Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Sights > Palace of Westminster
The Division Lobby, House of Commons: Taking the Votes, 1857. Creator: Unknown
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The Division Lobby, House of Commons: Taking the Votes, 1857. Creator: Unknown
The Division Lobby, House of Commons: Taking the Votes, 1857....the recording of the votes of members of the House decides every question of policy and administration...a two-minute glass is turned by one of the clerks in order to give time to members dispersed all over the purlieus of the House...to come in, and notice is given to them by the ringing of bells all over the building, which is effected simultaneously by means of electricity...The Speaker...then gives the direction, "The ayes to the right, the noes to the left, " and the former file out of the door at the back of the chair; the latter pass up the gangway on the Opposition side...The members thus driven out of the body of the House find themselves in a long corridor...Although in description this may appear a cumbrous mode of collecting votes, it is in practice remarkably expeditious and very precise...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36338018
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
City Of Westminster London England Clerk House Of Commons Houses Of Parliament Old Boy Network Old Boys Club Old Boys Network Palace Of Westminster Queue Queuing Top Hat Top Hats Tophat Tradition Typical Vote Votes Voting Westminster London England Division Lobby Metaphor Wood Engraving
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Daubentoniidae
> Aye-aye
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> City of Westminster
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fashion
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> Palace of Westminster
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Palaces
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Politics
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Westminster
> People
> Politicians
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Division Lobby, House of Commons: Taking the Votes, 1857" is an intriguing photograph that offers a glimpse into the historic process of recording votes in the British House of Commons during the mid-19th century. The image captures a moment of political significance as members of Parliament prepare to cast their votes, an action that decides every question of policy and administration. In this scene, a two-minute glass is being turned by one of the clerks, signaling the time allotted for members to come in and cast their votes. Simultaneously, bells are rung throughout the building, alerting members dispersed in various corners to make their way to the lobby. This bell system was an innovative use of electricity, a relatively new technology at the time. The Speaker of the House, seated in the chair, gives the direction for the 'ayes' to the right and the 'noes' to the left. Once the voting process begins, the members who have voted in favor of the motion file out of the door at the back of the chair, while those who have voted against pass up the gangway on the Opposition side. Although this process may appear cumbersome in description, it was remarkably expeditious and precise in practice. The division lobby system, which was first introduced in 1834, ensured that each member's vote was recorded accurately and efficiently, contributing to the democratic process that continues to shape the political landscape of the United Kingdom today. This photograph, taken from the pages of the Illustrated London News in 1857, offers a fascinating look into the past, providing a unique perspective on the intricacies of parliamentary procedure and the importance of the division lobby in recording the will of the House.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
