DOCSLIB.ORG

How Does Parliament and Democracy Work in the UK? Name: ______Class:______Teacher: ______

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

ETP: G and Y How does Parliament and democracy work in the UK? Name: _____________________ Class:__________________ Teacher: __________ Contents Lesson/Resource Page Numbers Tick when complete Knowledge Organiser 2/3 Knowledge for look/cover/write/check 4 Timeline 5 Round the Houses board game 6 First ‘do now!’ 7 Lesson 1 - What is the UK Parliament? 7-10 Lesson 2 - What are the Houses of Parliament? 11-15 Lesson 3 – How does the House of Commons work? 16-21 Lesson 4 – How does the House of Lords work? 22-24 Lesson 5&6: Assessment - Planning and Presentation 25-28 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lesson 1 Do now! 1. The leader of the UK government is called the … President Chancellor Prime Minister 2. The four countries that make up the UK are … 3. A democracy is … Rule by the people. People Rule by a single leader. have a say in how the The leader has not been government is run and elected and may use force they do this by voting. to keep control. There are different systems of voting. 4. Which of these is not a form of voting? First Past the Post Alternative Vote Over the Line 1. What is the UK Parliament? LO: To explain the history of parliament and the basic role and function of the three parts: House of Commons, House of Lords and Monarch 7 8 Check your understanding by answering the following questions. The houses of parliament are made up of 3 parts. What are they? 1. 2. 3. The House of Commons is made up of M_________________of P________________________ whose job is to represent o________________ v____________________ in Parliament. The House of Lords are chosen (appointed) because they have special e___________________________ and k____________________________ that helps them check on the government. The monarch is the king or queen. They meet the Prime Minister o________________ a w_____________ to hear what is going on in P_____________________________________. Watch the clip ‘How parliament works in nearly 60 seconds’ https://www.parliament.uk/about/podcasts/videos-for-schools/ Answer the questions on the clip 1. What does parliament do? 2. How are MPs chosen? 3. How are Lords chosen? 4. A different fact I noticed was … 9 Study the timeline on page 5 and write in your own words the events that happened Date Event What happened? 1215 Magna Carta Even the king cannot break the law now 1605 Gunpowder Plot Bill of Rights Development of elections, free speech and rights of the people Voting in elections becomes a bit more fair. But only for 1832 men, not women. 1872 Voting changes 1918- Voting changes 28 1998 EBI: What do you think was the most important change? Explain why you have chosen it. Exit Ticket 1. The place where Members of Parliament meet is called … House of Lords Monarch House of Commons 2. The Magna Carta was signed limiting the powers of the king in … 1212 1215 1218 3. All men and women were given equal voting rights in … 1832 1918 1928 4. The House of Lords are chosen … Because they are the king/queen Because they have money and Because they have skills and power experience 10 2. What are the Houses of Parliament? LO: To describe the main features of the Houses of Parliament and the main events in its history Do Now! How many parts is the UK parliament split into? What are the parts of parliament? What happened in 1215? What happened in 1928? EBI: Where does the word parliament come from? Read the information and check your understanding by completing the table Parliament Facts House of There are _________ Commons MPs in the House of Commons. MPs are voted for people in a g________ e_________________, Each MP represents a … House of There are about _____ Lords members of the house of Lords. They are chosen for their k_____________. They look carefully at … The The monarch is Monarch another word for k__________ or q__________. They still sign … 11 For a virtual tour of Parliament please visit: https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/virtualtour/ Victoria Tower House of Lords Chamber 12 THE HISTORY OF THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER The Palace of Westminster is perhaps one of London’s most iconic buildings. It’s where all the UK’s politicians meet and it’s where all laws are made, but do you know how it came to be? Royal origins It was Edward the Confessor who first built a royal palace in Westminster — around the same time he built Westminster Abbey — in 1042. The oldest part of the palace that still exists today is known as Westminster Hall, which was built by King William II in the late 1090s. The rise of parliament The first official parliament met in the Hall in 1295, and almost every single following parliament for the next 400 years took place there. Because the building was constructed as a royal palace, there were no special rooms built for parliament. State ceremonies were held in what had been King Henry III’s bedroom! The burning of the commons By the 18th century, parliament had its own building but a fire in 1834 burned down both houses and many of the other buildings at the palace. King William IV offered up the nearly finished Buckingham Palace to parliament, but it was considered unsuitable and was rejected. 