Dispatch Box Collection

'Face a L'agresseur, La séance historique du 3 aout 1914 a la Chambre des Communes, 1914. Creator: Samuel Begg
'Face a L'agresseur, La seance historique du 3 aout 1914 a la Chambre des Communes, 1914. From "L'Album de la Guerre 1914-1919, Volume I" [L'Illustration, Paris, 1924]

The Home Rule debate in the House of Commons - Mr Gladstone's peroration, 1886. Creator: Unknown
The Home Rule debate in the House of Commons - Mr Gladstone's peroration, 1886. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume 33. January to June, 1886"

"The day of peril is too late for preparation": Mr Churchill
STC364884 " The day of peril is too late for preparation" : Mr Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty, making his momentous statement on Naval Policy in the House of Commons, July 22

Introduction of the Home Rule Bill: Mr. Gladstone delivering his peroration, 1886
STC385343 Introduction of the Home Rule Bill: Mr. Gladstone delivering his peroration, 1886, illustration from Cassells Illustrated History of England (engraving) (sepia photo) by Wilson

The Bottomless-Pitt, March 16, 1792. Creator: James Gillray
The Bottomless-Pitt, March 16, 1792

Sir William Harcourt announcing the resignation of Lord Roseberys government, 1895, (1901)
Sir William Harcourt announcing the resignation of Lord Roseberys government, June 24, 1895, (1901). British Liberal statesman William Vernon Harcourt (1827-1904)

The Overthrow of Lord Salisburys Government, August 12, 1892... (1901). Creator: Unknown
The Overthrow of Lord Salisburys Government, August 12, 1892: Mr. Gladstone passing through the House of Commons after the Vote of No Confidence, (1901)

The Rt. Hon. Lord Hampton, c1870. Artist: Faustin
The Rt. Hon. Lord Hampton, c1870. John Somerset Pakington, 1st Baron Hampton (1799-1880), known as Sir John Pakington from 1846 to 1874, British Conservative politician

Arthur Balfour speaking in the House of Commons, 1890s (1906). Balfour led the Conservative Party in the Commons from 1891, becoming Prime Minister in 1902. From Cassells History of England, Vol

7th May, The Meeting of the House of Commons, Westminster, London, 1910. Artist: Ralph Cleaver
7th May, The Meeting of the House of Commons, Westminster, London, 1910. The House in session the day after the death of King Edward VII. Home Secretary Winston Churchill at the dispatch box

Chamber of the House of Commons, Westminster, London, 1815. Artist: Wallis
Chamber of the House of Commons, Westminster, London, 1815

The House of Commons in 1846 (c1905). Sir Robert Peel speaking on the subject of Free Trade. Print published in Parliament Past and Present by Arnold Wright and Philip Smith, (London, c1905)

Ladies Grille above the Reporters Gallery, House of Commons, Westminster, London, c1905. Photo published in Parliament Past and Present by Arnold Wright and Philip Smith, (London, c1905)

Mr Gladstone delivering his Maiden Speech in the House of Commons (engraving)
XJF324330 Mr Gladstone delivering his Maiden Speech in the House of Commons (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898)

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"The Dispatch Box: A Timeless Symbol of Political Power and Oratory" The dispatch box, a revered artifact within the hallowed halls of the House of Commons, holds within its sturdy frame the weighty history of British politics. As we delve into its significance, let us embark on a journey through time and witness the pivotal moments that unfolded before this iconic piece. In 1804, as Benjamin Disraeli assumed his position as Prime Minister, he stood tall beside the dispatch box. His portrait captures both his commanding presence and unwavering determination to lead. For it is in times of peril that preparation becomes paramount - a sentiment echoed by Mr Churchill years later. One cannot forget the Home Rule Bill's introduction in 1886 when Mr Gladstone delivered an impassioned speech from behind this very box. The nation held its breath as he concluded with a resounding peroration, leaving an indelible mark on parliamentary history. Yet not all moments were marked by grandeur; some carried subtle satire. James Gillray's caricature "The Bottomless-Pitt" humorously depicted political figures grappling with their own ambitions while standing near the dispatch box in 1792. Such illustrations remind us that even amidst serious matters, wit has always found its place within these walls. The resignation announcement made by Sir William Harcourt following Lord Rosebery's government departure in 1895 further underlines how power can shift swiftly within Westminster's chambers. And so it was again in 1892 when Lord Salisbury faced defeat – captured anonymously yet poignantly – showcasing both triumphs and defeats witnessed at this historic podium. Throughout history, distinguished statesmen have graced this sacred space with their oratory prowess. The Rt Honorable Lord Hampton stands immortalized here around c1870—a testament to eloquence personified during those turbulent times. Arthur Balfour too left his mark upon this stage during his tenure as Prime Minister.