THE HOUSE OF LORDS
The focal point in the Chamber of the House of Lords is the gilded Throne. The Queen enters the Palace of Westminster only on the day of the State Opening of Parliament at the beginning of a session. Crowned and wearing many of the finest crown jewels, she makes her speech from the throne in the House of Lords.
Before the Throne in the House of Lords, and dividing the benches, there is the Woolsack upon which the Lord Chancellor presides over the lords. By tradition the Woolsack is stuffed with wool from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and from the Commonwealth countries.
Between the Lord Chancellor's Woolsack and the Table of the House there are two other woolsacks upon which the Judges sit at the State Opening of Parliament.
The Peers' benches, covered in red leather, are arranged in five rows on either side of the House. Members of the government and their supporters are to the right of the Throne, and those of the Opposition to the left.
The galleries are reserved for diplomats and distinguished strangers.