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The
Palladian facade of Mansion House, with its six large Corinthian
columns, is one of the most familiar landmarks in the City.
The official residence of the
Lord Mayor, the building was designed by George Dance the
Elder in 1739 and completed in 1753. Inside are a series
of state rooms, with the dignity appropriate to the office
of Lord Mayor. One of the the most magnificent is the
90 feet long Egyptian Hall, where many official banquets are
held.
Mansion House is the only private
residence in England with its own Court of Justice, a reminder
that the Lord Mayor is chief magistrate of the City during
his year in office. Hidden from view are 11 holding
cells, 10 for men and 1, 'the birdcage' for women. Emmeline
Pankhurst, who campaigned for women's suffrage in the 20th
century, was once imprisoned here.
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