What some considered the most magnificent root in the world—that of Westminster Hall with its soaring. arches and sweeping beams of oak—has been pierced by bombs, and damage has been done to the interior.
The Hall was started by William Rufus in 1097. It is thought to be the largest hall {n the world, with a root unsupported by pillars.
"Big Ben." although hit by a high-explosive bomb, {s still chiming the hours. Only slight damage was done to part of the masonry just above the clock.
The deanery of Westminster Abbey, which Is one of the best examples of the mediaeval house in England has been destroyed. The fabric of the Abbey i intact, The root over the low sauate tower of the contre of the building has fallen in, The most historic parts of the Abbey are quite uninjured, including situated. the part where the Royal Tombs are
"The most, architectually. import ant party of the Abbey buildings have survived," said an architect. "The fact that the 19th century root has been destroyed is not an irreparable thing, although the Abbey is now open' to the sky.
"The British Museum was set alight by a shower of incendiaries which burnt through the roof and set fire to the back of the building. Fire-watchers on the roof dealt with most of the incendiaries, but some burnt through before they could be tackled. Fortunately most of the treasures had been removed to safety. and the! damage was comparatively light.
Writing on the state of London atier the raid, Reuters staff reporter states: A
Debris thrown into the sky uttered down in tiny ragments like blacker. ed snowflakes on parts of London on Sunday. The British capital war shaking off the last of the effects of Saturday night's raid, for which the enemy, in doing considerable damage, paid dearly with 33 bombers and their
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.