LONDON. The Jewel House, which contains the magnificent display of the Crown Jewels, and St. Peter's Chapel, the resting-place of many distinguished and unfortunate dead, are among the most interesting curiosities of the Tower. The two murdered sons of Edward IV., their uncle Clarence, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and Sir Walter Raleigh are but a few of those who have met their fate here more or less unjustly. Many curiosities were destroyed in 1841 by a fire, which broke out in the Armoury, where a great many small arms had been stored; but there still remains a remarkable collection of armour and trophies of various dates. Probably no building in the world has such a history as the Tower of London, the mere mention of its name recalling the most stirring events of former times, whether considered as a royal residence, or, as it afterwards became, a state prison. THE NEW PALACE AT WESTMINSTER; OR, THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT. Next in point of interest is this magnificent structure and monument of England's wealth. It is erected on the site of the former House of Parliament, destroyed by fire in 1834, and is seen to great advantage from the river. It covers an area of 8 acres, has 100 stairways, 1,100 apartments, and 2 miles of corridors. The Façade is 900 feet in length, of Gothic style; and it is decorated with the statues and shields of arms of our kings and queens, from the Conquest to the present date. The Chambers in which the debates are carried on can be visited on Saturdays, by orders obtainable from the Lord Chamberlain, whose office is situated in the court next to the Victoria Tower. To attend the debates in the House of Lords, it is necessary to be prepared with a peer's order; and a member's ticket admits to the House of Commons during the sitting of the House. When law appeal cases are being heard in the House of Lords no orders are required, as it is an open court. The decorations of both chambers are exceedingly elaborate and costly. The Victoria Tower, the most conspicuous erection in the metropolis, is 75 feet square, and 346 feet high. The clock, which is one of the best in England, has a bell, upon which the hours are struck, weighing more than eight tons. XX LONDON. The House, or more properly the Hall, of Peers is 97 feet long, 45 feet wide, and 45 feet high; but it is so dark that much of the effect of its magnificent fittings and embellishments is quite lost. The hall of the Commons is 62 feet in length, 45 feet in width, and 45 feet in height. It is somewhat plainer in its decorations, but is nevertheless a very beautiful room. The principal entrances are through Westminster Hall and Old Palace Yard, both leading into the Central Hall, to the right of which is the "House of Lords," and to the left the "House of Commons." WESTMINSTER HALL Was rebuilt in 1399, on the site of a former edifice erected during the reign of William II., being part of the old palace of Westminster. The Hall is 290 feet long, 68 feet wide, and 110 feet high; the roof being of oak, and the finest in the kingdom. Many important trials have taken place here, the most notable among which are those of Sir William Wallace, Sir Thomas More, the Earl of Strafford, and Charles I. The higher courts of law hold their sittings in apartments connected with this Hall. In the corridor through which the Houses of Parliament are reached are some good statues of eminent statesmen. THE PALACE OF ST. JAMES'S, Which has been before mentioned in connexion with the levées and drawing rooms held in its state apartments by the Queen or Prince and Princess of Wales, is an unsightly building facing St. James's Street. From the time of the burning of the Palace of Whitehall to the occupation of Buckingham Palace by Her Majesty, it was always the official residence of royalty. It is decorated in a very superior style, and has suites of large apartments fitted for official receptions, &c. It still gives title to the "Court of St. James's." Guard-mounting takes place in the Colour Court every morning at a quarter to 11 o'clock, when the fine bands of the Household Guards may be heard to great advantage. On the other side of the road, leading to St. James's Park, stands X |