image details
Full image caption
Leather belt with two keys hanging from it on knotted straps. The belt is of cream colour and is made of leather and iron. These keys and leather belt belonged to the doorkeeper of the Star Chamber, an English law court at the Palace of Westminster. Named after the ceiling decoration of stars, it was established in 1487 by Henry VII, making the court a separate judicial body from the King's Council. Originally it was popular due to its flexibility and ability to try cases that other law courts could not due to corruption. It was abolished in 1641 during the reign of Charles I after it became synonymous with the abuse of power by the king and his circle.
Date
1501 AD - 1600 AD
Image Number
000098
