This was only my third visit to Parliament. I was there for a breakfast briefing on the terrace. I had been inside in the Houses of Parliament only twice before. Once back in the 1970s when my primary school was threatened by closure and a group of us, pupils, parents, and teachers went to discuss this in parliament. My second visit was in the early 2000s when I worked at at-Bristol (now called We The Curious) and we were meeting some parliamentarians. I actually drove to the Houses of Parliament through the building, and parked underneath.
I went through the visitor entrance and on the way to security is a statue of Oliver Cromwell.
I was a little surprised, as though Cromwell championed Parliament against the monarchy, I did wonder if his legacy was a little toxic.
It was then into security before walking through Westminster Hall. Westminster Hall is a medieval great hall which is part of the Palace of Westminster. It was constructed in 1097 for William II, at which point it was the largest hall in Europe. It is an impressive space.
I then made my way to the Central Lobby (photography not allowed). I joined the queue and made my way to the terrace for a breakfast briefing.
After the event I walked back the way I came in. I had enjoyed the visit to Parliament.