Visiting Parliament

One of the home school groups we belong to was able to get tickets to tour Parliament.  We had to get up extra early in order to catch the super early train into London.  For the first time in I have no idea the kids and I were up earlier and out of the hsouse before than Daddy left for work.  I won't be making a habit of that schedule:)
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Once we arrive at King's Cross station the tube line was closed so we had to find our way to another tube station to continue on our journey.  So our plans for finding a place to stop and have a morning cup of tea and danish went right out the window.  We had to hurry to make our appt

Parliament view from the side

Big Ben

We are at St Stephan's visitor entrance -- we had to stand in line and go thru security

Our official visitor badges:)

While waiting in line we saw a statue of Oliver Cromwell who was Lord Protector of England for about 15 years, I believe

The art garden, all over London (according to the sign) there will be art gardens at historical sites in honor of the Olympics

Sort of reminds me of the York and Lancaster roses during Britain's Civil War

Lots of security and big guns -- what a world we live in:(

Stain glass window newly built to celebrate the Queen's jubilee which is to be added to the large window above the entrance door of parliament next year according to the guide

The great hall entrance -- we were told this building was used by Henry Tudor as an inside tennis court and 2 very old tennis balls were found in the ceilings and can be dated to that period of time.
The above stain glass window will eventually be placed in the large window at the hall of this hall we were told.

Unfortunately I  can't show you any pictures of inside Parliament due to restrictions place (except for the entrance hall), but we had an amazing tour that lasted just over 90 minutes. 

juxtaposition of old and new in London

The line to get inside after our tour was over, so glad we got the morning tour.  Because we were home edders this tour was free.

We had a lovely time learning all about the British government and got to the Queen's rooms, she comes to Parliament once a year, see the House of Commons and see the table where Winston Churchill had some of his most important speeches during WWII.  One of the table we saw had a imprint of the signet ring Churchill wore because he banged on the table so hard:)

I also came away with so many free handouts that explains the Parliamentary system and can't wait to put together a mini lesson on it for my children:)