House of Lords 1808 Designed and etched by Thomas Rowlandson The Lords are shown here in session, surrounded by tapestries that record key moments in the Spanish Armada's 1588 failed attempt to invade England. Parliament's hereditary upper house moved into this space, just south of Westminster Hall, in 1801 to accomodate new members added by the Act of Union with Ireland--known as the "Lesser Hall," the building had previously been used for banquets. In 1834, when a disastrous fire destroyed most of the Palace of Westminster, the Lords would move again.. House of Lords. Microcosm of London, pl. 52. Designed and etched by Thomas Rowlandson (British, London 1757-1827 London). 1808. Hand-colored etching and aquatint. Prints