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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Westminster Hall Beam Fragment
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Westminster Hall Beam Fragment

Artifact IDMO 1941.13.31
Object Type Relic, Historic
Maker
Mediumwood, glass, metal, paper
Dimensionsoverall (box/case) H 4 in x W 13 3/8 in x D 6 3/8 in (10.2 cm x 34 cm x 16.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small piece of an insect-ravaged oak beam from the roof of Westminster Hall in London, England. The beam fragment is housed inside a natural wood box with a hinged wood and glass lid. Inside the box, with the beam fragment, is a typed paper label with text that reads: Piece from oak beam of the roof of Westminster / Hall, London, Eng., erected 1397. / Timber had to be repaired and strengthened by / hidden steel structure on account of the / ravages of a wood-boring beetle -- / Xestobium tessellatum [deathwatch beetle].

Another small paper label, taped to the interior bottom of the box, has a handwritten note that reads: Piece of beam from / Westminster hall.
Historical NoteThis piece of wood from the 14th century roof of Westminster Hall in London, England was sent to Franklin Roosevelt in October 1936 by H. H. Blanchet of Old Chelsea, Quebec, Canada. The piece was removed from the roof when extensive work was done on some of the timbers around that time.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 20, 1940. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view