wool, symbolizing the importance of the wool trade in British history. 5. Historically Significant: The original Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, was destroyed by a massive fire in 1834. Only Westminster Hall and a few other structures survived the blaze, which led to the construction of the iconic building we see today.
