Good Parliament facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Good Parliament |
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| Overview | |||||
| Legislative body | Parliament of England | ||||
| Meeting place | Palace of Westminster | ||||
| Term | 28 April 1376 – 10 July 1376 | ||||
| Painted Chamber | |||||
The Good Parliament was a special meeting of the English Parliament in 1376. It met in London from April 28 to July 10. This was the longest Parliament meeting up to that time.
It happened when many people thought the king's court was not fair or honest. It got its name, the "Good Parliament," because its members truly tried to make the government better. However, it faced a strong opponent in John of Gaunt. He was the fourth son of King Edward III and was basically running England at that time.
Contents
Why the Good Parliament Met
Parliament had not met for two and a half years, since November 1373. King Edward III and his advisors knew people were unhappy. They did not want to call a Parliament.
But in 1376, the king really needed money. So, another Parliament meeting became necessary.
What Happened During the Meeting?
Once the members of Parliament gathered, they were determined to fix the unfair practices in the Royal Council. Peter de la Mare, a knight from Herefordshire, was chosen as the Speaker.
On the first day, he gave a speech. He talked about England's recent military problems. He also spoke about the unfairness at court. He asked for a careful check of the royal money.
Two men, Richard Lyons (Warden of the Mint) and Lord Latimer, were believed to be misusing royal funds. They were called before Parliament and then put in prison. Lord Latimer's formal accusation by Parliament was the first ever recorded.
Alice Perrers, who was close to the king, was told to stay away from the court.
The Next King
Meanwhile, the king's oldest son, Edward the Black Prince, was very ill. He was dying. He called both King Edward III and John of Gaunt to his house in London. He made them promise to accept his son, the future Richard II, as the next king.
Both John of Gaunt and the King promised to accept Richard. Soon after, Parliament called Richard and agreed that he would be the next king. The members were greatly influenced by Prince Edward. He was the country's biggest military hero at that time.
New Advisors for the King
Parliament then chose a new group of advisors for the king. These included Edmund Mortimer, the Earl of March. Also chosen were William Courtenay, who was the Bishop of London, and William of Wykeham, the Bishop of Winchester.
Parliament finished its meeting and was closed in July.
After the Good Parliament
In the autumn after the Good Parliament, John of Gaunt tried to undo everything it had done. He stopped the new advisors from joining the king's council. He had Peter de la Mare thrown into prison in Nottingham.
John of Gaunt also got rid of the new council. He brought Lord Latimer back. Alice Perrers was allowed to return to the king's company. John also caused trouble for William of Wykeham.
In 1377, John of Gaunt called another Parliament. This one became known as the Bad Parliament. John had the Good Parliament declared against the rules. Its decisions were removed from the official records.
Despite this, people remembered the Good Parliament fondly. They valued its efforts to make things better. That is why they gave it the name "the Good Parliament."
See also
