Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate words. In 1834, the Houses of Parliament with the exception of Westminster Hall ____ by fire, they ____ later.

The correct answer is: C. were destroyed / were built

The Houses of Parliament were destroyed by fire in 1834. They were rebuilt later.

Option A is incorrect because the Houses of Parliament were not built after the fire. They were rebuilt.

Option B is incorrect because the Houses of Parliament were not being destroyed when the fire started. They were destroyed.

Option D is incorrect because the Houses of Parliament are not destroyed. They were rebuilt.