London, England - 2007; The heart of UK government, the Palace of Westminster serves as the meeting place for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of Parliament. It t is located on the north bank of the River Thames in the City of Westminster. This building has an interesting history; the first royal palace constructed on this site dated from the 11th century, and it became the residence of the Kings of England until fire destroyed the Royal Apartments in 1512. Then the remaining parts burnt down in 1834. Then the whole location, incorporating remaining historic fragments, was then rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style. Big Ben - also constructed at this time - is the nickname for the clock and clock tower at the north end of the Palace.