History of Parliament
@histparl.bsky.social
Creating a comprehensive account of parliamentary politics in England, then the UK, from the thirteenth century to the present day.
You can find us at other places, here: https://linktr.ee/historyofparliament
You can find us at other places, here: https://linktr.ee/historyofparliament
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Annual Lecture: Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51
Join us for the History of Parliament Annual Lecture for 2025, given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
The History of Parliament is excited to announce this year's Annual Lecture!
On 16 December in Portcullis House, Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds will be speaking on 'Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'.
Tickets are FREE and can be found in the link below:
On 16 December in Portcullis House, Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds will be speaking on 'Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'.
Tickets are FREE and can be found in the link below:
Tonight Natalee Garrett will be speaking at the IHR Parliaments, Politics & People Seminar where she will be discussing her paper on 'Jane, Duchess of Gordon and the Romanticisation of Scottish Identity in London, c.1780-1812'.
Details of how to attend online can be found below:
Details of how to attend online can be found below:
‘A Tartan Belle’: Jane, Duchess of Gordon and the Romanticisation of Scottish Identity in London, c.1780-1812
Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience.
www.history.ac.uk
November 25, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Tonight Natalee Garrett will be speaking at the IHR Parliaments, Politics & People Seminar where she will be discussing her paper on 'Jane, Duchess of Gordon and the Romanticisation of Scottish Identity in London, c.1780-1812'.
Details of how to attend online can be found below:
Details of how to attend online can be found below:
#OTD 1696, a bill was passed that would result in the execution of Sir John Fenwick for treason.
Dr Paul Seaward explores the reasonings behind his beheading and how a bill of attainder sentenced Fenwick to death without the provision of two witnesses:
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/25/t...
Dr Paul Seaward explores the reasonings behind his beheading and how a bill of attainder sentenced Fenwick to death without the provision of two witnesses:
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/25/t...
The passing of the bill of attainder against the Jacobite Sir John Fenwick - The History of Parliament
after a bitter series of debates, finally passed a bill that would result in the execution of the Northumbrian baronet Sir John Fenwick, for treason
historyofparliament.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:32 AM
#OTD 1696, a bill was passed that would result in the execution of Sir John Fenwick for treason.
Dr Paul Seaward explores the reasonings behind his beheading and how a bill of attainder sentenced Fenwick to death without the provision of two witnesses:
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/25/t...
Dr Paul Seaward explores the reasonings behind his beheading and how a bill of attainder sentenced Fenwick to death without the provision of two witnesses:
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/25/t...
4/ Dr Kathryn Rix's article on the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838 reveals that the future Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, was unsatisfied with the then PM Viscount Melbourne's performance, stating he was 'holding the great sword of state like a butcher': buff.ly/630BgbS
A 'noble' and 'magnificent' occasion: MPs and Queen Victoria's coronation - The History of Parliament
Dr Kathryn Rix, assistant editor of our Commons 1832-1868 project, reflects on the guestlist for Queen Victoria's coronation and the privileged view MPs had of proceedings.
historyofparliament.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 AM
4/ Dr Kathryn Rix's article on the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838 reveals that the future Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, was unsatisfied with the then PM Viscount Melbourne's performance, stating he was 'holding the great sword of state like a butcher': buff.ly/630BgbS
3/ At the coronation of George III and Queen Charlotte in 1761, the sword of state had been left at St James's Palace.
As Dr Robin Eagles notes, a substitute was used during the procession, but by the monarchs arrival at the Abbey the sword had been found and placed at the altar: buff.ly/LAfZePs
As Dr Robin Eagles notes, a substitute was used during the procession, but by the monarchs arrival at the Abbey the sword had been found and placed at the altar: buff.ly/LAfZePs
'The buzz, the prattle, the crowds, the noise, the hurry': the Coronation of George III and Queen Charlotte - The History of Parliament
In the third of our series on 18th-century coronations, we turn to that of George III in the late summer of 1761, which proved no exception, as Dr Robin Eagles points out.
historyofparliament.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 AM
3/ At the coronation of George III and Queen Charlotte in 1761, the sword of state had been left at St James's Palace.
