The story of Westminster Hall is about the development of the rule of law, from absolute monarchy to the democracy we have today. Completed in 1097 by William Rufus as a Romanesque Hall, Westminster Hall was the seat of government from the late medieval period, and for almost 1000 years has hosted state events including coronations, banquets, public trials, and lying-in-state. A Grade I-listed building within a World Heritage Site, it is the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster. After more than a decade and three phases of conservation work to Westminster Hall, the project has been named a winner of the prestigious Europa Nostra Award 2024.
After 500 years of decay, the roof was in poor condition. Between 1914 and 1923 the hammerbeam roof and lantern were rebuilt by the Office of Works under Frank Baines, who inserted a steel structure to carry the load of the half acre of Westmorland slates that cover the roof. Baynes saved 80% of the medieval roof timbers and was knighted in recognition of his achievement.
The lantern on the roof of Westminster Hall was destroyed by bomb damage on the night of 10-11 May 1941, which the Hall famously survived while the House of Commons burned. It was rebuilt by the Ministry of Works. Following assessments and research during this project, it became clear the lantern had suffered from historic pollution and required careful restoration work including cladding renewal.
Donald Insall Associates and Parliament’s Strategic Estates Team worked closely on the first non-reactive repair and conservation project at Westminster Hall in a century. The first phase comprised the repair of the masonry to the north wall, including the frieze, the tracery to the north window and the design and installation of the Queen’s Jubilee Window by Reyntiens Glass Studio.
The second phase involved the cleaning and conservation of the remaining three walls and windows, the frieze and the niches for the medieval statues. A new ramp was installed to better link the Hall to the wider Palace of Westminster. Following this, the temporary ‘Ethics of Dust’ artwork by Jorge Otero-Pailos, showing the soil patterns on the latex used to clean the walls, was exhibited.
The final phase involved the conservation of the medieval hammer-beam roof and the extensive repair and re-cladding of the roof lantern, including rebuilding its fan vaulting and new provision for rainwater drainage. A laser-based fire detection system and new cabling to support a future lighting installation were also installed.
Innovative conservation methods included the use of nano-lime to consolidate medieval carvings, and latex poultices for stone cleaning. Nano-lime – an innovation stemming from an EU-funded project (STONECORE) – is a lime that has been transformed into tiny particles, allowing it to penetrate very small spaces, such as the pores of stone. This makes it very useful for strengthening delicate or damaged surfaces.
This research and work has furthered technical knowledge of conservation techniques for Britain as a whole. Information has been incorporated into studies by Historic England on the conservation of Magnesian limestone and by Historic Royal Palaces on Reigate stone, informing the conservation and repair of listed buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments elsewhere.
The conservation secured the future of this ancient building, enabling this landmark to safely serve as the host of Queen Elizabeth II’s lying in state, where over 250,000 mourners visited to pay their respects. It also provides a well-presented space to visitors and Members as well as a more flexible facility for future events.
Commenting on the scheme, the Europa Nostra Award jury said: “This project, characterised by its meticulous attention to detail and sensitivity, adheres to the highest standards in conservation. Its strong basis in documentation and rigorous research has ensured that the most appropriate and innovative solutions were established. Notably, the use of minimal scaffolding enabled public access and a safe work environment during the works. The use of nano-lime further exemplifies the project's commitment to cutting-edge techniques.”
“New additions, such as the window, harmonise seamlessly with the Westminster Hall’s original structure. Great care was spent maintaining the iconic building's patina and resulted in a restoration that is imperceptible to the eye. With its high visibility, this project has the potential to significantly enhance public appreciation for heritage conservation.”
Project team:
Client: UK Parliament Strategic Estates
Conservation architect: Donald Insall Associates
Structural engineer: Alan Baxter ltd
Contractor (phase 1): Skillington Workshop
Contractor (phase 2): DBR (London) ltd
Contractor (phase 3): Mitie Projects
Masonry sub-contractor (phase 3): DBR ltd
Joinery Company no.1 (phase 3 hammerbeam roof and lantern): Dolmen Conservation Carpenters
Joinery Company no.2 (phase 3 lantern vaulting):
Sands & Randall Carpenters
Wood supplier (phase 3): Dolmen Conservation Carpenters
Window glazing/leaded lights (phases 1 and 3): Reyntiens Glass Studio
All pictures are of Westminster Hall of courtesy of Donald Insall Associates - photo credit James Newton.