Introduction to Westminster Hall: Westminster Hall was built in 1097 and is the oldest existing part of the Palace of Westminster. With a length of 73.2 meters and a span of 20.7 meters, it was the largest hall in Europe at the time. chamber, later gradually surpassed by the Conciergerie of Paris (1301-6) and the contemporaneous Chamber of Padua. The earliest renovation of the hall can be traced back to the period of Henry III in 1245, and it was not completed until the period of Richard a century later. It is speculated that the ceiling may have originally been supported by pillars to form three corridors. During the time of Richard II, the pillars were carefully set up by the royal craftsman Hugh Herland ("the most outstanding wooden architect in the Middle Ages"). Cantilevered joisted ceilings were replaced, and the original three corridors became open rooms with lecterns at the ends. Henry Jewell, another architect during the Richard period, renovated the walls and used 15 life-size statues of the king placed in the niches.
Westminster Hall has many uses. Historically, it has been mainly used for important judicial operations. The three most important courts in the UK - the Court of King's Bench, the Court of Common Pleas and the The Court of Chancery was once located here. In 1875, the three courts merged into the Supreme Court (High Court of Justice), which continued to sit here until it was moved to the Royal Courts of Justice in 1882.
In addition to courts, Westminster Hall was also used for major trials, including: the impeachment and state trials of Charles I after the English Civil War, William Wallace, Thomas More, John Fisher, Guy The trials of E. Fox, the first Irish Governor Thomas Wentworth (Earl of Strafford), the Scottish Rebellion of 1715 and the Rising of 1745, and Warren Hastings.
Westminster Hall is also used for major royal ceremonies. From the 12th to the 19th century, British royal coronations have been held here. The coronation of George IV in 1821 became the last coronation held here. , his successor William IV considered the cost too high and canceled the coronation held here.
In addition, the hall is also used for the display of remains at memorial services before state funerals. This specification is generally used for the death of a monarch. In the history of the 20th century, there were only Frederick Roberts, the first Earl Roberts (1914), and Vincennes. Three non-royal members, including Churchill (1965) and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (2002), received this honor.