In 1736, however, Walpole suffered a rare miscalculation and was unprepared for the almost unanimous opposition that the bishops presented against his

This blog, which explores the parliamentary context of the abolition of slavery, is based on Michael’s full-length seminar paper, ‘The West India Interest and Colonial Slavery in Parliament,…

As Easter weekend - late this year - approaches, Dr Robin Eagles, Senior Research Fellow in the House of Lords 1660-1832 section, discusses the timing of

Have you just heard that an MP has resigned by ‘taking the Chiltern Hundreds’? Our Senior Research Fellow, Dr Martin Spychal, explains the practice and

Today marks the anniversary of the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act receiving royal assent. But why was this bill necessary 26 years after the passing of the 1807

Paul M. Hunneyball, Associate Editor of the House of Lords 1604-1629 project, kicks off with a sequel to his blog from last LGBTHM, 'James I and his favourites: sex and power at the Jacobean Court'.

In 1736, however, Walpole suffered a rare miscalculation and was unprepared for the almost unanimous opposition that the bishops presented against his

The recent release of Christopher Nolan’s latest epic, The Odyssey, has sparked debate in many quarters for its depiction of Odysseus’ efforts to get back

As my book, Mapping the State, explores, and the History of Parliament’s 1832-1868 Commons project is discovering, it is the rich complexity of England’s

In recent weeks, domestic politics has been dominated by a politician from Manchester, which got me thinking about other moments in Britain’s past when Manchester — and the surrounding area — played a...

In this article Dr Kathryn Rix and Dr Martin Spychal of our House of Commons, 1832-1868 project discuss a pivotal vote in the early nineteenth-century Commons

Some historical examples of executive instability

Have you just heard that an MP has resigned by ‘taking the Chiltern Hundreds’? Our Senior Research Fellow, Dr Martin Spychal, explains the practice and

Sir Robert Peel, twice Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1834-35, 1841-46), entered Parliament at only 21 years of age. He went on to establish the

Dr Simon Payling of our House of Commons 1461-1504 section explores the motivations of Richard, duke of York's motivations for asserting his claim to the throne in 1460...

A few months ago, the History welcomed a guest post by Dr Gillian Williamson with her groundbreaking research into John London, to date the earliest known

Dr Naomi Lloyd-Jones, Research Fellow on the Victorian Commons project, has edited ‘The Politics of Organising in the Long 19th Century’, this year’s special

Dr Emma Peplow uses our oral history archive interviews to look back at a very different by-election, but one that also took place under full media spotlight: Christchurch 1993.

Philip Salmon of our House of Commons, 1832-1868 project re-examines when and how some women could vote long before they secured equal electoral rights with men.

Just a few months before the Declaration of Independence, last minute efforts were made to reconcile Britain and the American colonies. Dr Robin Eagles shows

A guest article from the History of Parliament Trust's research staff

A. Dingsdale, '"Generous and lofty sympathies": the Kensington Society, the 1866 women's suffrage petition and the development of mid-Victorian feminism'

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Dr Kathryn Rix of our House of Commons 1832-1945 project looks at the makeshift arrangements made for the prorogation in the aftermath of the devastating Westminster fire of October 1834.

In August 1415, three conspirators were executed for their role in the Southampton Plot, an attempt to usurp Henry V. Although two of the plotter's motives

One hundred years ago today, the 1926 General Strike broke out in Britain. To mark the anniversary, Alfie Steer has explored its significance for Britain’s

At the IHR Parliaments, Politics and People seminar on Tuesday 17 March, Dr Sarah Wride of the University of York and the Institute of Historical Research,

News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament

In this extended third article in his series on Peter McLagan, MP for Linlithgowshire 1865-1893, Dr Martin Spychal explores the life of ‘Philly’ or ‘Filly’.

In a recent interview, the newly elected MP for Gorton and Denton, Hannah Spencer, has criticised fellow-MPs drinking whilst in Westminster. For Emma Peplow,

The History of Parliament is excited to announce a new 8-week internship position for postgraduate-level researchers.

Dr Kathryn Rix, of our House of Commons, 1832-1945 project, explores the history and significance of prime ministers in the Lords.

Dr Kathryn Rix, Assistant Editor of the House of Commons 1832-1868 Section explains the relationship between women, Parliament and politics in the late

our research fellow Dr Naomi Lloyd-Jones explores the political life of Elizabeth, Marchioness Conyngham (1769-1861). Best known as George IV’s final mistress...

Dr Hannes Kleineke of our Commons 1461-1504 Section explores how Paddington Bear's favourite sweet treat was traded by some members of the late medieval House

The previous year, the Wolfenden Report had recommended partial decriminalisation of sexual activity between men. It would take a decade of parliamentary discussion for that recommendation to become…

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A History of Parliament Newsletter

Political defections, commonly known in Westminster parlance as ‘Crossing the Floor’, have been a phenomenon in Parliament since at least the 17th century.

Join us for a History of Parliament lecture, given by the editor of the House of Commons 1640-1660 volumes, Dr Stephen Roberts.

Joe Baker looks at the landmark decision made by Lord Mansfield in the case of Somerset v Stewart, on the anniversary of James Somerset first being brought before the Court of King’s Bench.

Join us for the History of Parliament Annual Lecture for 2025, given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds.

Join the History of Parliament to dicuss how we interview MPs in a live record of our oral history podcast 'Tales from the Green Benches'.