Erection date: 1895
This tablet marks, with as much accuracy as can be attained, the place where Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, stood in this Hall during the impeachment for high treason brought against him before the House of Lords, upon the accusation of the House of Commons: 22nd March - 29th April AD 1640-1.
Placed here by order of the First Commissioner of H. M. Works and Public Buildings 1895.
Initially we thought that the plaque was installed by the first person to hold the post 'Commissioner of H. M. Works and Public Buildings' but no, the title of the post was 'First Commissioner of H. M. Works and Public Buildings'. In 1895 this post was held consecutively by two men: Herbert Gladstone until 21 June and Aretas Akers-Douglas from 4 July.
We're guessing the plaque was installed by Gladstone since he would not have known that the year alone was insufficient information, whereas Akers-Douglas would have. Interesting that Gladstone Jnr. installed this plaque here just 3 years before his father's death and lying-in-state in this same Hall.
The First Commissioner post was created in 1851. You want to know who the first First Commissioner was, don't you? Edward Seymour, 12th Duke of Somerset. Top dog!
Site: Westminster Hall floor plaques - main floor (9 memorials)
SW1, St Margaret Street, Westminster Hall
These 11 plaques are laid into the floor of the hall, in a line down the middle, in this sequence, starting at the entrance end: R101; Hastings; Wentworth; More; Churchill; King Edward VII; Gladstone; King George VI and Queen Elizabeth; and King George V and Queen Mary.
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