Tag Archives: Westminster Hall

The Queen in Westminster Hall

Lord Norton 21/03/2012 – 9:21 pm

To mark her Diamond Jubilee, the Queen yesterday addressed members of both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall.  Her speech was short, well judged and well received.  There was something of a dig at the sheer volume of legislation that is enacted: "The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into […]

Written at 9:21 pm on 21/03/2012, by Lord Norton

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Westminster Hall

Lord Norton 02/06/2011 – 1:17 pm

Westminster Hall provided a particularly fine historical venue for President Obama's talk, as he noted.  The Hall dates back to the 11th Century: it was completed in time for William Rufus to celebrate Whitsun on 29 May 1099.  It provided a place for feasting and receiving foreign heads of state.  The king's throne was on the dais at the southern end (facing you in the picture).  Monarchs w […]

Written at 1:17 pm on 02/06/2011, by Lord Norton

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The President in Westminster Hall

Lord Norton 30/05/2011 – 4:08 pm

Me being introduced to the PresidentThe address by President Obama in Westminster Hall last Wednesday was certainly an historic occasion, the first time a President of the United States has spoken in the Hall to members of both Houses of Parliament.   The speech has received something of a mixed press, but I thought its content was well crafted for the occasion and a tribute to the UK. The H […]

Written at 4:08 pm on 30/05/2011, by Lord Norton

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The weekly quiz

Lord Norton 07/11/2009 – 12:28 pm

During the course of the Second World War, there were fourteen occasions when the Palace of Westminster suffered bomb damage.  On 10 May 1941, both the chamber of the Commons and Westminster Hall were on fire as a result of incendiary bombing.  Walter Elliot, an MP who was on fire-watching duty, declared 'Let the pseudo-Gothic go.  We must save the Hall'.  The limited fire-fighting resources w […]

Written at 12:28 pm on 07/11/2009, by Lord Norton


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Activity at the Despatch Box

Lord Norton 22/07/2009 – 6:05 pm

Both Houses are now in recess, though one would not necessarily know that given the work that is still going on.  It will become quieter as we go further into recess, but today the Palace remains a hive of activity.   The Despatch Box is still in considerable use, albeit not in either chamber.  Despatch Box is the name of the snack bar (pictured) in the atrium in Portcullis House. The atr […]

Written at 6:05 pm on 22/07/2009, by Lord Norton


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