The Timeline of English Parliament

The English Parliament, one of the world’s oldest continuous representative assemblies, has a rich and complex history spanning over a millennium. This timeline highlights the key developments in its evolution from its Anglo-Saxon roots to the modern institution we know today.

Anglo-Saxon Origins

– 7th-11th centuries: Anglo-Saxon kings convene the Witenagemot, a council of nobles and clergy that advised the monarch on matters of state[1].

Norman Conquest and Early Middle Ages

– 1066: William the Conqueror introduces the feudal system, which influences the development of parliamentary representation.

– 1215: King John signs the Magna Carta, limiting royal power and establishing the principle that the monarch is subject to the law[1].

Rise of the Commons

– 13th century: Knights and burgesses begin to be summoned to parliament, representing the interests of their communities[1].

– 1265: Simon de Montfort’s Parliament includes representatives from towns and shires, laying the groundwork for the House of Commons[1].

Establishment of Parliament

– 1295: Edward I summons the “Model Parliament,” considered the first representative parliament in England[1].

– 14th century: Parliament separates into two houses – the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Growth of Parliamentary Power

– 1341: The Commons and Lords begin meeting separately.

– 1414: Henry V acknowledges that both houses must agree for a law to be passed.

– 1529-1536: The Reformation Parliament under Henry VIII breaks with the Roman Catholic Church.

English Civil War and Interregnum

– 1642-1651: The English Civil War results in increased parliamentary power.

– 1649-1660: The Interregnum period sees England governed as a republic.

Restoration and Glorious Revolution

– 1660: The monarchy is restored under Charles II.

– 1689: The Bill of Rights establishes parliamentary sovereignty and limits royal power following the Glorious Revolution.

Modern Era

– 1707: The Acts of Union merge the English and Scottish parliaments to form the Parliament of Great Britain.

– 1800: The Acts of Union with Ireland create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

– 1832: The First Reform Act expands voting rights and redistributes parliamentary seats.

– 1911: The Parliament Act limits the power of the House of Lords.

– 1918: The Representation of the People Act grants voting rights to women over 30.

– 1928: Equal voting rights are extended to all women over 21.

– 1999: The House of Lords Act reforms the composition of the upper house, removing most hereditary peers.

This timeline illustrates the gradual evolution of the English Parliament from its early roots in Anglo-Saxon councils to the complex, democratic institution it is today. Throughout its history, Parliament has been shaped by political struggles, social changes, and the ongoing tension between royal and representative power.

References

Anglo-Saxon Origins (7th–11th Centuries)

Witenagemot: The Anglo-Saxon council of nobles and clergy that advised kings is discussed in David Carpenter’s The Struggle for Mastery: Britain 1066–1284 (2003), which provides an overview of early governance structures.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicles: Primary sources like the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle offer insights into the role of the Witenagemot in decision-making and succession disputes.

Norman Conquest and Early Middle Ages (1066–1215)

Feudal System: The introduction of Norman feudalism and its influence on governance is detailed in Marc Morris’s The Norman Conquest (2012).
Magna Carta (1215): The Magna Carta’s significance in limiting royal authority is analyzed in J.C. Holt’s Magna Carta (1965), a seminal work on this foundational document.

Rise of the Commons (13th Century)

Simon de Montfort’s Parliament (1265): The inclusion of knights and burgesses in Simon de Montfort’s Parliament is explored in David Carpenter’s The Reign of Henry III (2020), which highlights its role as a precursor to the House of Commons.
Knights and Burgesses: The growing role of local representatives in Parliament during this period is covered in G.O. Sayles’ The King’s Parliament of England (1974).

Establishment of Parliament (1295–14th Century)

Model Parliament (1295): Edward I’s “Model Parliament” as the first representative assembly is discussed in Robert Bartlett’s England Under the Norman and Angevin Kings, 1075–1225 (2000).
Bicameral System: The separation of Parliament into the House of Lords and House of Commons in the 14th century is examined in Chris Given-Wilson’s The English Nobility in the Late Middle Ages (1987).

Growth of Parliamentary Power (1341–1536)

Separate Meetings of Lords and Commons: The emergence of separate sessions for the two houses is outlined in Paul Brand’s Kings, Barons, and Justices: The Making and Enforcement of Legislation in Thirteenth-Century England (2003).
Reformation Parliament: The legislative changes under Henry VIII, including the break from Rome, are detailed in G.W. Bernard’s The King’s Reformation (2005).

English Civil War and Interregnum (1642–1660)

Civil War and Parliamentary Power: The conflict between Charles I and Parliament is analyzed in Conrad Russell’s The Causes of the English Civil War (1990).
Interregnum Republic: Christopher Hill’s The World Turned Upside Down (1972) explores England’s brief experiment with republican governance during this period.

Restoration and Glorious Revolution (1660–1689)

Restoration Monarchy: Charles II’s return to power is discussed in Ronald Hutton’s The Restoration: A Political and Religious History of England and Wales 1658–1667 (1985).
Bill of Rights (1689): The establishment of parliamentary sovereignty following the Glorious Revolution is analyzed in John Miller’s James II: A Study in Kingship (1978).

Modern Era Developments (1707–1999)

Acts of Union (1707, 1800): Linda Colley’s Britons: Forging the Nation 1707–1837 (1992) examines how union acts shaped British identity and governance structures.
Reform Acts: The First Reform Act (1832) and subsequent electoral reforms are detailed in Eric J. Evans’ The Forging of the Modern State: Early Industrial Britain 1783–1870 (1983).
Representation of Women: The gradual extension of voting rights to women, culminating in full suffrage by 1928, is explored in Martin Pugh’s Women and the Women’s Movement in Britain 1914–1999 (2000).
House of Lords Act (1999): The reform reducing hereditary peers’ influence is analyzed in Meg Russell’s Reforming the House of Lords: Lessons from Overseas (2000).