13 A new home Following the fire, some chambers were repaired for temporary use, and parliament set about building a new home. Designs were submitted by some of the foremost architects of the day, but the ultimate winner was Augustus Pugin. The first brick was laid on 27 April 1840, with the Lords Chamber and Commons Chamber completed in 1847 and 1852 respectively, and the whole project was completed by 1870. Surviving war During the Blitz of WWII, the Palace was hit by bombs on fourteen different raids, destroying some parts of the building and killing several people. On 26 September 1940, a bomb fell into Old Palace Yard but the statue of Richard the Lionheart even though it fell from its pedestal, had only minor damage in the form of a bent sword! The incendiary (fire) bombs which fell on the nights of 10 and 11 May 1941 caused the greatest damage to the Palace. The Commons Chamber was hit by bombs and the roof of Westminster Hall was set on fire. The fire service said that it would be impossible to save both, so it was decided to save the Hall. The House of Lords was also struck by a bomb but it went through the floor of the Chamber without exploding! Today, the Palace is in urgent need of repairs costing upwards of £7 billion, which will begin in 2022, require a temporary dock to be built and last for six years. Do you think we should spend £7billion to repair the houses of parliament? Explain your view. 14 Check your understanding by creating a timeline of the Palace of Westminster Date What happened? 1042 1090 1295 1834 1840 1870 1940 1941 2022 EBI: Research the events of 1605 and explain why parliament was NOT blown up https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z9crd2p https://learning.parliament.uk/resources/guy-fawkes-and-bonfire-night-video/ Exit Ticket 1. The Houses of Parliament are also called… The Tower of London Buckingham Palace Houses of Parliament 2. Big Ben is actually the bell. What is the tower it is in called? Victoria Tower Elizabeth Tower Mary Tower 3. Which king built the first palace of Westminster? Cnut Edward the Confessor William II 4. Who designed the new parliament after it burned down in 1834? Sir Christopher Wren Augustus Pugin Sir Norman Foster 5. How much will the planned repairs to the palace cost due to being in 2022? £7 million £ 7 billion £7 trillion 15 3. How does the House of Commons work? LO: To explain using specific detail the role and function of the House of Commons and MPs. Do Now! 1.Democracy means … 2. I think that an important event in the development of UK democracy is … I think this is important because … 3. The three main parts of Parliament are … More specifically … EBI: When was the current Palace of Westminster built? Who designed it? 16 Check your understanding by using the sentence starters to write a paragraph. MP stands for a _______________ of ________________. There are 650 MPs in the House of Commons but only _____________ seats for them! To vote for an MP you need to … EBI: We elect MPs because it lets us … Answer the question to check your understanding What work does an MP do in their local area? Where do they do it? 17 What work does an MP do in the House of Commons? Are all MPs part of the Government? 18 19 Check your understanding by answering the questions. 1. What job is similar to being a prime minister? + Why is it similar? 2. Where does the Prime Minister live? 3. The Prime Minister chooses other ministers to help run the country. They have departments such as … 5. What does the Prime Minister do every week? EBI: Why do you think these skills would help you be Prime Minister? Skill Why would it be important for a Prime Minister? Good at public speaking Organised Intelligent/clever 20 My MP is … Some important issues are … My chosen issue is … My MP could help if they … My letter to my MP Write and send a letter to your MP Exit Ticket 1. The leader of the party with the most MPs is … The Prime Minister The Chancellor of the Exchequer The Speaker of the House 2.
Recommended publications
  • Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey Including Saint

    Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey Including Saint

    Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church - UNESCO World Heritage Centre This is a cache of http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/426 as retrieved on Tuesday, April 09, 2019. UNESCO English Français Help preserve sites now! Login Join the 118,877 Members News & Events The List About World Heritage Activities Publications Partnerships Resources UNESCO » Culture » World Heritage Centre » The List » World Heritage List B z Search Advanced Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church Description Maps Documents Gallery Video Indicators Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church Westminster Palace, rebuilt from the year 1840 on the site of important medieval remains, is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture. The site – which also comprises the small medieval Church of Saint Margaret, built in Perpendicular Gothic style, and Westminster Abbey, where all the sovereigns since the 11th century have been crowned – is of great historic and symbolic significance. Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 English French Arabic Chinese Russian Spanish Japanese Dutch Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) © Tim Schnarr http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/426[04/09/2019 11:20:09 AM] Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church - UNESCO World Heritage Centre Outstanding Universal Value Brief synthesis The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church lie next to the River Thames in the heart of London. With their intricate silhouettes, they have symbolised monarchy, religion and power since Edward the Confessor built his palace and church on Thorney Island in the 11th century AD.
  • Westminster Abbey a Service for the New Parliament

    Westminster Abbey a Service for the New Parliament

    St Margaret’s Church Westminster Abbey A Service for the New Parliament Wednesday 8th January 2020 9.30 am The whole of the church is served by a hearing loop. Users should turn the hearing aid to the setting marked T. Members of the congregation are kindly requested to refrain from using private cameras, video, or sound recording equipment. Please ensure that mobile telephones and other electronic devices are switched off. The service is conducted by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster. The service is sung by the Choir of St Margaret’s Church, conducted by Greg Morris, Director of Music. The organ is played by Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist, Westminster Abbey. The organist plays: Meditation on Brother James’s Air Harold Darke (1888–1976) Dies sind die heil’gen zehn Gebot’ BWV 678 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) The Lord Speaker is received at the East Door. All stand as he is conducted to his seat, and then sit. The Speaker of the House of Commons is received at the East Door. All stand as he is conducted to his seat, and then sit. 2 O R D E R O F S E R V I C E All stand to sing THE HYMN E thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, B be all else but naught to me, save that thou art, be thou my best thought in the day and the night, both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word, be thou ever with me, and I with thee, Lord; be thou my great Father, and I thy true son, be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
  • Royal Palaces

    Royal Palaces

    The Royal Collection Historic Royal Palaces www.royalcollection.org.uk/ http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/ Royal Palaces, Residences and Art Collection Historic Royal Palaces is an independent charity. The Royal Collection receives no Government funding or public subsidy. It is administered by Our aim is to help everyone explore the story of the Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity how monarchs and people have shaped set up by The Queen in 1993 under the society, in some of the greatest palaces ever chairmanship of The Prince of Wales. built. The role of the Royal Collection Trust is to Each of the five royal palaces in our care has ensure that the Collection is conserved and survived for hundreds of years. They have displayed to the highest standards and that witnessed peace and prosperity and splendid public understanding of and access to the periods of building and expansion, but they also Collection is increased through exhibition, share stories of more turbulent times, of war publication, education and a programme of and domestic strife, politics and revolution. loans. The most significant recent projects funded through the Royal Collection Trust are The palaces that Historic Royal Palaces are the new Queen’s Galleries in London and responsible for are all owned by The Queen “in Edinburgh to mark The Queen’s Golden Jubilee right of Crown”. This means that Her Majesty in 2002. holds the palaces in Trust for the next monarch and by law cannot sell, lease or otherwise Buckingham Palace dispose of any interest in the palaces. The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace Windsor Castle Although the palaces are owned by The Queen Frogmore House on behalf of the nation, we receive no funding Palace of Holyroodhouse from the Government or the Crown, so we The Queen's Gallery, Palace of depend on the support of our visitors, members, Holyroodhouse donors, volunteers and sponsors.
  • The Custom House

    The Custom House

    THE CUSTOM HOUSE The London Custom House is a forgotten treasure, on a prime site on the Thames with glorious views of the river and Tower Bridge. The question now before the City Corporation is whether it should become a luxury hotel with limited public access or whether it should have a more public use, especially the magnificent 180 foot Long Room. The Custom House is zoned for office use and permission for a hotel requires a change of use which the City may be hesitant to give. Circumstances have changed since the Custom House was sold as part of a £370 million job lot of HMRC properties around the UK to an offshore company in Bermuda – a sale that caused considerable merriment among HM customs staff in view of the tax avoidance issues it raised. SAVE Britain’s Heritage has therefore worked with the architect John Burrell to show how this monumental public building, once thronged with people, can have a more public use again. SAVE invites public debate on the future of the Custom House. Re-connecting The City to the River Thames The Custom House is less than 200 metres from Leadenhall Market and the Lloyds Building and the Gherkin just beyond where high-rise buildings crowd out the sky. Who among the tens of thousands of City workers emerging from their offices in search of air and light make the short journey to the river? For decades it has been made virtually impossible by the traffic fumed canyon that is Lower Thames Street. Yet recently for several weeks we have seen a London free of traffic where people can move on foot or bike without being overwhelmed by noxious fumes.
  • The Tower of London: 1066-1554 Significant Moments and Events in the Fortress’S History

    The Tower of London: 1066-1554 Significant Moments and Events in the Fortress’S History

