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House of Commons occupying the House of Lords
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House of Commons occupying the House of Lords
Temporary House of Commons occupying the House of Lords during WW2. From late June 1941 until October 1950, the Commons met in the Lords Chamber, while the Lords met in the Robing Room (a fact which was kept secret during the war). Date: circa 1941
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Media ID 14393126
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Chamber Commons Governing Lords May16 Occupying Parliament Seat Seats Temporary Westminster
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a unique moment in British political history: the temporary occupation of the House of Lords Chamber by the House of Commons during World War II. From late June 1941 until October 1950, the Commons met in the hallowed Lords Chamber, while the Lords were relegated to the Robing Room. The reason for this unprecedented arrangement was kept secret during the war, as the government sought to maintain the appearance of normalcy amidst the chaos of conflict. The House of Commons, the more representative chamber in the British Parliament, was in desperate need of a larger space to accommodate its growing membership. The House of Lords Chamber, with its expansive size and impressive architecture, offered a solution. The Commons' presence in the Lords Chamber was a symbol of the shifting power dynamics within the British political landscape during this period. This photograph, taken circa 1941, shows the Commons members seated in the Lords Chamber, surrounded by the ornate decor and historic symbolism of the Palace of Westminster. The empty seats of the Lords, now occupied by the Robing Room, can be seen in the background. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the adaptability and resilience of British institutions in the face of adversity. The temporary arrangement came to an end in October 1950, when the Commons returned to its traditional home in the Commons Chamber. The Lords, however, continued to meet in the Robing Room until 2001, when they moved back to their historic chamber. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into a fascinating chapter of British political history, one that underscores the enduring importance of adaptability and flexibility in the face of change.
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