2-979-730 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Strangers Gallery in the House of Commons, [London], 1857. 'Admission is obtained only by means of a written order from a member; one of which each member is privileged to give every day. There are three rows of seats, each accommodating about seventy persons, who, in common with all the occupants of the places devoted to the public, are subjected to very stringent rules of behaviour. No one is allowed to rise from his seat, except for the purpose of leaving (we have seen an Ambassador who was attempting to stretch his legs during a long debate peremptorily desired to sit down by the watchful officer of the House who guards each of these departments), and silence as nearly absolute as possible must be observed'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.