Woolsack

[2][3] Indeed, it was largely to protect the vital English wool trade routes with continental Europe that the Battle of Crécy was fought with the French in 1346.

At the behest of Jean-François Pouliot, an MP from Quebec, who decried the use of a cushion on which the Supreme Court of Canada's judges had to sprawl "like urchins," the woolsack was eventually abolished and replaced with conventional chairs.

If members wish to talk to each other while the House is sitting, they are not permitted to speak behind the woolsack and must retire to the Prince's Chamber.

The Lord Chancellor laments that propriety would not allow him to marry his ward, no matter how strongly he may care for her.

He describes his position this way: "Ah, my Lords, it is indeed painful to have to sit upon a woolsack which is stuffed with such thorns as these!"

In Uncommon Law by A. P. Herbert, the newly-appointed Lady Chancellor finds the Woolsack uncomfortable and orders it replaced with a chair.