As Dr Robin Eagles notes, a substitute was used during the procession, but by the monarchs arrival at the Abbey the sword had been found and placed at the altar: buff.ly/LAfZePs
As Dr Robin Eagles notes, a substitute was used during the procession, but by the monarchs arrival at the Abbey the sword had been found and placed at the altar: buff.ly/LAfZePs
2/ As Dr Paul Hunneyball examined, in the earliest known image of a state opening of Parliament in 1523, an unknown earl is pictured to the left of Henry VIII holding the Sword of State aloft:
historyofparliament.com/2023/04/27/p...
historyofparliament.com/2023/04/27/p...
Picturing the Parliament of 1523 - The History of Parliament
What did a meeting of the English Parliament look like 500 years ago? The earliest-known image of a state opening offers important clues, but also requires
historyofparliament.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 AM
2/ As Dr Paul Hunneyball examined, in the earliest known image of a state opening of Parliament in 1523, an unknown earl is pictured to the left of Henry VIII holding the Sword of State aloft:
historyofparliament.com/2023/04/27/p...
historyofparliament.com/2023/04/27/p...
In the second episode of 'Materials of State', David Cannadine will be exploring the importance of the Sword of State, which you can listen to at 1:45pm today on BBC Radio 4.
Looking through our archive we have highlighted some of our favourite ways the Sword of State has appeared in our research 🧵
Looking through our archive we have highlighted some of our favourite ways the Sword of State has appeared in our research 🧵
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 AM
In the second episode of 'Materials of State', David Cannadine will be exploring the importance of the Sword of State, which you can listen to at 1:45pm today on BBC Radio 4.
Looking through our archive we have highlighted some of our favourite ways the Sword of State has appeared in our research 🧵
Looking through our archive we have highlighted some of our favourite ways the Sword of State has appeared in our research 🧵
Died #OTD 1848, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Although his first ministry survived four months, he was able to return to the position following the 1835 general election after Peel and the Conservatives were unable to secure a majority:
Although his first ministry survived four months, he was able to return to the position following the 1835 general election after Peel and the Conservatives were unable to secure a majority:
The evolving electoral system: the 1835 and 1865 general elections compared - The History of Parliament
The 1835 and 1865 general elections both took place under the electoral system established by the 1832 Reform Act, with 1865 being the last general election before the 1867 Reform Act made…
historyofparliament.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Died #OTD 1848, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Although his first ministry survived four months, he was able to return to the position following the 1835 general election after Peel and the Conservatives were unable to secure a majority:
Although his first ministry survived four months, he was able to return to the position following the 1835 general election after Peel and the Conservatives were unable to secure a majority:
#OTD 1586, after intense parliamentary activity, Elizabeth I delivered a speech in response to a petition from both Houses.
Her reply greatly disappointed her listeners; the silence was deafening. Find out why👇
Her reply greatly disappointed her listeners; the silence was deafening. Find out why👇
The ‘Answer Answerless’ and Elizabeth I’s attitude towards the Parliament of 1586-7 - The History of Parliament
The Parliament of 1586-7 – the sixth of Elizabeth’s reign - had been called after the discovery of the Babington Plot, whereby Elizabeth’s prisoner, the
ow.ly
November 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
#OTD 1586, after intense parliamentary activity, Elizabeth I delivered a speech in response to a petition from both Houses.
Her reply greatly disappointed her listeners; the silence was deafening. Find out why👇
Her reply greatly disappointed her listeners; the silence was deafening. Find out why👇
'Materials of State' will be airing this week on Radio 4, made in association with the History of Parliament.
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
BBC Radio 4 - Materials of State, The Union Jack
David Cannadine explores the history of the Union Jack.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:25 AM
'Materials of State' will be airing this week on Radio 4, made in association with the History of Parliament.
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
#OTD 1499, pretender to the throne Perkin Warbeck was hanged for treason.
Dr Hannes Kleineke explores the Warbeck conspiracy and the story of his failed rebellion against Henry VII:
Dr Hannes Kleineke explores the Warbeck conspiracy and the story of his failed rebellion against Henry VII:
Unrest in the West: The Perkin Warbeck Conspiracy - The History of Parliament
On this day, 1499, Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the English throne, was hanged for treason, bringing an end to one of the most significant threats to Henry
historyofparliament.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OTD 1499, pretender to the throne Perkin Warbeck was hanged for treason.
