Alana DeLucia

AP Art History

May 8, 2020

The Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) located in London, England, is a

profound example of older architectural traditions. It stands strong as one of the most iconic

buildings in London.

The palace was built between 1840–1870 C.E. and designed by Charles Barry and

Augustus W. N. Pugin. These architects were chosen due to a contest that was held for the

reconstruction of the palace after the original was destroyed in a fire; the criteria for the contest

was that the palace had to either be in the Gothic style or the Elizabethan style. Pugin’s love and

belief of the Gothic style ultimately won, giving the palace such an iconic, traditional look.

The marvelous exterior of the building spans the edge of the River Thames and sits upon

a concrete platform. The palace heavily references the medieval style of the Perpendicular

Gothic with an emphasis on the large windows, the rectilinear, verticals, tracery, and lace work

that truly give it that older, traditional style of Gothic architecture. The towers truly highlight the

Gothic look and style and create a gorgeous skyline. However, the architects also made sure that

they included some modern techniques, such as adding the central tower to assist with

ventilation, while still managing to keep the more traditional look.

 The Palace of Westminster is essentially modeled after the Chapel of Henry VII because

of its late Gothic style. The windows themselves are masterful, with each individual one lined

with delicate tracery work, thanks to Barry and his love of the Classic style. The Classic style is

also apparent in the structure’s regularity and rhythm. Since the Gothic style often features

asymmetrical aspects and the inorganic, the Palace of Westminster is fundamentally a classical

building with a gothic skin.

Charles Barry and Augustus W. N. Pugin did a tremendous job in highlighting and

producing a structure that met the 19th century’s concern for the classical style, encapsulating the

beauty of the traditional Gothic style, and including modern techniques, all while avoiding the

ever looming modern style that was becoming more prominent.