In the foreground on the steps is Henry, Prince of Wales - the Prince Hal of Shakespeare's Henry IV parts 1 and 2, and later Henry V in his own right. He is restraining one of his followers from drawing sword against a judgement which has just been made against him by the man seated at the left-hand side. The time is the early 15th century.

Sir William Gascoigne, Chief Justice to the King's Bench to Henry IV, was an historical figure, though this story of his bravery against the heir to the throne has the status of a legend rather than an historical fact. It was a favourite story of the 16th century, and was taken to show Gascoigne's indifference to his own interests, when it came to maintaining the independence of his office.

The picture is set here to exemplify the Spirit of Justice, and is paired with Daniel Maclise's fresco of the same title at the opposite end of the Chamber.

Additional Information on
Prince Henry admitting the authority of Judge Gascoigne

In comparison to those in the Robing Room or the Royal Gallery the mural paintings in the Lord's Chamber are, if anything, recessive rather than dominant. It has been hard for them to compete with the craftsmanship of Pugin's interior details, in particualr the maginificance of the throne.