Westminster Hall is now the place where the lying-in-state of monarchs and consorts traditionally takes place. The most recent is that of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who died on 30 March 2002.
Paying their respects to Queen Mother
She lay in state for three days in Westminster Hall in 2002 before her funeral at Westminster Abbey. An estimated 200,000 people paid their respects.
Other monarchs or consorts who lay in state in the Hall during the 20th century included Queen Mary in 1953, King George VI in 1952, George V in 1936 and Edward VII in 1910.
George V
About 800,000 paid their respects to George V. At one time, the queue, in places fifteen abreast, extended to Vauxhall Bridge, across the river and back along the other side of the Thames as far as Westminster Bridge.
Churchill
The only non-royal to receive the honour in the 20th century was Sir Winston Churchill in 1965. An estimated one million people paid their respects to Churchill.
Gladstone
The first-lying in state conducted in the Hall was that of William Gladstone in 1898. The reason for using Westminster Hall rather than a religious building was presumably Gladstone's long association with the Palace of Westminster.
All of these lyings-in-state are commemorated by tablets on the floor of the Hall. Some other events are also commemorated by plaques; these include the various state trials which took place in the Hall in the past.