William Lenthall

"May it please Your Majesty, I have neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak, except as this House gives me leave."

- Lenthall refusing a request of King Charles

William Lenthall was a character in the 1970 film Cromwell.

He was portrayed by Llewellyn Rees.

By 1642 Lenthall was the Speaker of the House of Commons in the English Parliament. During a debate that was being held, John Pym, John Hampden, Henry Ireton, Oliver Cromwell, and Sir Arthur Hesilrige learned that a warrant had been issued for their arrest. Except for Cromwell, the MPs named in the warrant promptly left the chamber.

A few minutes later the House was informed that King Charles I was coming with a large detachment of soldiers. Despite their best efforts at barricading the door the King and his men were able to force their way into the chamber, and Charles promptly ordered Lenthall to give up his seat to him.

When Charles noticed nearly all the men he wanted arrested were gone, he asked Lenthall where the men had gone. Defending the privileges of the House of Commons even with all the soldiers in the room, Lenthall refused, stating that he could not say anything unless the House gave him leave to do so.

Charles was prevented from arresting Oliver Cromwell by the other members of the House. In retaliation for this and the Speaker's slight, Charles informed Lenthall that Parliament was dissolved before leaving the chamber.