ANNIVERSARY OF WESTMINSTER HALL

Early day motion 480, tabled 23 March 1999 by Paul Marsden (Labour). Signed by 64 members.

That this House celebrates the nine hundredth anniversary this year of Westminster Hall, which is the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster and occupies the site of the old royal palace, built around 1099 by William Rufus; notes that it is also the six hundredth anniversary of the rebuilding of the Hall by Richard II in 1399 to become one of the largest ancient buildings in Europe; remembers that it was 350 years ago that the Hall held the state trial of Charles I; notes that the Hall throughout the ages has held a special place in the heart of British democracy, playing host to the law courts, great state ceremonies and coronation feasts; and thanks all the staff at the Palace of Westminster who have maintained and looked after the Hall down the years.

Signatures by party: Labour 33, Liberal Democrat 16, Conservative 8, Labour/Co-operative 3, UUP 2, Independent 1, Unknown 1.