Woolsack, Ceremonial seat in House of Lords, United Kingdom.
The Woolsack stands as a large red cloth-covered cushion without arms or back, positioned centrally in the House of Lords chamber.
King Edward III established the Woolsack in 1337 to symbolize the economic importance of wool trade during England's medieval period.
Members of the House of Lords follow strict protocols when addressing the Lord Speaker, directing their speech toward the Woolsack during parliamentary debates.
The Lord Speaker presides over House of Lords sessions from the Woolsack, with the Lords' Mace placed on its rear section during proceedings.
The cushion underwent reconstruction in 1938, replacing its horsehair filling with wool from British Commonwealth nations to represent imperial unity.
GPS coordinates: 51.49881,-0.12486
Latest update: May 27, 2025 10:07
Palace of Westminster
86 m
Westminster Hall
122 m
Victoria Tower
68 m
Henry VII Chapel
132 m
Speaker's House
41 m
Statue of Oliver Cromwell
134 m
St Stephen's Chapel
70 m
Richard Coeur de Lion
61 m
House of Commons Library
133 m
St Mary Undercroft
67 m
Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst Memorial
119 m
House of Lords Library
45 m
Statue of Margaret Thatcher, Houses of Parliament
100 m
Parliamentary Estate
69 m
Members' Lobby
89 m
Statue of Winston Churchill
93 m
Statue of George V
103 m
Strangers' Gallery
105 m
Imperial Monumental Halls and Tower
116 m
Parliamentary War Memorial
127 m
Jewel Tower
120 m
Knife Edge Two Piece
120 m
The Burghers of Calais, London
148 m
Abbey Precinct Wall
143 m
Victoria Tower Lodge And Gates To Black Rod Garden
92 m
Clerk Of The Works Office And The Remains Of The Chapel Of St Catherine Little Cloisters Lodgings
151 m
7 Old Palace Yard
98 m
Monument to Major-General James Wolfe
161 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes