Friday 13 July 2012

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:)









6 comments:

  1. I know it's irrelevant to you as you have already been but in case anyone reading this is interested, tours of the Houses of Parliament are free for anyone who lives in the UK. You just have to write to your local MP (email would suffice) and they will book you a tour.

    There is quite a waiting list but as you can see above it's a really good tour.

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    1. Thanks Sara I didn't know that as I wasn't the organizer for the trip:)

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  2. What a wonderful experience! Glad you were able to take advantage of it.
    StacySewsandSchools.wordpress.com

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  3. Somewhere I would love to visit one day! Thanks for sharing and whatt an awesome experience for all involved!

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  4. That sounds like an exciting trip! I wonder why the tube station was closed and how frequently that happens???? Sounds like it could be a nightmare commuting experience. I don't know why so many trips like that have to be so early? I've kind of gotten where we don't do them anymore, 'cuz I am such a night owl. We do things on our own, but being in Seattle by 9 AM just ain't happening. Clearly, other people, including homeschoolers, have much different sleep schedules than we do.

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    1. tube station closed happens far to frequently here...it will be a nightmare when the Olympics arrive which is why I won't be entering London again till it is all over:)

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