One of the most curious buildings in the world just opened its doors to millions of people around the world.

The Houses of Parliament has a rich and colourful history, dating back, in part, to the 11th century, and while it retains many customs that might be more at home under the Tudors, it this week took a step into the 21st century.

The launch of a 360-degree virtual tour on the institution’s website means that internet users will be able to view in panoramic detail the chamber of the House of Lords, where A W Pugin’s 23-carat gold ceremonial throne still appears to emit light, Westminster Hall, home to the very spot that Charles I was sentenced to death in 1649, or St Stephen’s Hall, where Viscount Falkland still bears the scars from when suffragette Marjory Hume chained herself to his statue.

The tour, above, can be viewed on a desktop or mobile device or for a full immersive experience, via a makeshift Virtual Reality headset (like a Google Cardboard contraption). Select the House of Commons chamber and have your nearest and dearest jostle and jeer empty nonsense in your ear and you’re basically at PMQs.

A view of the ceiling of the Central Lobby Credit: Catherine Bebbington

“We are looking to bring about a new level of openness”, said clerk of the commons David Natzler, before explaining not yet every room intended for the programme is available - the Royal Gallery is cluttered with scaffolding and suffering from damp.

Indeed, the Houses of Parliament as a whole is gearing up for a £4billion, six-year renovation. The last such work was carried out nearly 200 years ago and enforced by a fire which burnt much of the structure to the ground in 1834.

But that’s not to say the building’s interiors do not look resplendent in the VR world. The 360-degree form is created and pieced together in a way that ensures no corner is left in shadow and the resolution is high throughout, from the tiles of the Members’ Corridor to the intricate ceiling of the Central Lobby.

However, there are some elements of both the Commons and the Lords the virtual tour cannot do justice: the quirks, idiosyncrasies and anachronisms that pore from nearly every wall of the Palace of Westminster, but which is the most peculiar?

Seven weird things you didn't know about the Houses of Parliament

1. It has its own snuff box

The Commons has its own snuff box (as every house should have). Supposedly a medicinal pick-me-up for members no longer able to smoke in the building, the powdered tobacco is kept in a special box crafted from old timbers reclaimed from the ravages of the fire that destroyed the original building. It is held by the entrance to the chamber, though the number of participants is believed to have dwindled to zero.

2. It's equipped to stop sword fights

Red lines on the floor of the chamber of the House of Commons, one ahead of each side of the front bench, are supposedly greater than two sword lengths apart so that no opposing members become embroiled in a duel mid-debate.

John Kerry and William Hague not having a sword fight Credit: Credit: 506 collection / Alamy Stock Photo/506 collection / Alamy Stock Photo

3. But where do they keep their swords?

On the special purple ribbon loops by the coat hangers in the members’ cloakroom, of course.

4. What about rifles?

For when the proverbial really hits the fan, swords just don’t cut it (don't bring a knife to a gunfight). Which is perhaps why there remains a rifle range deep in the bowels of the House of Parliament. The 25-yard range was founded in 1915 with the aim of “promoting a stronger sense of citizenship among members”, but is now not long for this world. In recent years, a nursery and a swimming pool have each been mooted as replacement uses for the range.

5. It boasts surprising art

What better way to commemorate our greatest statesman than to hang some of his hobby art on the walls in the House of Commons. 'Coast scene near Cannes' (1935) by Sir Winston Churchill is on display in the No division lobby adjacent to the chamber. Presumably painted during his “wilderness” years.

Sir Winston indulging in some painting Credit: Credit: Keystone Pictures USA / Alamy Stock Photo/Keystone Pictures USA / Alamy Stock Photo

6. And uses paper made of dead goats

Last year parliament came within a whisker of the end of its tradition of printing its decisions on treated calf-skin, or vellum. After plenty of um-ing and ah-ing about the cost of the practice, it was decided it was worth paying £80,000 not to switch to bog-standard paper.

7. It has a famous cupboard

The Houses of Parliament, steeped in history as it is and proud of it, is the place to be if you’re a fan of plaques. Nelson Mandela was here plaques, Charles I sentenced to death plaques, but also one commemorating Emily Davison and the cupboard she hid in during the night of the 1911 census. By doing so, she was able to record her address as “the House of Commons”, thus making her claim to the same political rights of men. Of further interest was that the plaque was put up by Tony Benn MP, of his own volition. "I have put up several plaques—quite illegally, without permission; I screwed them up myself," he said. You shouldn't try that.