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King William IV proroguing Parliament
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King William IV proroguing Parliament
King William IV proroguing Parliament, House of Lords, April 1831, during the Great Reform crisis - My lords and gentlemen, I have come to meet you for the purpose of proroguing this Parliament'. Date: 1831
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Media ID 32260512
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1830s 1831 Closing Crisis Democracy Franchise Lords Parliament Reform
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King William IV Proroguing Parliament: A Moment of Political Crisis in 1831 In this striking image from the annals of British history, King William IV (1765-1837) addresses the House of Lords during the Great Reform Crisis of 1831. The monarch, dressed in the robes of state, stands before the assembled peers, his expression serious and determined. With outstretched arms, he delivers the words, "My lords and gentlemen, I have come to meet you for the purpose of proroguing this Parliament." The Great Reform Crisis was a pivotal moment in British politics, as the country grappled with the need for electoral reform. The crisis arose from the failure of the 1831 Reform Bill, which aimed to expand the franchise and reduce the power of the landed aristocracy. The bill had been passed by the House of Commons but was rejected by the House of Lords, leading to a political deadlock. King William IV, who had come to the throne in 1830 following the death of his brother, King George IV, was faced with the challenge of resolving the crisis. In this moment, he chose to prorogue Parliament, effectively suspending it until a new session could be called. This move was controversial, as it bypassed the House of Lords and allowed the King to rule without the consent of Parliament. The image captures the tension and drama of this moment in British history, with the King standing defiantly before the House of Lords, determined to assert his authority and resolve the crisis. The scene is set against the backdrop of the ornate and grand surroundings of the Palace of Westminster in London, underscoring the importance of the events unfolding within its walls. This photograph offers a glimpse into the political turmoil of the 1830s and the struggle for democracy and reform in Britain. It is a reminder of the complex and often contentious relationship between the monarchy and Parliament, and the role that individual leaders play in shaping the course of history.
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