Duke of Norfolk's Chair in Lambeth Palace Great Hall

The Duke of Norfolk’s chair in Lambeth Palace’s Great Hall is a prop in the physical conflict that erupts during the confrontation. Cromwell, in a moment of 'white fury,' hauls Norfolk from his chair, causing it to scrape back violently. The chair symbolizes Norfolk’s position of authority and comfort, which Cromwell disrupts in his outburst. Its physical presence underscores the suddenness and intensity of the violence, as well as the power dynamics at play.

Norfolk’s chair is a prop turned weapon in this moment, its heavy wooden frame serving as both a seat and a fulcrum for Cromwell’s explosive rage. When Cromwell seizes Norfolk by the collar, the chair becomes an extension of their struggle—its legs scrape violently against the stone floor as Norfolk is hauled upward, the sound cutting through the tense silence. The chair’s role is purely functional, but its physicality amplifies the violence of the moment, making Cromwell’s assault feel visceral and unplanned. After the event, the chair is left empty, its occupant gasping and humiliated, while the chair itself bears the silent marks of the struggle—perhaps a scuff or a splintered leg, though these are not described.