The original Palace of Westminster was largely destroyed by a catastrophic fire in 1834.
The Catastrophic Fire of 1834
On the night of October 16, 1834, a devastating fire broke out, engulfing much of the historic Palace of Westminster. This event led to the destruction of most of the ancient parliamentary complex, paving the way for the iconic building that stands today.
Here's a summary of the key details regarding its destruction:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Destruction | October 16, 1834 |
| Primary Cause | Accidental ignition from two underfloor stoves |
| Material Ignited | Old tally sticks belonging to the Exchequer |
| Point of Ignition | Panelling in the Lords Chamber |
| Nature of Event | Devastating fire |
The Unforeseen Cause: Burning of Tally Sticks
The fire's origin was both accidental and rooted in a rather peculiar administrative practice of the time. The incident began when two underfloor stoves, located beneath the House of Lords Chamber, were used to dispose of a vast stockpile of old tally sticks belonging to the Exchequer. These wooden sticks, once used as a form of receipt and record-keeping, were deemed obsolete.
Despite warnings about the potential dangers of the sheer volume of material being burned, the process continued. The intense heat from these stoves ultimately ignited the surrounding panelling within the Lords Chamber. Once the panelling caught fire, the blaze quickly spread through the timber-rich structure of the ancient palace, leading to its widespread destruction.
Devastation and Rebuilding
The fire consumed most of the Palace of Westminster, including the Houses of Lords and Commons, the Speaker's House, and many of the administrative offices. While Westminster Hall, dating back to the 11th century, remarkably survived, the scale of devastation necessitated a complete reconstruction. This monumental task eventually led to the design and construction of the magnificent Victorian Gothic building by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, which is recognized globally as the home of the UK Parliament today.