    Fact sheet for teachers The Tower of London: 1066-1554 Significant moments and events in the fortress’s history 1066 1540 William the Conqueror orders the construction of Henry VIII marries Anne of Cleves. The marriage is Norman castles in London. annulled. Thomas Cromwell is imprisoned in the Tower, and then executed on Tower Hill. Henry VIII marries Catherine Howard. 1080s Work begins on the White Tower. 1541 Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, is executed in 13th century the Tower. Henry III and Edward I build the Medieval Palace and new walls and towers around the White Tower. 1542 Catherine Howard is executed in the Tower. 1485 Henry VII becomes king. 1543 Henry VIII marries his sixth wife Kateryn Parr. 1491 Henry VIII is born. 1545 Protestant Anne Askew is tortured at the Tower. 1509 Henry VII dies. Henry VIII becomes king and marries Katherine of Aragon. 1546 Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, and his father Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, are imprisoned in the Tower. Surrey 1533 is executed the following year on Tower Hill. Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn. Royal lodgings are built for her at the Tower. 1547 Henry VIII dies at Whitehall Palace. Kateryn Parr secretly 1534 marries Thomas Seymour, Jane Seymour’s brother. The Act of Supremacy is declared, recognising Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. 1548 Thomas Seymour is imprisoned in the Tower, and 1535 then beheaded on Tower Hill. Thomas More and John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, are imprisoned in the Tower and then executed on Tower Hill. 1553 Thomas Parr, brother of Kateryn Parr, is imprisoned in 1536 the Tower.
  • Jewel Tower – Final Interpretation Plan

    Jewel Tower – Final Interpretation Plan

    Jewel Tower FINAL Interpretation Plan Curatorial Department 2012/13 Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 Site summary and context of the plan 1.2 Project team 2. History of the site 2.1 Summary 2.2 History of the building and important associations 2.3 Description and features 2.4 Points of significance 3. Conservation management 3.1 Designations 3.2 Condition survey 3.3 Conservation issues 3.4 Parameters for new interpretation 4. Collections 4.1 Summary of collections 4.2 Collections conservation 5. Audiences 5.1 Visitor numbers 5.2 Analysis 5.3 Education visits 5.4 Neighbouring attractions 5.5 Target audiences 6. Existing interpretation and visitor experience 6.1 Audit of current interpretation 6.2 Guidebook 6.3 Events 6.4 Website 7. Interpretation proposals 7.1 Themes 7.2 Interpretation approach 7.3 The scheme 7.4 Maintenance 8. Appendices i) Future work ii) Copy of visitor questionnaire and results iii) Collections in store iv) Activity sheet v) Education visits at the Houses of Parliament vi) Site plan 2 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Site summary and context of the plan The Jewel Tower is a three storey building lying opposite the Houses of Parliament in the heart of London. It was built around 1365 to house Edward III’s personal treasure as part of the palace at Westminster, and is one of the few buildings from this complex to survive today. In the 17th century, the Jewel Tower became the record office for the Houses of Lords and from 1869, it was the home of the Weights and Measures office, which set standards used across the British Empire.
  • Famous Places in London

    Famous Places in London

    Famous places in London Residenz der englischen Könige Sitz der britischen Regierung große Glocke, Wahrzeichen Londons großer Park in London Wachsfigurenkabinett Treffpunkt im Zentrum Londons berühmte Kathedrale ehemaliges Gefängnis, heute Museum, Kronjuwelen sind dort untergebracht berühmte Brücke, kann geöffnet werden, Wahrzeichen Londons großer Platz mit Nelson-Denkmal Krönungskirche des englischen Königshauses berühmte Markthallen berühmtes Warenhaus Riesenrad in London Sammelplatz für Unzufriedene, die die Menge mit ihren Schimpfreden unterhalten, im Hyde Park Sitz der englischen Kriminalpolizei Wohnsitz der königlichen Familie erstellt von Sabine Kainz für den Wiener Bildungsserver www.lehrerweb.at - www.kidsweb.at - www.elternweb.at Big Ben Scotland Yard Westminster Abbey Piccadilly Circus Hyde Park St. Paul’s Cathedral The Tower of London Tower Bridge Covent Garden Speakers Corner Houses of Parliament Buckingham Palace Trafalgar Square Madame Tussaud´s Harrods London Eye Kensington Palace erstellt von Sabine Kainz für den Wiener Bildungsserver www.lehrerweb.at - www.kidsweb.at - www.elternweb.at Famous places in London Buckingham Palace Residenz der englischen Könige Houses of Parliament Sitz der britischen Regierung Big Ben große Glocke, Wahrzeichen Londons Hyde Park großer Park in London Madame Tussaud´s Wachsfigurenkabinett Piccadilly Circus Treffpunkt im Zentrum Londons St. Paul’s Cathedral berühmte Kathedrale ehemaliges Gefängnis, heute The Tower of London Museum, Kronjuwelen sind dort untergebracht berühmte Brücke, kann geöffnet
  • The Royal Tour : the Wedding of Hrh Prince William of Wales to Catherine ‘Kate’ Middleton

