Westminster School Hall occupies the site of the medieval dormitory of the monks of Westminster Abbey, originally constructed in the late 11th century. [1] The present structure dates largely from the 14th century, with substantial restorations undertaken in the 19th century. Its hammerbeam roof and Perpendicular Gothic windows are characteristic of high medieval English architecture.
Early Modern Era
From 1599 the hall was used to teach all pupils at Westminster School, the Upper and Lower Schools being separated by a curtain hung from a 16th-century pig iron bar, which remains the largest piece of pig iron in the world. A Chapter Order of 1599 reads: "It is decreed by Mr Deane and the Prebendaries present, that in respect that the now Schole Howse is to low and to litle to conteyne the number of Schollers, that the old Dorter [an 11th Century building], of late yeares begun to be made a larger Schole, shalbe, with all convenient spede, turned to that good use, for the benefyt of the Schollers, by such charitable contributions as may be gathered for the fynishing thereof". [2]
The panelling "up School" is painted with the coats of arms of many former pupils. The original shell-shaped apse at the north end of the school gave its name to the 'Shell' forms taught there. [2] The current shell displays a Latin epigram on the rebuilding of School, with the acrostic Semper Eadem, Elizabeth I's motto.
The classroom door to the right of the Shell was recovered from the notorious Star Chamber at its demolition, but was destroyed during The Blitz. The building lies directly on top of the Westminster Abbey museum in the Norman Undercroft, and ends at the start of the Pyx Chamber.
WW2
Both School and College had their roofs destroyed by incendiary bombs in the Blitz, during an enemy air raid on the night of 10–11 May 1941. The House of Commons was severely damaged in the same raid, and Westminster Hall also damaged. [3] [4]
School was re-opened by George VI in 1950, but its historic hammerbeam roof was never restored. [5] The £45,000 cost of restoring the hammerbeam roof compelled the school governors to choose a cheaper and simpler alternative. [2]
