2020/03/08 by Robin Eagles · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · #Historical Art and Culture Studies #Historical Economic and Social Studies #Scottish History and National Identity
paper · doi:10.1111/1754-0208.12688
openalex publication_date 2020/03/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Abstract The old palace of Westminster was a porous complex of medieval buildings and later additions. At times such a heterogeneous agglomeration prompted concerns about guarding Parliament's privileged spaces. This was true for public events such as state trials held in Westminster Hall but also during moments of high political tension such as the Wilkeite disturbances and Gordon Riots. This article considers the topography of the palace and assesses the relative openness of this space, how this made Parliament vulnerable to crowds and to being crowded, and the measures taken to ensure the palace's security from internal and external pressures.