List of MPs elected in the 1774 British general election facts for kids

The Fourteenth Parliament of Great Britain was a very important group of lawmakers. It met from 1774 to 1780 in the Palace of Westminster in London. This was a time of big changes, especially with the American colonies.

What Was the 14th Parliament?

The Parliament of Great Britain was like the government's main decision-making body. It included the King, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. The 14th Parliament was chosen in the 1774 British general election.

It had two main parts:

• The House of Commons: This is where elected representatives, called MPs, worked. There were 558 MPs in this Parliament.
• The House of Lords: This chamber was made up of nobles and bishops.

The Parliament's job was to make laws and discuss important issues for Great Britain.

Who Were the MPs?

The 558 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons represented different areas across Great Britain. They were chosen by voters in the 1774 election. During the six years this Parliament was active, some MPs left or passed away. When this happened, new elections called "by-elections" were held to choose their replacements.

For example, Lord North was a very important MP. He was the Leader of the House of Commons. He also served as the Prime Minister, leading the government during this period.

Big Decisions and Events

This Parliament met during a very challenging time for Great Britain. The biggest issue was the growing conflict with the American colonies.

• The American Revolution: The Parliament had to deal with the American Revolutionary War, which started in 1775. They made decisions about taxes and laws that the American colonists did not like.
• War and Taxes: Many debates in Parliament were about how to handle the war. They discussed sending troops and how to pay for the war through taxes.
• Important Laws: Even with the war, Parliament still passed other laws. These laws affected people's lives across Great Britain.

How Parliament Worked

The Parliament had different leaders to help it run smoothly.

• Speaker of the House of Commons: Sir Fletcher Norton was the Speaker. His job was to keep order during debates in the House of Commons.
• Leader of the House of Commons: Lord North was the main leader in the Commons. He guided the government's plans and policies.
• Lord Chancellor: In the House of Lords, The Earl Bathurst was the Lord Chancellor. He was a key legal and political figure.

These leaders helped Parliament discuss and decide on the many issues facing the country.

Learn More

• 1774 British general election
• List of parliaments of Great Britain