It has hosted royal weddings, banquets, Parliament and even courts of law in its 750-year history as well as being home to the greatest symbol of all medieval mythology, the world-famous Round Table of King Arthur.

Now the 13th century Winchester Great Hall which welcomes 180,000 visitors every year, is embarking on a new chapter, offering couples the opportunity to become the first in centuries to marry in this historic former royal palace.

Hampshire County Council has licensed it as a wedding venue and following in the footsteps of history’s kings and queens, couples can exchange vows in front of the Round Table accompanied by up to 350 guests.

The wedding party will also have exclusive use of Queen Eleanor’s Garden, a recreation of a late 13th century ornamental herber garden, the former Grand Jury Room and law library.

With its impressive backdrop of wrought metal gates built to celebrate the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana in 1981, the site has a long and lively legacy that boasts a host of royal nuptials. Among them is the marriage of William the Conqueror’s son, Henry I to Edith, the sister of the King of Scotland at Winchester Castle in 1100, as well as Mary Tudor and Phillip of Spain, who it is thought held some of their celebrations at the Great Hall following their marriage at Winchester Cathedral in 1554.

For most of its life however, the Great Hall has been an important legal and administrative centre and in 1603, the building was where Sir Walter Raleigh stood trial, and the notorious Judge Jeffreys – the “hanging judge” – sat in judgement as part of the bloody assizes.

Couples who would like to be married in a Hampshire venue can download a free guide from the Hampshire Registration Service website called ‘Weddings in Hampshire’ which includes details of weddings at the Great Hall, as well as other information to help you plan your wedding.