Dr Hannes Kleineke explores the Warbeck conspiracy and the story of his failed rebellion against Henry VII:
Dr Hannes Kleineke explores the Warbeck conspiracy and the story of his failed rebellion against Henry VII:
#OTD 1883, the first by-election in England held under the rules of the 1883 Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act took place.
Dr Kathryn Rix explores the impact that the Act had on electioneering during the York by-election:
Dr Kathryn Rix explores the impact that the Act had on electioneering during the York by-election:
The impact of the 1883 Corrupt Practices Act: the York by-election - The History of Parliament
series on the 1883 Corrupt and Illegal Practice Act, Dr Kathryn Rix looks at its impact on electioneering, focusing on the November 1883 York by-election
historyofparliament.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM
#OTD 1883, the first by-election in England held under the rules of the 1883 Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act took place.
Dr Kathryn Rix explores the impact that the Act had on electioneering during the York by-election:
Dr Kathryn Rix explores the impact that the Act had on electioneering during the York by-election:
Reposted by History of Parliament
This was a thing in the 18th century, too. See Charles Littleton's post on cricket and the Georgian aristocracy:
historyofparliament.com/2023/07/06/e...
historyofparliament.com/2023/07/06/e...
‘Kind patron of the mirthful fray’: the English aristocracy and cricket in the 18th century - The History of Parliament
The Ashes Test series currently under way provides an opportunity to consider the English aristocracy’s role in cricket’s early development in the 18th
historyofparliament.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:04 PM
This was a thing in the 18th century, too. See Charles Littleton's post on cricket and the Georgian aristocracy:
historyofparliament.com/2023/07/06/e...
historyofparliament.com/2023/07/06/e...
Born #OTD 1639, Sir Richard Knight.
Returned to Lymington in 1678 near the end of the Cavalier Parliament, after being unsuccessful the next year in running for Hampshire it was said that "what with a former indisposition and present drinking, poor man, he died the next day after."
Returned to Lymington in 1678 near the end of the Cavalier Parliament, after being unsuccessful the next year in running for Hampshire it was said that "what with a former indisposition and present drinking, poor man, he died the next day after."
historyofparliamentonline.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Born #OTD 1639, Sir Richard Knight.
Returned to Lymington in 1678 near the end of the Cavalier Parliament, after being unsuccessful the next year in running for Hampshire it was said that "what with a former indisposition and present drinking, poor man, he died the next day after."
Returned to Lymington in 1678 near the end of the Cavalier Parliament, after being unsuccessful the next year in running for Hampshire it was said that "what with a former indisposition and present drinking, poor man, he died the next day after."
With this years Ashes beginning in the early hours of this morning, we thought we'd point you in the direction of @TheVictCommons where they explore the link between cricket and the Victorian House of Commons
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/20/c...
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/20/c...
Cricket in the Commons: a Victorian First Eleven - The History of Parliament
With the 2025 Ashes between England and Australia getting underway this week, we have a cricketing themed post from our House of Commons, 1832-1945 project.
historyofparliament.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:38 AM
With this years Ashes beginning in the early hours of this morning, we thought we'd point you in the direction of @TheVictCommons where they explore the link between cricket and the Victorian House of Commons
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/20/c...
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/20/c...
#OTD 1918 the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act, giving women the right to stand for parliament, gained royal assent.
To find out more about early women parliamentary candidates, and the campaigns they ran, read @lisaberrywaite.bsky.social article. historyofparliament.com/2019/06/11/s...
To find out more about early women parliamentary candidates, and the campaigns they ran, read @lisaberrywaite.bsky.social article. historyofparliament.com/2019/06/11/s...
‘She is an Outsider in Public Life’: women parliamentary candidates, 1918-1923 - The History of Parliament
Ahead of tonight’s Parliaments, Politics and People seminar at the Institute of Historical Research, we hear from Lisa Berry-Waite, a Leverhulme-funded PhD
historyofparliament.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#OTD 1918 the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act, giving women the right to stand for parliament, gained royal assent.
To find out more about early women parliamentary candidates, and the campaigns they ran, read @lisaberrywaite.bsky.social article. historyofparliament.com/2019/06/11/s...
