The architecture of the XVII-XX centuries
The history of English architecture in the l9th century is more complicated than in any century that preceded it, because it includes more than one ‘revival’ of earlier styles beginning with a lengthy competition between the Classic and Gothic schools. As long before as 1753 Horace Walpole had built an ornate and picturesque villa m the 'Gothic' style (Strawberry Hill). A passion for romance and the days of chivalry arose about the same time, and rich noblemen erected sham ruins ('Gothic’ as well as 'Roman’) as ornamental features in their parks. Here and there a belated specimen of Gothic church architecture was built; but it was not until 1818, when Parliament voted a million pounds for building new Anglican churches, that the real Gothic boom began. Out of 214 churches provided under the Act, no less than 174 were in a Gothic or near Gothic style. One of the best specimens is St.Luke's, Chelsea, London (1820-1824).
The House of Parliament
The Palace of Westminster, also called as the Houses of Parliament or Westminster Palace, in London, is where the two Houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (The House of Lords and the House of commons) meet. The palace lies on the north bank of the River Themes in the London borough of the City of Westminster, close to the goventment buildings of Whitehall.
The palace contains around 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 4.8 kilometres (3mi) of corridors. Although the building mainly dates from the 19th century, remaining elements of the original historic buildings include Westminster Hall, used today for major public ceremonial events.
The Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is an arts venue situated in the Knightsbridge area of the City of Westminster, London, England, best known for holding the annual summer Proms concerts since 1941.
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the UK's most treasured and distinctive buildings, recognisable the world over. Since its opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from every kind of performance genre have appeared on its stage. Each year it hosts more than 350 performances including classical concerts, rock and pop, ballet and opera, tennis, award ceremonies, school and community events, charity performances and lavish banquets.
The Hall was originally supposed to have been called The Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but the name was changed by Queen Victoria to Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences when laying the foundation stone as a dedication to her deceased husband and consort Prince Albert.