A royal chapel was built on this site by King Stephen, who reigned from 1135 to 1154. It was rebuilt more than 100 years later by Edward I, but was disused as a place of worship under Edward VI in the 16th Century.

The hall became the first permanent home of the House of Commons in 1550 and was used as such until the fire of 1834. Brass studs in the floor still mark the position where the Speaker's chair used to be.

Among the statues of past Members of Parliament is Lord Falkland (b), whose sword has remained broken, ever since a suffragette who chained herself to it in 1908 was freed when it was cut.

Today the hall is used merely as an elegant walkway (a) leading to the Central Lobby, and boasts some spectacular examples of stained glass artistry (c).