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The Star Chamber
Previous page: The House of Lords and the House of Commons
The most infamous building in the Houses of Parliament was the Royal Council or Star Chamber, on the east side of New Palace Yard (supposed to have derived its second name from the gilt stars on its ceiling), where, between 1600 - 1614, sat that dreaded Court which had power to inflict every punishment but death for trivial and often imaginary offences - a tribunal more dreaded than any other in England before or since.
By it Dr. Osbaldiston was condemned to have his ears fastened to the pillory in Palace Yard, and to pay a fine of £5,000; Philip, Earl of Arundel, was fined £10000 and Prynne, the author of a book exposing the abuses of the stage, was sentenced to imprisonment for life and the loss of both ears; whilst many a less illustrious culprit had his nose slit, or was whipped from end to end of London, on the evidence of perjured witnesses.
The last relics of the Star Chamber were removed in 1836, and are now preserved at Leasowe Castle, Cheshire, the residence of Sir Edward Cust.
Next page: William Rufus
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