St Stephen's Chapel and the Palace of Westminster

St Stephen's Chapel, a cornerstone of late medieval art and architecture, played a pivotal role in shaping British political culture. Originally the principal royal chapel for the Plantagenets, it became the meeting place for the House of Commons after the Reformation, influencing its design for 300 years. The 1834 Palace fire led to its reconstruction as St Stephen's Hall, which later served as a site for Suffragette activism and is now marked by the monumental artwork 'New Dawn.' This publication traces the chapel's history from the 13th century to the present, exploring its religious significance, political impact, and architectural evolution. It highlights interactions between visual and political culture, the contexts of kingship, and the adaptation of St Mary Undercroft. The study combines historical analysis with antiquarian rediscovery, offering insights into the enduring legacy of this landmark.

Ayers, T., Cooper, J. P. D., Smith, E. H., Shenton, C., Ayers, T., Biggs, E., Binski, P., Collins, M., Cooper, J. P. D., Smith, E. H., Harper, J., Hill, R., Hillson, J., Moore, R., Ormrod, W. M., Seaward, P., Shenton, C., Spooner, J., Tremellen, M., et al. (Eds.). (2024). St Stephen’s Chapel and the Palace of Westminster. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781805434153