To find out more about early women parliamentary candidates, and the campaigns they ran, read @lisaberrywaite.bsky.social article. historyofparliament.com/2019/06/11/s...
#OTD in 1459 marked the opening of the Coventry Parliament.
Although this Parliament only met briefly between November and December 1459, it would have a lasting impact in the Wars of the Roses:
Although this Parliament only met briefly between November and December 1459, it would have a lasting impact in the Wars of the Roses:
A turning-point in the Wars of the Roses: the attainders of the Coventry Parliament - The History of Parliament
As significant, however, as this Parliament was in the history of the Wars of the Roses, it had as least as great a longer-term significance. It saw the
historyofparliament.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:02 PM
#OTD in 1459 marked the opening of the Coventry Parliament.
Although this Parliament only met briefly between November and December 1459, it would have a lasting impact in the Wars of the Roses:
Although this Parliament only met briefly between November and December 1459, it would have a lasting impact in the Wars of the Roses:
This year's Annual Lecture will be taking place on 16 December, where Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, will be speaking on Clement Attlee's Labour Governments.
Grab your FREE ticket below before its too late: hptannuallecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Grab your FREE ticket below before its too late: hptannuallecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Annual Lecture: Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51
Join us for the History of Parliament Annual Lecture for 2025, given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds.
HPTAnnualLecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
This year's Annual Lecture will be taking place on 16 December, where Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, will be speaking on Clement Attlee's Labour Governments.
Grab your FREE ticket below before its too late: hptannuallecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Grab your FREE ticket below before its too late: hptannuallecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Reposted by History of Parliament
If you're interested in Scottish national identity, eighteenth-century fashion, and/or women in politics, you may be interested in the paper I'm presenting at the IHR Parliaments, Politics & People seminar next Tuesday. Best of all, it's online!
#eighteenthcentury #womenshistory #Scottishhistory
#eighteenthcentury #womenshistory #Scottishhistory
On 25 November, Dr Natalie Garrett will be speaking at the next IHR Parliaments, Politics & People Seminar, where they will be presenting on Jane, duchess of Gordon and the Romanticisation of Scottish Identity in London, c.1780-1812.
Find out more and how to attend below:
Find out more and how to attend below:
‘The Tartan Rage’: Fashion, High Society, and Scottish Identity in Eighteenth-Century London - The History of Parliament
The Tartan rage has at length reached Paris,’ declared the World in June 1787. Demand for tartan fabric and accessories had swept British high society earlier that year, with the Gazetteer and New…
historyofparliament.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:27 PM
If you're interested in Scottish national identity, eighteenth-century fashion, and/or women in politics, you may be interested in the paper I'm presenting at the IHR Parliaments, Politics & People seminar next Tuesday. Best of all, it's online!
#eighteenthcentury #womenshistory #Scottishhistory
#eighteenthcentury #womenshistory #Scottishhistory
Died #OTD 1737, Queen Caroline of Ansbach, wife of George II
As Dr Robin Eagles explores, not only were her last few weeks agonizing, but her death reflected her wider importance to the Hanoverian regime:
historyofparliament.com/2021/12/02/c...
As Dr Robin Eagles explores, not only were her last few weeks agonizing, but her death reflected her wider importance to the Hanoverian regime:
historyofparliament.com/2021/12/02/c...
Death of a Queen: the tragic end of Caroline of Ansbach - The History of Parliament
In the latest post for the Georgian Lords, Dr Robin Eagles, considers the grisly end of Queen Caroline of Ansbach, the botched efforts of her physicians to
historyofparliament.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Died #OTD 1737, Queen Caroline of Ansbach, wife of George II
As Dr Robin Eagles explores, not only were her last few weeks agonizing, but her death reflected her wider importance to the Hanoverian regime:
historyofparliament.com/2021/12/02/c...
As Dr Robin Eagles explores, not only were her last few weeks agonizing, but her death reflected her wider importance to the Hanoverian regime:
historyofparliament.com/2021/12/02/c...
On 25 November, Dr Natalie Garrett will be speaking at the next IHR Parliaments, Politics & People Seminar, where they will be presenting on Jane, duchess of Gordon and the Romanticisation of Scottish Identity in London, c.1780-1812.
