Woolsack Collection

Woolsack, House of Lords, Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

The Blessing of New Taxes John Bull is plagued by the Prince Regent (with gouty, swollen legs) and his ministers
527968 The Blessing of New Taxes John Bull is plagued by the Prince Regent (with gouty, swollen legs) and his ministers. Sidmouth, Vansittart, Castlereagh, and Eldon Woolsack

The Opening of Parliament by Royal Commission, 1862. Creator: Unknown
The Opening of Parliament by Royal Commission, 1862. Our Illustration represents the House of Lords as it appeared on the 6th February during the ceremony of delivering her Majesty's Speech...the

Sir Roundell Palmer (colour litho)
613524 Sir Roundell Palmer (colour litho) by Cecioni, Adriano (1838-86); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Roundell Palmer)

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Balle (de laine); Woolsack; Wollballen (engraving)
7194816 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Balle (de laine); Woolsack; Wollballen (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Balle (de laine); Woolsack; Wollballen

Mace and Woolsack, House of Lords, Westminster (b / w photo)
3094766 Mace and Woolsack, House of Lords, Westminster (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mace and Woolsack, House of Lords, Westminster)

The Earl of Halsbury - Lord Chancellor
The Early E. Hardinge Stanley Giffard, The Earl of Halsbury (1823-1921) - Three times Lord Chancellor of Great Britain. Date: 1900

The Coronation Oath - The First Parliament of King Edward VII
STC360915 The Coronation Oath - The First Parliament of King Edward VII, from The Illustrated London News, 1902 (litho) by Wilson

House of Lords, 1907 (colour litho)
964595 House of Lords, 1907 (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: House of Lords, 1907. From Truth, 25 December 1906.); © Look and Learn

The House of Lords in High Debate, from The English Spy, pub
3085959 The House of Lords in High Debate, from The English Spy, pub. 1824 (hand coloured engraving) by Cruikshank, Isaac Robert (1789-1856); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English

Earl Cairns (colour litho)
613075 Earl Cairns (colour litho) by Ward, Leslie Matthew (Spy) (1851-1922); Private Collection; (add.info.: Earl Cairns, The Woolsack, 16 January 1886)

Before the Battle, a Word on the Woolsack (engraving)
1062933 Before the Battle, a Word on the Woolsack (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Before the Battle, a Word on the Woolsack)

CHANCELLOR ON WOOLSACK 1858
HOUSE OF LORDS Lord Chancellor sits on the woolsack Date: 1858

Queen Elizabeth I in Parliament, 16th century, (c1902-1905). The ancient chamber of the Palace erected in the 12th Century, the Commons are shown crowding at the Bar

Interior of the House of Lords, Westminster, London. Artist: Excelsior Stereoscopic Tours
Interior of the House of Lords, Westminster, London. The chamber of the Upper House of the British Parliament. The Woolsack, where the Lord Chancellor (the Lord Speaker since 2006) presides

Purse, Pussy, Piety, and Prevarication, 1882. Lord Northbrook, Lord Granville, Lord Selborne, and Lord Salisbury in the House of Lords. Cartoon from Vanity Fair, 5th July 1882

The House of Lords in the Time of Charles I, 17th century, (c1902-1905). The King sits on the throne with the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in their robes

Hatherley / Wp Wood
WILLIAM PAGE WOOD BARON HATHERLEY Lord Chancellor Date: 1801 - 1881

House of Lords from Ackermanns Microcosm of London
BAL32961 House of Lords from Ackermanns Microcosm of London by Rowlandson, T.(1756-1827) & Pugin, A.C.(1762-1832); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Henry VIII in Parliament (engraving)
XJF105368 Henry VIII in Parliament (engraving) by English School, (16th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Based on illumination of Henry VIIIas parliament in the Wriothesley Garter Book To)

The Blessing of New Taxes John Bull is plagued by the Prince Regent (with gouty, swollen legs) and his ministers. Sidmouth, Vansittart, Castlereagh, and Eldon Woolsack. Cartoon published London c1819

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"Woolsack: A Symbol of Power and Tradition in the Heart of London" In the grandeur of Westminster, London, England, stands a symbol that embodies centuries of history and political significance - the Woolsack. Located within the House of Lords in the Houses of Parliament, this iconic cushion holds a special place in British governance. Originally introduced during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century, the Woolsack has been an integral part of parliamentary proceedings ever since. Made from woolen fabric to represent England's historical reliance on its wool industry, it serves as a seat for one of Britain's most esteemed figures - The Lord Chancellor. Amongst those who have graced this prestigious position is Sir Roundell Palmer, captured beautifully in a color lithograph. As custodian and speaker for the House of Lords, he wielded immense influence over legal matters and played a crucial role in shaping legislation. The it also witnessed historic moments such as King Edward VII's coronation oath during his first parliament. It stood witness to debates that shaped policies affecting millions across Great Britain. Earl Cairns too found himself perched upon this symbolic throne as Lord Chancellor. His colorful lithograph showcases his authority while highlighting how power was intricately tied to this humble sack filled with wool. But beyond its ceremonial importance lies deeper symbolism. Engravings depict "Before Battle, " where leaders would gather around the Woolsack seeking guidance before entering into conflict - reminding us that even amidst turmoil, tradition endures. The black-and-white photograph captures another facet - alongside the Mace; it represents order and authority within these hallowed halls where decisions are made that shape society itself. As we delve into history books or admire paintings like "Queen Elizabeth I in Parliament, " we can't help but marvel at how this simple object carries so much weight. Its presence reminds us all that democracy thrives within these walls through spirited debates and the pursuit of justice.