Meaning: The quote "Touch but a cobweb in Westminster Hall, and the old spider of the law is out upon you with all his vermin at his heels" by Henry Fox, a British statesman, captures the powerful and intimidating nature of the legal system. It conveys the idea that even the slightest interference with the intricacies of the law can provoke a strong and relentless response.

Westminster Hall holds a significant place in English legal history. It is the oldest building within the Palace of Westminster and has been the setting for many important events, including trials, ceremonies, and coronation banquets. The hall has been closely associated with the administration of justice and the workings of the law for centuries.

The imagery of a cobweb in Westminster Hall symbolizes the delicate and intricate nature of the legal system. Just as disturbing a cobweb can provoke a reaction from the spider that created it, so too can any interference with the legal system provoke a response from those who uphold and administer the law.

The reference to the "old spider of the law" conjures an image of a formidable and unyielding guardian of legal order. This metaphorical spider represents the entrenched legal establishment, with all its complexities, precedents, and traditions. The use of the word "vermin" adds a layer of menace, suggesting a swarm of lesser but equally tenacious entities that accompany the spider, ready to pounce on any transgressor.

Henry Fox, the author of the quote, was a prominent figure in 18th-century British politics, serving as a statesman and influential government official. His choice of words reflects a keen understanding of the power dynamics and the formidable nature of the legal system during his time.

The quote can be interpreted as a warning against casual or disrespectful interference with the legal framework. It serves as a reminder of the formidable and unyielding nature of the law, as well as the potential consequences of challenging or undermining its authority.

In a broader sense, the quote may also be seen as a commentary on the complex and often intimidating nature of legal systems in general. It highlights the formidable power structures that underpin the administration of justice and the intricate web of rules and precedents that govern legal proceedings.

The imagery of the spider and its vermin also suggests the pervasive and interconnected nature of the legal system, with various actors and components working in unison to uphold its authority. This interconnectedness underscores the difficulty of challenging or circumventing the law, as any attempt to do so is likely to provoke a coordinated and relentless response.

Overall, Henry Fox's quote encapsulates the intimidating and formidable nature of the legal system, using vivid imagery to convey the complexities and power dynamics at play. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring authority of the law and the potential consequences of provoking its ire.