There were 20 in our group and when I asked for a goofy picture, this is what I got. Left to right: Brother Orton chocking Brother Ibbotson, Sister Orton, President Irwin, Sister Irwin, Sister Marsh, Sister Freeman, Sister Garret in the way back, Sister Bustamante with her tongue out, Brother Mulholland, Sister Ibbotson, Brother Davis, sister Banks waving, Sister Davis, Brother Parkinson, Sister Mulholland, Sister Parkinson, Bob, and Sister Smith.
Dad and Brad Parkinson were the only ones with cool hats!
At Victoria Station, we caught the subway to Westminster stop and walked out onto the street. Big Ben stood tall and erect across the street and we all gazed up at his magnificence.
We stood around as he chimed eleven times for the hour.
It was a cold, cloudy, windy day, with rain falling some here and some there.
We walked around the corner to the Portcullis House where we entered to go through security. It was like being at the airport with emptying pockets, putting everything in the bin, and being scanned. Sister Bustamante got the third degree with a pat down, her items thoroughly searched and her bun even wanded!
Brother Davis had arranged the tour with the Honorable Henry Smith, MP (Member of Parliament.) He had met Mr. Smith at the Crawley stake Easter program last year and approached him about getting a tour of parliament. He said that would be great and gave him who to contact. The process began and here we are, with Mr. Smith and touring parliment! Who would have ever thought?
The Honorable Henry Smith, MP.
We are in a select committee room to begin the tour.
Mr. Smith was very delightful. He was very knowledgeable and was so willing to answer any and all questions we had. There were very few he did not have an answer for, but so stated instead of trying to come up with something. And, he said his wife is a descendent of Thomas E Ricks, the founder of Ricks College in Idaho! He is not a mormon but said he is very much aware of us and enjoys such company.
Originally the home of kings and queens from before the Norman Conquest, they no longer lived there when fire destroyed much of the building in 1512. The Palace of Westminster has been the home to both Houses of Parliament for more than 500 years. Most of the old Palace was destroyed by a second fire in 1834, and a new building was designed by the Victorian architect Charles Barry and built in the Gothic splendor which remains to this day.
We walked out onto the Terrace which abuts the Thames. It was neat being there since we had been on the cruise in this very place on the river when we were there in December.
We were not allowed to take many photos, so I found some online to illustrate. Westminster Hall has been a part of the British nation since the 11th century. In and around the hall grew up the major institutions of the British state: Parliament, the law courts, and various government offices. Over the history of its life it has hosted weddings, funerals, various royal affairs, and meetings involving leaders from other countries, as well as the Kings and Queens of England. (You can see my photo does not do the hall justice.) The stones in the floor below pay tribute to some of the great events that took place
Mr. Smith took us through to this chapel. It is located at the far end of Westminster Hall, to the left. It is enclosed by a rot iron gate of which is clearly labeled: "Not Open To The General Public."
The chapel withstood the fires as it is beneath the buildings and very well preserved. The organ is magnificent and frescos, murals, and paintings are elaborate. It is used for special services, and baptisms, communion, and weddings of members of the royal family, etc.
We were now entering the halls of Parliament and admired the many murals and paintings that grace the walls and hallways. There are many statues as well.
We walked through St. Stephen's Hall
The sign says, "Hall Keeper's Lodge."
In this court, we went left to the House of Commons and right to the House of Lords.
We entered the House of Commons through the member's lobby. Here is where they collect messages, discuss issues, and prepare other matters of concern. Winston Churchill stands to the left and David Lloyd George stands to the right.
The House of Commons is decorated in green and the House of Lords is decorated in red. The colors are very impressive with their rich tones and depth of hue.
We walked into this room and I felt like I was transported back in time. Images of it from various movies I have watched flashed through my mind and I was in awe of how small it really is. We were almost on top of each other as we moved around and walked up and down. The balcony has seating as well for its members and the public has seating in a balcony just above where we entered the room.
We learned where two phrases we use originated from:
"Toe The Line." The two red lines on the carpet marks where each side must not cross when they stand in debate. The distance between the two lines is 2 1/2 sword lengths, so they were unable to fight. If a member crossed the line they were reminded to, "Toe The Line!"
Past the dest and to the back of the desk is the speaker's chair. It is upholstered in green and sits inside a wooden chair. A green bag hangs behind it and when an MP has a petition, he places it in the bag; thus the phrase, "It's In The Bag!"
We were unable to go into the House of Lords as they were doing a security sweep with dogs and all. We did go into the Moses Room. It is the main venue for grand committees. It gets its name from the huge painting on the back wall of Moses bringing the tablets down from Mt. Sinai. The room is very grand in appearance, all decked out in red.
When our tour was complete, we graciously thanked our wonderful host and then were on our own for the rest of the day and getting back home. Sister Smith hung with us and we toured Westminster Abbey.
Since the crowning of William the conqueror in 1066, the Abbey has been the church where the Coronation of kings and queens take place. The Coronation chair resides here. It is also the burial and memorial place for many famous historical figures from the last thousand years of British history.
Many musicians, poets, and writers are either buried or memorized in the abbey. Some include: Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, George Frideric Handel, T.S. Elliot, and William Shakespeare.
Prince William and Kate were married here.
The Great West Door
Detail
Exiting the Great West Door and getting a photo with the traveling lizard and the guard.
What a wonderful opportunity so glad your mission is going well. You both look great.
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