NEW PALACE OP WESTMINSTER.
ITHOUT doubt the Interior of the House of Lords is the finest specimenof Gothic civil architecture in Europe ; its arrangements and decorationsbeing perfect. Entering from the Peers’ Lobby, the effect of the House is magnificent; the length and loftiness of the apartment, its finelyproportioned windows, with the gilded and canopied niches between them;the Throne, glowing with gold and colours; the richly carved paneling whichlines the walls; the roof, most elaborately painted; its massy beams andsculptured ornaments, and pendants richly gilded; all unite in forming a
ORNAMENT AT THE BACK OF STATE CHAIR. L x ° °
scene of Royal magnificence.
The House of Lords is 90 feet in length, 45 in breadth, and of the same height. In plan, theHouse is divided into three parts; the northern and southern being each considerably smaller than thecentre, which constitutes the body or floor of the House , wherein are the Woolsack, Clerks’ Table, &c.;
CLERKS’ TABLE.
and on either side the seats for the Peers, in rows. The southern end is the part of the House in whichthe Throne is placed, and is also for the accommodation of distinguished foreigners, and others; whilstthe northern has the Bar for its boundary, and is for the service of the House of Commons , whensummoned to the Upper House to attend Her Majesty or the Royal Commissioners; and where, also,counsel stand during judicial investigations. The House is lighted by twelve lofty windows, six on eachside, filled with stained glass, representing the Kings and Queens—both Consort and Regnant—of theUnited Kingdom , standing under canopies of elaborate design.
THE PAINTED WINDOWS.
ROYAL LINE OF ENGLAND,
BEFORE THE UNION OF THE CROWNS.
.
Henry I.
Stephen.
Matilda of Boulogne.
Henry II.
II.
John.
Henry III.