The Palace of Westminster, also widely known as the Houses of Parliament, is the meeting place of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is a site of immense historical and political significance, serving as the centre of British political life for centuries. The palace is the location where the two Houses of Parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, conduct their sittings and debates. The original medieval palace was largely destroyed by a fire in 1834. The present building, a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture designed by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, was constructed between 1840 and 1870. The palace incorporates the historic Westminster Hall, which dates from 1097 and is one of the largest medieval timber-roofed halls in Europe. This hall has hosted numerous significant events throughout British history, including the trials of King Charles I and Sir Thomas More. The Palace of Westminster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding universal value. It stands as a powerful symbol of the UK's constitutional monarchy and its democratic traditions. The palace is also the site of the iconic clock tower, commonly known as Big Ben, which is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock. The building's riverfront location on the north bank of the River Thames makes it a prominent feature of the London skyline.