House of Commons Terrace, by Sir Benjamin Stone

In his photographic pursuits, Sir Benjamin Stone captured many of the social aspects of life at Parliament, an extension to his interest in the recording of British heritage and customs.  The image here was taken in 1897 and captures the tranquil setting of the terrace overlooking the river Thames at the Houses of Parliament.  This was a common location for social events and, by the Edwardian period, the tradition of MPs entertaining guests with tea, cake and strawberries on the terrace had become a recognised social institution.