WESTMINSTER HALL. 203 



proportioned and well-arranged system of 

 handsome timbers an unsightly object." 



Frederick observed^ that the beams in the 

 roof of their parish church were to be seen^ 

 and that they were curiously carved. 



" The labour/' I observed, bestowed in 

 thus decorating the massy beams of ancient 

 buildings was very great ; and the skill, in 

 many instances, surpassed that of modern 

 workmen." 



I believe/' continued Mr. Longhurst, 

 " that the roof of Westminster Hall, presents 

 as fine a display of the science, skill, and taste, 

 of past ages, as any we have. It is, indeed, 

 the largest roof of that construction any where 

 to be found. The hall w^as first built by 

 William Rufus, about seven hundred and thirty 

 years ago. Large as it is, the King was not 

 half satisfied with it, and called it a mere 



