St. Stephen's Hall

Previous page: Building Measurements and Materials

Of the interior the chief points of interest are briefly enumerated rather than described below:

ST. STEPHEN'S HALL occupies the site of the old chapel of the same name. It is a lofty apartment, with a fine Gothic roof. The original ST. STEPHEN'S CRYPT, which has been beautifully restored and skilfully incorporated with the new buildings, is beneath St. Stephen's Hall. The vaulted roof is supported by massive old pillars, with fine carved bosses in the vaulting, and a richly decorated floor.

The CENTRAL or OCTAGON HALL, with a groined and richly carved stone roof, and statues in niches of the kings and queens of England, forms a central vestibule between the Houses of Lords and Commons, and is crowded with members of Parliament and their constituents between 4 and 7 P.M. on the days of an interesting debate.

The UPPER WAITING HALL or POET'S HALL has been decorated with scenes in fresco from the English poets.

Next page: House of Commons

Advertisements