This remarkable design is by A.W. Pugin and was made by John Webb.

Contemporary commentators noted that the structural form of the legs referred to the Portcullis - one of the traditional symbols of Parliament, which Barry and Pugin used extensively for decoration throughout the building. It has now been adopted as the symbol of both houses. The legs are today concealed behind bomb-proof grilles.

The table top was not originally covered with leather, instead the form of the base was repeated in a cross structured patterning in the oak top.