The statues of six kings on the South Wall were carved by Thomas Canon in 1385 - that is at least ten years before Richard II's reconstruction of Westminster Hall. They were originally painted - old prints show them with gilded crowns.

These rare survivals are outstanding works of English 14th-century sculpture. Thomas Canon was one of a long line of men of that surname who for a century had virtually controlled the Purbeck marble trade of Corfe in Wiltshire. He carved two kings for 66s 8d each, and the remainder for 46s 8d, including materials.

The statues show idealised representations of medieval kingship: they do not set out to portray any individual monarchs.