    The Royal Tour : the Wedding of Hrh Prince William of Wales to Catherine ‘Kate’ Middleton

    THE ROYAL TOUR : THE WEDDING OF HRH PRINCE WILLIAM OF WALES TO CATHERINE ‘KATE’ MIDDLETON Trip Highlights: Buckingham Palace Westminster Abbey Windsor Castle Hedsor House Kensington Palace Edinburgh Castle TUESDAY ARRIVE LONDON 26 APRIL 2011 Arrive London Heathrow Airport and meet your guide who will escort you to your coach for transfer directly to central London for a panoramic sightseeing tour. Sights include Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Continue to your hotel in central London, where accommodation is reserved for 6 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. WEDNESDAY WINDOR CASTLE—THE TOWER OF LONDON 27 APRIL 2011 This morning visit Windsor Castle one of three official residences of The Queen, and the home to the Sovereign for over 900 years. The imposing towers and battlements of the Castle loom large from every approach to the town, creating one of the world's most spectacular skylines. No other royal residence has played such an important role in the nation's history. You will also visit St George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England. There will be time at leisure to enjoy lunch before travelling to the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels and an integral part of British Royal history. Here you will discover the Tower’s 900‐year history as a Royal Palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house. THURSDAY LONDON : KEW PALACE—KENSINGTON PALACE 28 APRIL 2011 This morning visit Kew Palace, the smallest of English Royal Palaces with its privacy that made it the favourite country retreat for the Royal family in the late 18th century.
  • TOWER of LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) (C 488), WESTMINSTERPALACE, WESTMINSTER ABBEY and SAINT MARGARET’S CHURCH (UNITED KINGDOM) (C 426Bis)

    TOWER of LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) (C 488), WESTMINSTERPALACE, WESTMINSTER ABBEY and SAINT MARGARET’S CHURCH (UNITED KINGDOM) (C 426Bis)

    Department for Culture, Media and Sport 2-4 Cockspur Street Tel 020 7211 6441 London SW1Y 5DH www.culture.gov.uk [email protected] Kishore Rao Director, World Heritage Centre UNESCO 7 Place de Fontenoy 75352 Paris 07 SP France 22nd March 2012 Dear Kishore TOWER OF LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) (C 488), WESTMINSTERPALACE, WESTMINSTER ABBEY AND SAINT MARGARET’S CHURCH (UNITED KINGDOM) (C 426bis) In accordance with Decisions 35 COM 7B.114 and 35 COM 7B.115, I am pleased to send you a State of Conservation Report for the Tower of London and Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church. As well as the Committee decisions, we have also received the report of the reactive monitoring mission sent to both sites in December 2011. Its relevant findings, conclusions and recommendations are noted in the appropriate place. Because of the great degree of overlap of issues between the two sites and their respective Committee decisions, we have combined the two reports in this letter. Where the response is common to both reports, the answer is provided only in the report on the Tower. Each report is structured according to the format provided by the Centre. The clauses of the World Heritage Committee decision are given in bold and indented. The response of the state party is not indented and does not use bold type. The UK Government takes its responsibilities under the World Heritage Convention very seriously and is fully committed to protecting, conserving and presenting UK properties on the World Heritage List. In recent years, there has been significant progress in improving protection for those properties and transmitting their outstanding values to future generations.
  • A4 Web Map 26-1-12:Layout 1

