The Great Hall at Caen and its Affinities with Westminster

Recent archaeological and structural analysis reveals that the Échiquier, a Romanesque hall in Caen's ducal palace, was likely single-storeyed and constructed at the end of the 11th century under Rufus’s rule, contradicting earlier claims. Its striking similarities to Westminster Hall—both in form and purpose—suggest shared architectural influences or even direct inspiration between the two sites. Additionally, a newly discovered adjacent structure in Caen may mirror the Lesser Hall at Westminster, hinting at broader affinities in their design and function. This challenges long-held assumptions about the Échiquier's origins while deepening our understanding of Norman-English royal architecture.

Impey, E. (2020). The Great Hall at Caen and its Affinities with Westminster. Westminster, 72–88. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315630762-3