The Second World War London Blitz finally ended with an extremely heavy raid on 10 May 1941. Almost 1,500 people were killed, the House of Commons was severely damaged, and over 2 000 fires raged over a wide area of the capital.

THe House of Commons in ruins	The House of Commons today

What is the House of Commons?

The House of Commons is the most powerful of the UK Parliament's two houses. It is where UK policies are discussed and UK laws are made. It is a large room in the Palace of Westminster (also known as the Houses of Parliament) in London.

The Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament)

People in the UK elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons at a general election, held no more than five years apart. It is expected that the next general election will be held in May 2010.

To find out more about the House of Commons and Parliament visit
www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/government/

To read about the Blitz visit
www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/war/blitz.htm

Also on this day ......

10 May 1994: Nelson Mandela becomes South Africa's first black president after more than three centuries of white rule.