    A4 Web Map 26-1-12:Layout 1

    King’s Cross Start St Pancras MAP KEY Eurostar Main Starting Point Euston Original Tour 1 St Pancras T1 English commentary/live guides Interchange Point City Sightseeing Tour (colour denotes route) Start T2 W o Language commentaries plus Kids Club REGENT’S PARK Euston Rd b 3 u Underground Station r n P Madame Tussauds l Museum Tour Russell Sq TM T4 Main Line Station Gower St Language commentaries plus Kids Club q l S “A TOUR DE FORCE!” The Times, London To t el ★ River Cruise Piers ss Gt Portland St tenham Ct Rd Ru Baker St T3 Loop Line Gt Portland St B S s e o Liverpool St Location of Attraction Marylebone Rd P re M d u ark C o fo t Telecom n r h Stansted Station Connector t d a T5 Portla a m Museum Tower g P Express u l p of London e to S Aldgate East Original London t n e nd Pl t Capital Connector R London Wall ga T6 t o Holborn s Visitor Centre S w p i o Aldgate Marylebone High St British h Ho t l is und S Museum el Bank of sdi igh s B tch H Gloucester Pl s England te Baker St u ga Marylebone Broadcasting House R St Holborn ld d t ford A R a Ox e re New K n i Royal Courts St Paul’s Cathedral n o G g of Justice b Mansion House Swiss RE Tower s e w l Tottenham (The Gherkin) y a Court Rd M r y a Lud gat i St St e H n M d t ill r e o xfo Fle Fenchurch St Monument r ld O i C e O C an n s Jam h on St Tower Hill t h Blackfriars S a r d es St i e Oxford Circus n Aldwyc Temple l a s Edgware Rd Tower Hil g r n Reg Paddington P d ve s St The Monument me G A ha per T y Covent Garden Start x St ent Up r e d t r Hamleys u C en s fo N km Norfolk
  • The Prerogative and Environmental Control of London Building in the Early Seventeenth Century: the Lost Opportunity

    The Prerogative and Environmental Control of London Building in the Early Seventeenth Century: the Lost Opportunity

    The Prerogative and Environmental Control of London Building in the Early Seventeenth Century: The Lost Opportunity Thomas G. Barnes* "What experience and history teach is this-that people and governments never have learned anything from history or or acted on principles deducted from it." Undaunted by Hegel's pessimism, Professor Barnes demonstrates that our current concern for the environment is not as new as we might suppose. The most considerable, continuous, and best docu- mented experiment in environmental control in the Common Law tradition was conducted before the middle of the seventeenth century. An almost accidental circumstance determined that this experiment would become a lost opportunity. Now if great Cities are naturally apt to remove their Seats, I ask which way? I say, in the case of London, it must be West- ward, because the Windes blowing near . [three-fourths] of the year from the West, the dwellings of the West end are so much the more free from the fumes, steams, and stinks of the whole Easterly Pyle; which where Seacoal is burnt is a great matter. Now if [it] follow from hence, that the Pallaces of the greatest men will remove Westward, it will also naturally fol- low, that the dwellings of others who depend upon them will creep after them. This we see in London, where the Noble- mens ancient houses are now become Halls for Companies, or turned into Tenements, and all the Pallaces are gotten West- ward; Insomuch, as I do not doubt but that five hundred years hence, the King's Pallace will be near Chelsey, and the old building of Whitehall converted to uses more answerable to their quality, .
  • The Politics of Architecture in Tudor and Stuart London Transcript

    The Politics of Architecture in Tudor and Stuart London Transcript

    The Politics of Architecture in Tudor and Stuart London Transcript Date: Thursday, 11 February 2010 - 12:00AM Location: Museum of London The Politics of Architecture in Tudor and Stuart London Professor Simon Thurley Visiting Gresham Professor of the Built Environment 11/12/2010 Tonight, and again on the 11 March, I will be looking at the interrelation of architecture and power. The power of kings and the power of government and how that power has affected London. On the 11th I will be looking at Victorian and Edwardian London but tonight I'm going to concentrate on the sixteenth and seventeenth century and show how Tudor and Stuart Monarchs used, with varying degrees of success, the great buildings of the City of London to bolster their power. The story of royal buildings in the City starts with the Saxons. Before 1052 English Kings had had a palace in London at Aldermanbury, but principally to avoid the instability, turbulence and violence of the populace Edward the Confessor, the penultimate English King, had moved his royal palace one and a half miles west to an Island called Thorney. On Thorney Island the Confessor built the great royal abbey and palace of Westminster. And it was here, that William the Conqueror chose to be crowned on Christmas day 1066, safely away from the still hostile inhabitants of the city. London was too big, powerful and independent to be much influenced by the Norman Conquest. Business continued unabated under a deal done between the city rulers and their new king. However William left a major legacy by establishing the metropolitan geography of the English monarchy - the subject of my talk this evening.