Architecture of the Palace: Key dates
1834 - The Great Fire destroys most of Palace
The Palace of Westminster was almost completely destroyed by the 'tally-stack' fire of 16 October. Only Westminster Hall, the Undercroft Chapel, the Cloisters and Chapter House of St Stephen's and the Jewel Tower survived.
1835 - Competition to find architect for rebuild
A Parliamentary Committee decided that the Palace should be rebuilt in either the Gothic or Elizabethan style. A design competition was held and won by the architect Charles Barry, who drew up plans for a new Gothic-Revival palace.
1840 - The first stone laid
The first stone of the new Palace was laid by Charles Barry's wife
1847 - The Lord's Chamber completed
1849 - Defects in the choice of stone became apparent
Barry experiments with various compositions on the stone
1852 - The Common's Chamber completed
... and Charles Barry was knighted
1859 - Big Ben installed in the Clock Tower
1860 - Victoria Tower completed
1870 - The rebuilding of the Palace completed
1883 - Electric lighting installed in the House of Lords
1912 - Electric lighting installed in the House of Commons
1920 - A large fragment of stone fell from the Victoria Tower
1936 - Restoration work of Victoria Tower
Scaffolding was erected around the Victoria Tower so that restoration work could begin. This was halted during the Second World War
1940-1 - Both Houses of Parliament sometimes sat in Church House in Westminster Abbey
This was due to fear of wartime bombing raids
11 May 1941 - The Commons Chamber destroyed on the last day of the Blitz
The Commons consequently met in the Lords Chamber until 1950 while the Lords met in the Robing Room
1943 - Architect appointed for rebuild of chamber
The Commons decided that its new chamber should be designed on similar lines to the old. The architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was appointed to undertake the work.
1948 - Foundation stone of new Commons Chamber laid
1950 - The new Commons Chamber first used on 26 October
1950s - Work on the exterior of the Victoria Tower finally completed
1951 - The House of Lords returns to its Chamber on 29 May
1971 - Working group set up to offer advice on restoration
Pollution was again taking its toll
1981 - A major restoration programme begun over several phases
1990-4 - Victoria Tower restored
2000 - Portcullis House completed
A new Parliamentary building was completed