The Romanesque Roof Structure of Westminster Hall

Abstract

Little direct evidence remains for the original 1090s roof structure of Westminster Hall. The prevailing view has been that, until its replacement in the 1390s, the interior must have been divided by aisles to support the very wide span of the roof. This view was challenged by Roland Harris and Daniel Miles in 2013, with a proposal for a clear-spanning roof structure, which would be quite exceptional for the period. This article uses evidence from both Westminster and comparable buildings to explore the feasibility of alternative structural forms in some detail, with reconstruction drawings. Significant problems are encountered with all of the alternative forms, leading to a strong affirmation of the theory proposed by Harris and Miles. The Norman hall at Westminster was planned and roofed without internal arcades or piers, whether of timber or masonry. Westminster Hall thus played no part in the development of the English aisled hall.