Episode Information

Secrets of Westminster -

From the outside, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are the classic London scene, the emblems of British democracy and history. Today, this building stands as a monument to a fair and open political system, but was it always so? This film goes inside its gothic walls and reveals the hidden world of the Houses of Commons and Lords; a world of back-stabbing, intrigue and traditions. We'll find out when Big Ben's bells first rang out and what keeps them going (a pile of old pennies...). Through a tour we'll meet some of the people who keep these buildings running today -- from clerks to the "Black Rod" -- a Lord responsible for security, controlling access to and maintaining order within the House.

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