This wing,
since wholly remodeled by the legates and the modern corps of engineers,
comprised the papal Garde Robe, the Garde Meuble, the private kitchen and
offices and, on the floor above, the papal dining-room, study and private
oratory. The walls were, of course, embattlemented, and in 1337 the most
exposed portions of the new buildings were defended by a stout rampart....
The whole ground floor, 110 feet by 33, was occupied by a great reception
hall (Camera Paramenti), where distinguished visitors were accorded a
first welcome before being admitted to a private audience, or accorded a
solemn state reception in consistory, as the import of their embassy
demanded. The popes were also used to receive the cardinals there, and two
doorkeepers were appointed who must be faithful, virtuous and honest men
and sleep in the hall; their office being one of great trust, was highly
paid, and they were generally laymen. It was probably in this hall that
St. Catherine was received by Clement VI. The Avignon conclaves were held
there, for on December 31, 1352, four hundred and fifteen days' and
nights' labor were employed in breaking down the walls between the dining-
hall and the Camera Paramenti, clearing away the stones and making secret
chambers for the lord cardinals, in which chambers were twenty-eight
cells.
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