Assent Collection

King James II throwing Great Seal into the River Thames
King James II throwing Great Seal of England into the River Thames near Whitehall. The Seal was used for stamping the kings assent on all important documents

The Bill of Rights Presented to William and Mary, 1689, (mid 19th century). Creator: Unknown
The Bill of Rights Presented to William and Mary, 1689, (mid 19th century). King William III (1650-1702) and Queen Mary II (1662-1694) of Great Britain agreeing an Act of Parliament

Charles I forced to give his assent to the "Petition of Rights"(1628) (engraving)
1090845 Charles I forced to give his assent to the " Petition of Rights" (1628) (engraving) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Puff at St Stephens (engraving)
2777130 Puff at St Stephens (engraving) by Tenniel, John (1820-1914) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Puff at St Stephen s. Cartoon, 17 August 1867)

Taking the (Irish) Bull by the Horns: Bill passed by Parliament on 15 February 1870
527698 Taking the (Irish) Bull by the Horns: Bill passed by Parliament on 15 February 1870 and received royal assent on 8 July. William Gladstone, Prime Minister, dealing with the issue

William III giving his royal assent to the Toleration Act. A print from Cassells Illustrated History of England

Interior of the House of Lords, Westminster, in 1742, (c1902-1905). Artist: John Pine
Interior of the House of Lords, Westminster, in 1742, (c1902-1905). The Speaker attending to hear the Royal assent to a bill

Disraeli / Reform / Critic
Puff at St Stephens Disraeli makes his fellow-MPs kneel and pray for blessing on the new Reform Bill, which had just received royal assent. Date: 17 August 1867

Taking the (Irish) Bull by the Horns: Bill passed by Parliament on 15 February 1870 and received royal assent on 8 July. William Gladstone, Prime Minister, dealing with the issue

Royal Commission in the House of Lords, 1846
Engraving showing the seating of the Commission which gave Royal Assent to the Corn Bill, in the House of Lords, June 1846

Equal Franchise / 1928
Dame Millicent Fawcett, Miss Fawcett, Miss Garrett & Mrs Strachey after Royal Assent to Equal Franchise Act

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"Assent: A Journey Through Centuries of Power and Change" In the turbulent waters of history, the concept has shaped nations and toppled empires. From King James II defiantly hurling the Great Seal into the River Thames to Charles I reluctantly giving his assent to the "Petition of Rights, " these moments have defined our understanding of authority. The year 1689 witnessed a pivotal event as William and Mary received The Bill of Rights, forever altering the course of governance. An unknown creator immortalized this moment in an engraving that captures their acceptance with grace and determination. As we delve further into history, we find ourselves amidst Puff at St Stephens, witnessing heated debates echoing through grand halls, and is here that decisions are made, bills passed, and progress achieved. One such bill was triumphantly embraced on February 15th, 1870 – Taking the (Irish) Bull by the Horns – a testament to Parliament's ability to address pressing issues head-on. Throughout time, royal figures have played a crucial role in granting their assent. William III's regal hand bestowing approval upon the Toleration Act stands as a symbol of religious freedom for all. The House of Lords itself becomes an emblematic backdrop for countless significant events. In John Pine's artistic depiction from 1742, it exudes power and tradition while serving as witness to political discourse that shapes nations. Even great leaders like Disraeli faced criticism when pushing for reform; yet they persevered undeterred by naysayers who questioned their motives or methods. The Humours of Cynicus reminds us that progress often comes with its fair share of skepticism but remains vital nonetheless. Royal commissions convened within those hallowed walls too - one such instance being captured in an engraving from 1846 depicting a solemn gathering in the House of Lords where important matters were discussed under watchful eyes.