To mark the paperback publication today of Mr Barry’s War. Rebuilding the Houses of Parliament after the great fire of 1834, I interview myself on how it came about. Q. Hello readers. Today we’re with Caroline Shenton to talk about her new book, Mr Barry’s War. Welcome, Caroline! A. Thanks, Caroline, it’s a pleasure to be here [sips a […]
Parliamentary History
Parliament Buildings of the World: No 8 – Canada
Of all the legislatures in the world which follow the Westminster model, the Parliament of Canada in Ottawa seems most familiar to British observers. It has a House of Commons, members of Parliament and a Gothic-revival Parliament building, a Hansard, an impartial Speaker (unlike the USA, for example) and procedural manuals and processes which parallel those in […]
James Gillray and the Old Palace of Westminster
James Gillray (1756-1815) was one the most brilliant caricaturists of all time. He was brought up in the Moravian faith, a strict Protestant sect which forebade any form of entertainment or indulgence. Although he rebelled as an adult against this, becoming a student at the Royal Academy, its influence can be seen in his engravings which are […]
Happy Anniversary, Great Fire of Westminster!
Yes, it’s 179 years since the old Houses of Parliament burned down. Last year there was the very successful real-time tweet of the events of 16 October 1834 (you can still see the story as it unfolded on Twitter), and this year there are more treats to mark the anniversary. Firstly, there’s a brand new […]
An Eyewitness on an Omnibus Comes Forward
Breaking news! The Nichols family who edited and printed The Gentleman’s Magazine were also parliamentary printers and their office was at 25 Parliament Street. John Gough Nichols (1806-1873) sent a letter to his father – who was on holiday in Hastings with the rest of the family – the day after the fire, and this has now come to light […]
A Prayer for the High Court of Parliament to be read during their Session
This year is the 350th anniversary of the Book of Common Prayer, the authorized text of services for the Church of England, and the accompanying Act of Uniformity. It’s interesting to note the Anglican Prayer for Parliament, as set down in 1662, in the gorgeous language of the BCP: MOST gratious God, we humbly beseech […]
