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Westminster Hall

Westminster Hall, erected in 1097 is the oldest existing part of the Palace of Westminster. When built, it was the largest hall in Europe. The roof was probably originally supported by pillars, giving three aisles. A new roof rebuilding had been begun by King Henry III in 1245 and took a century to build. The "the greatest creation of medieval timber architecture", allowed the original three aisles to be replaced with a single huge open space in 1393.
Westminster Hall has the largest clearspan medieval roof in England, measuring 20.7 by 73.2 meters (68 by 240 ft). Oak timbers for the roof came from royal woods in Hampshire and from parks in Hertfordshire and from that of William Crozier of Stoke D'Abernon, who supplied over 600 oaks in Surrey, among other sources; they were assembled near Farnham, Surrey, 35 miles away. Accounts record the large number of wagons and barges which delivered the jointed timbers to Westminster for assembly.
Westminster Hall has served numerous functions. It was primarily used for judicial purposes, housing three of the most important courts in the land: the Court of King's Bench, the Court of Common Pleas and the Court of Chancery.
Westminster Hall has also served ceremonial functions. From the twelfth century to the nineteenth, coronation banquets honoring new monarchs were held here.
A prospect of the inside of Westminster Hall, shewing how the King and Queen, with the nobility and others, did sit at dinner on the day of the coronation, 23 Apr. 1685, with the manner of serving up the first course of hot meat to their Majesties table.
20 Media in collection ∙ page 1 of 1

Westminster Hall from "The Antiquities of London; comprising views and historical descriptions ... Also anecdotes of eminent persons ... Chiefly from the works of T. Pennant ... Second edition, etc"

This image has been taken from scan 000180 from "The Antiquities of London; comprising views and historical descriptions ... Also anecdotes of eminent persons ... Chiefly from the works of T. Pennant ... Second... more

Coronation procession of his majesty George the Fourth, 19th July, 1821 / drawn & etched by W. Heath.

Print shows a street procession with King George IV at his coronation festivities on July 19, 1821, in St. James' Park, London. Balloon flying at upper right represents balloonist Charles Green's first ascensi... more

Westminster from "Westminster Hall Courts. Facts for the consideration of Parliament, before the final adoption of a plan perpetuating the courts of law on a site injurious ... to the suitor ... Second edition. [With a folding map.]"

This image has been taken from scan 000030 from "Westminster Hall Courts. Facts for the consideration of Parliament, before the final adoption of a plan perpetuating the courts of law on a site injurious ... to... more

Westminster from "[Memories of the Great Metropolis: or London from the Tower to the Crystal Palace.]"

This image has been taken from scan 000058 from "[Memories of the Great Metropolis: or London from the Tower to the Crystal Palace.]". The title and subject terms of this image have been generated from tags, cr... more

Westminster Hall / By Valentine Blanchard.

Stereograph shows horse-drawn carriages in front of the Houses of Parliament, London, England.

"The greatest show on earth" now in London / Ehrhart.

Illustration shows the procession for the coronation of Edward VII, King of Great Britain; many of those participating in the pageantry are wearing medieval costume.