The Palace of Westminster is home to Britain's Houses of Parliament, the Commons and the Lords. Once a royal palace, the oldest parts of the complex date back to the Norman era some 900 years ago, with the current building completed in 1870 following a 19th century fire which destroyed the largely medieval palace which preceded it. The most famous part of the buildings is the Elizabeth Tower, often known as 'Big Ben' after the bell in the clock tower which is struck to mark the hours. The bell has been largely silenced since the start of a restoration programme in 2017, but is expected to resume ringing in mid 2022. STOCKSHOTS