Westminster is one of London’s two cities, an ancient settlement dating back to Saxon times. At the heart of Westminster is a green space that takes its name from the Houses of Parliament nearby: Parliament Square. It’s an open area of about 0.7 hectares, mostly covered with grass with a line of trees on the west side. It’s also home to twelve statues of UK prime ministers, foreign politicians and political campaigners.
The word Westminster is often used as shorthand for the UK government, and three of the buildings around the square bring together the three arms of government: the legislature (making the law), the executive (executing the law) and the judiciary (enforcing the law).
The Supreme Court: From Town Hall to the Temple of Justice
On the western side of Parliament Square stands the newest building, representing the judiciary.
Now home to the UK Supreme Court, it was built in the early 20th Century to serve as a town hall and court room for the County of Middlesex, then used as a local court until the UK Supreme Court took it over in 2009. The building is open to the public and you can visit the court rooms when they’re not in use.
Government Offices Great George Street
On the north side is the next newest building, representing the executive. The building is called “Government Offices Great George Street” and it was also completed early in the 20th century. It now houses the Treasury, the UK’s ministry of finance and probably the most powerful part of the government. This building isn’t open to the public.
St Margaret’s Church: A Hidden Gem in the Shadow of Westminster Abbey
Nestled on the south side of Parliament Square lies St Margaret’s Church, a hidden gem often overshadowed by its grand neighbor, Westminster Abbey. Its origins can be traced back to the early 12th century, but the present building mostly dates from 1523. This charming church dates from the offers solace and serenity amid the bustling city. Step inside and admire the intricate craftsmanship, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere. (See opening times here). You can also attend church services there (More information here).
Westminster Hall: Where Tradition Echoes Through Time
Step back to the 11th century and gaze upon the oldest building in Parliament Square, on the East side , representing the legislature : Westminster Hall. Built during the reign of King William II, in the 1090s, it’s part of the Palace of Westminster along with the Houses of Parliament.
This remarkable structure has witnessed countless historic events and ceremonies. From royal coronations to state trials, the grandeur of Westminster Hall resonates with the echoes of the past.
Westminster Hall is one of the stops on our King Charles III Coronation Walk (click here to book). You can also visit Westminster Hall by joining a tour of the Palace of Westminster.
Parliament Square
Parliament Square is quite recent compared to these last two buildings. It was laid out in 1868 by Edward Barry, son of Sir Charles Barry who was the architect responsible for rebuilding the Palace of Westminster after the fire of 1834.
Before the square was laid out a lot of existing buildings had to be demolished. This map from around 1700 superimposes the present location of Parliament Square (marked in red) onto the historic road layout. Nothing remains apart from Westminster Abbey (labelled “St Peters Cathedrall”), St Margaret’s Church (labelled “76”) and Westminster Hall (labelled “81”). The area was a maze of alleyways and courtyards with pubs, shops and houses crammed together. The street names give some idea of other activities with “Theiving Lane” passing under what’s now the Supreme Court and “Love Lane” conveniently close to the Abbey.
Building The District Line
While Edward Barry was clearing buildings above ground there was also activity underground. The District Railway, now the TfL District Line, connected St James’s Park and Westminster stations via a tunnel which passes under Parliament Square. In those days tunnels were created by what’s known as “cut and cover” i.e. digging a deep trench, laying the railway lines, building a tunnel over them and then replacing the soil. This picture shows the excavations in the Square in 1867. The clock tower which contains Big Ben, now known as the Elizabeth Tower, can be seen through the fog behind the statue.
A Battleground of Ideas and Expression
In recent years it has been people rather than buildings that have been cleared from the Square. It’s been a site for political protests since it was opened. In March 1912 the suffragette leader, Emmeline Pankhurst, called a mass demonstration to urge the UK parliament to pass a law giving women the vote.
More recently Brian Haw campaigned for peace in the Square for almost a decade. Hear more about his peace campaign on our London Peace Walking Tour (Click here to book).
UK’s First Traffic Signal
Even without demonstrators Parliament Square is not a peaceful place as it’s in the middle of a busy road junction. Traffic has been a problem here since the square opened so it’s not surprising that it was home to the UK’s first traffic signals, which were installed in December 1868. These had semaphore arms which were raised to tell drivers to stop. At night there were red and green gas lights to control the traffic. Sadly the lights were destroyed by a gas explosion the following year and it wasn’t until 1926 that the first electric traffic lights were installed in London.
Walking through Parliament Square is a reminder of the intricate tapestry of history and power that has shaped the City of Westminster. From the medieval grandeur of Westminster Hall to the contemporary halls of justice at the Supreme Court, every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. Come discover it with us!
Tony H.
