Parliament!

Westminster Hall

Today we took the train back to London to visit Parliament! Since the London Bombings of 2005, non-British citizens can only visit on certain days and this was the first opportunity.

We waited inside Westminster Hall which dates back to the 11^th century. It was used a court for many years and saw the trial of William Wallace and King Charles I. It’s also where the bodies of dead Kings and Queens lie in state before the funeral. It was a good place to start, as you could see (and feel) the history.

House of Lords (not our photo)

House of Commons (not our photo)

We started the guided tour in the Robing Room (where the Queen gets ready for the State Opening), then into the House of Lords including the throne where the Queen sits (with gilding throughout). We then went into the House of Commons which seemed far to small to fit the 650 MPs - when it was rebuilt after being damaged in WWII, it was designed like this to encourage strong debate. They left an arch damaged so as a reminder to MPs of the cost of war.

Unfortunately photography inside is not allowed, but I’ve found some online that give you an idea of the incredible interior.

After a train ride back to Oxford, we drove onto Cardiff, capital of Wales. Unfortunately we arrived just as a game finished at the Millennium Stadium and the streets were flooded with people. Because our hotel was right next to the stadium it was inaccessible, so we headed to Cardiff Bay for an early dinner.

Cardiff Bay