The House of Commons Chamber, it dates back to the time of King Charles I during the power struggle between the King and Parliament, which ended with Civil War and the King's execution. In January 1642 King Charles I and his armed men came to the House of Commons to arrest five of its Members for treason, but the wanted men had already fled. The Speaker, William Lenthall, politely gave up his chair for the King who demanded to know where they were. Kneeling at the King's feet the Speaker replied with Words that have become famous in parliamentary history. '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 Majesty's pardon that I cannot give any other answer than this to what Your Majesty is pleased to demand of me.' This reply left no doubt as to where the Speaker's first duty lay. The king had no choice but to leave and the role of the Speaker as the representative, or spokesperson, of the House of Commons was firmly established. Since that day no monarch has entered the House of Commons Chamber, which is why the State Opening of Parliament takes place in the House of Lords.
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