Find out more and how to attend below:
Find out more and how to attend below:
‘The Tartan Rage’: Fashion, High Society, and Scottish Identity in Eighteenth-Century London - The History of Parliament
The Tartan rage has at length reached Paris,’ declared the World in June 1787. Demand for tartan fabric and accessories had swept British high society earlier that year, with the Gazetteer and New…
historyofparliament.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:15 PM
On 25 November, Dr Natalie Garrett will be speaking at the next IHR Parliaments, Politics & People Seminar, where they will be presenting on Jane, duchess of Gordon and the Romanticisation of Scottish Identity in London, c.1780-1812.
Find out more and how to attend below:
Find out more and how to attend below:
Born #OTD 1650, Robert Walpole.
MP for Castle Rising between 1689 and his death in 1700, he is best known for being the father of the first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole.
You can read #HistParl's biography of him below:👇
MP for Castle Rising between 1689 and his death in 1700, he is best known for being the father of the first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole.
You can read #HistParl's biography of him below:👇
historyofparliamentonline.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Born #OTD 1650, Robert Walpole.
MP for Castle Rising between 1689 and his death in 1700, he is best known for being the father of the first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole.
You can read #HistParl's biography of him below:👇
MP for Castle Rising between 1689 and his death in 1700, he is best known for being the father of the first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole.
You can read #HistParl's biography of him below:👇
Reposted by History of Parliament
This is ground-breaking research by Gillian Williamson. It shows that 30 years before Ignatius Sancho at least one Black voter participated in an election, and the implication must be that there were others like John London.
#skystorians
#skystorians
November 17, 2025 at 1:33 PM
This is ground-breaking research by Gillian Williamson. It shows that 30 years before Ignatius Sancho at least one Black voter participated in an election, and the implication must be that there were others like John London.
#skystorians
#skystorians
In November 1749, John London walked from his home to vote in the Westminster constituency parliamentary by-election.
As Dr Gillian Williamson explores, this provides the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election:
As Dr Gillian Williamson explores, this provides the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election:
John London: Britain's First Black Voter? - The History of Parliament
this election could serve as the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election - John London
historyofparliament.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM
In November 1749, John London walked from his home to vote in the Westminster constituency parliamentary by-election.
As Dr Gillian Williamson explores, this provides the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election:
As Dr Gillian Williamson explores, this provides the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election:
Reposted by History of Parliament
Spaces are going quickly for the #HistParl Annual Lecture 2025! Make sure to follow the link in this post to sign up and ensure you have a ticket.
We're looking forward to seeing lots of you there.
We're looking forward to seeing lots of you there.
The History of Parliament is excited to announce this year's Annual Lecture!
On 16 December in Portcullis House, Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds will be speaking on 'Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'.
Tickets are FREE and can be found in the link below:
On 16 December in Portcullis House, Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds will be speaking on 'Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'.
Tickets are FREE and can be found in the link below:
Annual Lecture: Clement Attlee’s Labour Governments of 1945-51
Join us for the History of Parliament Annual Lecture for 2025, given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Spaces are going quickly for the #HistParl Annual Lecture 2025! Make sure to follow the link in this post to sign up and ensure you have a ticket.
We're looking forward to seeing lots of you there.
We're looking forward to seeing lots of you there.
#OTD 1558, Mary I died, with Elizabeth I succeeding her as Queen.
Check out our 'The First Elizabethan Age' article collection, which explores the peers and MPs during Elizabeth's reign, and the parallels between the 16th century and today:
historyofparliament.com/the-first-el...
Check out our 'The First Elizabethan Age' article collection, which explores the peers and MPs during Elizabeth's reign, and the parallels between the 16th century and today:
historyofparliament.com/the-first-el...
- The History of Parliament
Welcome to The First Elizabethan Age blog series
historyofparliament.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:16 AM
#OTD 1558, Mary I died, with Elizabeth I succeeding her as Queen.
Check out our 'The First Elizabethan Age' article collection, which explores the peers and MPs during Elizabeth's reign, and the parallels between the 16th century and today:
historyofparliament.com/the-first-el...
Check out our 'The First Elizabethan Age' article collection, which explores the peers and MPs during Elizabeth's reign, and the parallels between the 16th century and today:
historyofparliament.com/the-first-el...