Westminster Hall - A Hallmark of History

The Lying In State of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin is an occasion of historic proportions – as is Westminster Hall in which it is being held. The oldest building in Parliament, and only one to survive in nearly its original design, is known for its great size and roof, as well as for its central role in British history.

Completed in 1099 under HM King William II, son of William the Conqueror, he envisioned the building as a display of his authority and power, which includes the largest clear span medieval roof in England. The history witnessed under its roof includes many of the great Coronation Banquets including that of Anne Boleyn and was the site of Thomas More’s trial for High Treason when he denied the validity of the Act of Succession. (Notice the horses inside Westminster Hall as depicted in the painting of HM King George IV's Coronation Banquet.)

Now used for great ceremonies of State, it has hosted numerous heads of state including President Obama in 2011, Pope Benedict in 2010, Nelson Mandela in 1996 and Charles de Gaulle in 1960, and that’s just in the last 60 years of its 923-year-old history!