Houses of Parliament

This atmospheric photograph, taken around 1910, captures a rare and striking view of the Houses of Parliament from the South Bank of the River Thames. The Victoria Tower rises prominently on the right, and Big Ben—part of the Elizabeth Tower—is visible in the background, keeping steady watch over the capital.

In the foreground, a flotilla of Thames sailing barges and cargo vessels underscores the enduring industrial pulse of Edwardian London. Warehouses, cranes and timber wharfs line the embankment, a stark contrast to the neo-Gothic grandeur of Westminster beyond.

This image is a timeless juxtaposition of power and labour, symbolising both the heart of British governance and the everyday industry that sustained the city.

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