Clive and John discuss one of the most spectacular medieval buildings in Britain, Westminster Hall. Originally built by William the Conqueror’s heir, the voracious William Rufus, it was a structure of immense ambition — said to be the biggest hall of its kind north of the Alps.  In the 14th-century, this huge space was reimagined as a statement of royal majesty by art-loving Richard ll; carved angels looked down on the divinely appointed king from the hammer beam roof.  Ironically, this would be where Charles I was tried and condemned to death in 1649.  

Attached to the Houses of Parliament, this ancient space remains a natural setting for great national events, such as addresses given to Parliament by visiting foreign dignitaries or HM Queen Elizabeth II’s lying in state in 2022.