Do our local MPs fully comprehend the implications of this particular controversy?The benchmark for Mr Speaker..
In January 1642, Charles, accompanied by over 300 swordsmen, entered St Stephen’s in a foolhardy attempt to arrest five of his principal opponents in the Commons on a charge of treason. The members, however, had been warned of Charless intention and escaped.
When asked where the members could be found, the Speaker, William Lenthall, fell to his knees before the King and said:
“May it please Your Majesty, I have neither eyes to see, nor tongue to speak in this place, but as the House is pleased to direct me, whose servant I am here, and I humbly beg Your Majestys pardon that I cannot give any other answer than this to your Majesty is pleased to demand of me.”
More on Mr Speaker William Lenthall.
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