History

The origins of the area can be traced back to the end of the tenth century, when there was a small monastery on Thorney Island, near the site of the current Abbey.

The area that now forms Parliament Square Garden was formerly the churchyard and streets adjoining St Margaret's Church. In the early 1780s the buildings were demolished, the churchyard cleared and a lawn was sown. In 1834 a fire virtually destroyed the medieval Westminster Palace.

Following the fire, Sir Charles Barry won a competition to design the new palace (now known as the Houses of Parliament), which was expanded to include eight acres along the Thames. The resulting neo-Gothic buildings were completed in 1852, followed by the Clock Tower, which houses Big Ben, in 1858.

Parliament Square in 1923 - photo copyright Transport for London Parliament Square Garden was included within Barry's designs and was laid out in 1868, after clearance of the buildings on the site, with the aim of providing the new Houses of Parliament with a better setting.

During the Second World War, the Westminster area suffered significant bomb damage. In 1948 the architect Grey Wornum was commissioned to redesign the square as one central garden island for the then Ministry of Transport. The design now comprises a square lawn, paved walkways and formal paths, with seats on the northern and western edges.

Parliament Square Garden was listed in 1996 and is an English Heritage Grade II Registered Garden of Special Historic Interest. In 1987 it was designated as the Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square Conservation Area.

The Palace of Westminster (more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament) and Westminster Abbey including St Margaret's Church were inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Site in 1987, in recognition of the outstanding universal architectural, historic and symbolic significance of this group of buildings and spaces. They are recognised internationally both as a group of buildings of outstanding architectural importance, and as a symbol of spiritual and democratic ideals throughout the world.

Parliament Square Garden has played an important part in our heritage as a place of ceremonies and significant historic events. This role continues today, as Parliament Square Garden is still a key part of the ceremonial route between Westminster Abbey and Westminster Hall.


Parliament Square	Home > History
Improving the square Managing the square About the square History	History The origins of the area can be traced back to the end of the tenth century, when there was a small monastery on Thorney Island, near the site of the current Abbey. The area that now forms Parliament Square Garden was formerly the churchyard and streets adjoining St Margaret's Church. In the early 1780s the buildings were demolished, the churchyard cleared and a lawn was sown. In 1834 a fire virtually destroyed the medieval Westminster Palace. Following the fire, Sir Charles Barry won a competition to design the new palace (now known as the Houses of Parliament), which was expanded to include eight acres along the Thames. The resulting neo-Gothic buildings were completed in 1852, followed by the Clock Tower, which houses Big Ben, in 1858. Parliament Square Garden was included within Barry's designs and was laid out in 1868, after clearance of the buildings on the site, with the aim of providing the new Houses of Parliament with a better setting. During the Second World War, the Westminster area suffered significant bomb damage. In 1948 the architect Grey Wornum was commissioned to redesign the square as one central garden island for the then Ministry of Transport. The design now comprises a square lawn, paved walkways and formal paths, with seats on the northern and western edges. Parliament Square Garden was listed in 1996 and is an English Heritage Grade II Registered Garden of Special Historic Interest. In 1987 it was designated as the Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square Conservation Area. The Palace of Westminster (more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament) and Westminster Abbey including St Margaret's Church were inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Site in 1987, in recognition of the outstanding universal architectural, historic and symbolic significance of this group of buildings and spaces. They are recognised internationally both as a group of buildings of outstanding architectural importance, and as a symbol of spiritual and democratic ideals throughout the world. Parliament Square Garden has played an important part in our heritage as a place of ceremonies and significant historic events. This role continues today, as Parliament Square Garden is still a key part of the ceremonial route between Westminster Abbey and Westminster Hall.