Behind the Green Benches: A Journey Through the History of the House of Commons

Behind the Green Benches: A Journey Through the History of the House of Commons

So, you’re thinking about visiting the House of Commons, are you? I recently spent some time behind those iconic green benches, and oh boy, what an experience! You probably know the basics—centuries of history, lively debates, and the occasional raucous shouting match. But there’s so much more to it, and I’m here to spill the tea (and maybe a bit of the biscuits, too).

As I approached the Palace of Westminster, with its gothic tower reaching up to the heavens (Big Ben, I’m looking at you!), I couldn’t help but feel a tingle in my toes. Maybe it was excitement, or perhaps the dodgy egg sandwich I had for lunch—who knows? But once inside, I felt transported through time and space, standing in a place where history is made, and politicians occasionally trip over their own words (or their shoes).

First off, let’s talk a bit about those green benches. They’re infamous, let me tell you! If you’ve ever seen the Commons in action on telly, you’ll know they’re where all the debate action happens. One thing I learned though, is that the benches aren’t a mere fashion statement. The shade of green is the result of a historical tradition dating back to the late 18th century, designed to reduce glare from the sun. But let’s be real, I think they just wanted to match the drink of choice for MPs—green tea. Ha! Just kidding. It’s more like cold hard cash and the occasional Earl Grey.

A Glimpse Back in Time

History buffs will appreciate that the House of Commons has been the heart of British democracy since 1707. It’s a continuing saga, really! Can you image what those walls have seen? Heated discussions about just about everything—taxation, war, social issues. Just the week I visited, there was a big debate on the future of public transport in London. I mean, can we just all agree that the tube is a bit of a hot mess? My own experience with it is packed with near-misses and awkward encounters with strangers. One time, I accidentally sat on someone’s bag. Awkward doesn’t even begin to cover it!

As I sauntered through the corridors, I took a moment to check out the bizarre artwork. Have you ever tried to make sense of political cartoons? I stood there scratching my head at a piece by Gerald Scarfe. It’s like he captured the essence of politics—but with a dash of madness. A bit like my cousin’s wedding cake. I’m still trying to figure out how I survived that.

Hidden Gems and Fables

Now, amidst the pomp and circumstance, there are odd little corners of the Commons where you can find interesting nuggets of info. For instance, did you know that the House of Commons used to have a "library" that included a “Regular Caffeine Supply”? Yep! It was known as the Tea Room, where MPs could sip away while plotting national policies or, more likely, dodging tough questions. I mean, let’s be honest; I would also need to fortify myself before talking to a bunch of press vultures!

A cheeky nugget for you—during wartime, the Commons had to deal with some serious get-down-and-dirty issues. Bombs fell on Westminster during the Blitz. Surprisingly, the beautiful ceiling in the Commons remained intact, like a sparkling tiara on a princess. You can actually see the marks on the walls from when MPs had to huddle in the Chamber during air raids. Talk about a rough day at the office!

The St John’s Café: Where the Tea’s a Bit iffy

And oh, the café! Don’t even get me started on my cup of tea from St John’s Cafe. Someone really should say something about the quality of their brews. Let me tell you, it was reminiscent of the tea bag I accidentally left in a sock drawer once. I can’t help but wonder if MPs have a special blend they keep hidden away for important debates. You’ve got to question whether strong tea is a secret ingredient for strong decisions!

But I digress. The café’s wall hangings also tell a story or two, commemorating pivotal moments in British history. It’s kind of like taking a crash course in politics, served with a side of stale scone. I’d recommend skipping the pastries and heading straight for your favourite coffee chain after your visit, trust me!

Local News and Upcoming Events

Speaking of the Commons being a hub of energy, last week I heard that they launched a new initiative for sustainability. MPs are all abuzz about going green (I see what they did there with the benches!). They’re looking to lead by example with eco-friendly practices. Makes one wonder if they’ll swap out all those tasty snacks for vegan options! Come on, what’s wrong with a good old sausage roll?

If you’re in London, you may wish to check out the interactive exhibitions at the Palace of Westminster, especially the ones about Parliament’s role in shaping the modern UK—some serious food for thought without the questionable scones!

A Little Bit About You

If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend a guided tour. They take you through not just the Commons but the whole layout, including the equally stately House of Lords. And a little tip—do check the BBC News site before heading there for any juicy political deliberations happening that day. You never know, you might witness a bit of drama unfold! Just be sure to brush up on your political lingo, so you don’t end up looking completely baffled when someone shouts "Order!"—and I promise, it does happen frequently.

Wrap Up

So, that’s a little peek behind the green benches of the House of Commons. From high-flying debates to dodgy cups of tea and those hidden histories lurking around every corner, the Commons holds stories that resonate far beyond the political arena. And let’s be honest—politicians fumbling their words can sometimes be way funnier than an overpriced comedy show (well, almost).

Next time you’re in London, make sure you put the Parliament Building on your list. You’ll leave with more than just knowledge—you might even snag a cheeky political insider joke or two to share at the pub later.

Have you ever been behind those green benches? What was your experience like? Did you have a dodgy cuppa, too? Let me know in the comments!