Why are soldiers not allowed in the houses of parliament?
It originated first with King Charles 1, who entered Parliament with soldiers to arrest certain members of the House. On arrival he found the door barred and could not enter – thus having to thump on the door. When it opened he demanded entrance which was refused. He then pushed his way in, protected by his troops, and demanded that the Speaker hand over certain members who he named. Only to be informed, by the Speaker, the men so named had fled the house. (From this historical incident, arose the annual thumping on the commons house door, at the opening of Parliament after the summer recess) Thereafter following the first English civil war and the ultimate execution of King Charles 1 Later thus did Oliver Cromwell, the soon to be elected Lord Protector, enter with troops to disband and close the house. When elected the Protector he gave assurances to a newly elected Parliament – that no troops would again enter Parliament. That assurance has been duly honored and has never since been
