Having escaped the bombing that destroyed the House of Commons Chamber in World War II, the Lord's Chamber is still the original building designed by Charles Barry and built in the 1800s. The decoration of the Lord's Chamber was deliberately designed to be more lavish than that of the Commons, to underline the greater importance of the Lords. The intricately carved wood, stained glass windows and traditional red of the benches create a rich, authoritative ambience.

Nowadays the ornate Royal Throne that dominates the room is only used by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament, although it continues to act as a symbol of royal authority when the monarch is absent.

The Lord Chancellor, the Speaker of the House of Lords, sits on the Woolsack facing the throne, whilst the benched seating is adequate for 250 members, yet is not formally allocated.

• Big Ben
• Houses of Parliament
• History of Parliament
• House of Commons
• State Opening of Parliament