Speaker Lenthall defends Parliament
On 4 January 1642, King Charles I entered the House of Commons to arrest five Members of Parliament for high treason. Speaker Lenthall defied the King to uphold the privileges of Parliament. The King had to leave without arresting the Five Members. No monarch has entered the House of Commons since then.
Copyright Palace of Westminster Collection
Title
Speaker Lenthall Asserting the Privileges of the Commons Against Charles I when the Attempt was made to Seize the Five Members
Artist
Charles West Cope
Date
1866
Medium
Waterglass Painting
Catalogue number
WOA 2894