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List of parliaments of England facts for kids

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This is a list of the Parliaments of England. These were important meetings of leaders and representatives from the time of King Henry III until 1707. Before Parliament as we know it, there was a group called the Curia Regis, which was the King's Council. Over time, this council grew into what became known as Parliament.

If you want to learn about parliaments after 1707, check out the List of parliaments of Great Britain. For the full story of how the English Parliament started, see Parliament of England.

In the past, English Parliaments were often named by counting them from the start of a king's rule. Sometimes, a Parliament was so important that it got its own special name, like the Good Parliament or the Parliament of Merton.

What Was Parliament Like in the Past?

In early times, Parliament was a meeting where the King, important nobles (called barons), and church leaders (bishops and abbots) would gather. They discussed big issues, especially about money for the King and new laws. Over time, representatives from towns and counties, like knights and burgesses, also started to join these meetings.

Parliaments Under King Henry III (1216-1272)

King Henry III's reign saw the early days of Parliament. These meetings were often about the King needing money or dealing with disagreements with his powerful nobles.

  • 1237 Parliament: This was one of the first big meetings. The King needed money, but the nobles were not happy. They wanted more say in how the country was run.
  • 1242 Parliament: Nobles refused to give the King money, saying he wasted it.
  • 1244 Parliament: The King asked for money again. The nobles wanted to be involved in choosing his advisors.
  • 1246 Parliament: This meeting passed laws against robbery. They also argued against taxes from the Pope.
  • 1248 Parliament: This Parliament discussed laws about not being able to imprison someone without a court judgment. The King insisted on choosing his own ministers.
  • 1258 Parliaments: This year had several important meetings. One, known as the Mad Parliament, was where nobles tried to limit the King's power. They created a council of 24 members to help run the country. Knights from the shires (counties) were invited to this meeting.
  • 1259 Parliament: This meeting passed the 'Provisions of Westminster', which were new laws to protect people's rights and make sure justice was fair.
  • 1265 Parliament (Montfort's Parliament): This was a very important Parliament led by Simon de Montfort. It was special because it included representatives from cities and towns, chosen by election. This was a big step towards how Parliament works today.
  • 1267 Parliament: This meeting passed the Statute of Marlborough, which aimed to make justice easier for everyone and confirmed earlier laws about people's rights.

Parliaments Under King Edward I (1272-1307)

King Edward I was known for strengthening Parliament and making it a more regular part of governing England.

  • 1275 Parliament: This was Edward I's first Parliament. It passed the Statute of Westminster, a major set of laws. For the first time in a while, representatives from towns (burgesses) were allowed to attend.
  • 1275 (Second) Parliament: This Parliament agreed to a tax on wool, which was very important for the King's money.
  • 1278 Parliament: This meeting discussed how the King could raise taxes, and it was agreed that Parliament had the right to approve these taxes.
  • 1279 Parliament: This Parliament passed the Statute of Mortmain, which stopped land from being given to the Church without the King's permission.
  • 1282-1283 Parliaments: These meetings, held in places like Shrewsbury and Acton Burnell, dealt with issues in Wales and passed laws about debts.
  • 1285 Parliament: This Parliament passed the Second Statute of Westminster, 1285, which further developed laws about land and trade.
  • 1295 Parliament (Model Parliament): This is often called the Model Parliament because it brought together all the different groups: nobles, church leaders, knights from the shires, and burgesses from the towns. This became the standard way Parliament was set up.
  • 1297 Parliament: This Parliament saw nobles challenge the King over taxes. They made him agree to confirm the promises made in the Magna Carta, a famous document that limited the King's power.
  • 1301 Parliament: Held in Lincoln, this Parliament discussed important issues with the Pope and granted the King a tax.

Parliaments Under King Edward II (1307-1327)

Edward II's reign was marked by struggles between the King and his nobles, which often played out in Parliament.

  • 1308 Parliament: This Parliament saw nobles challenging the King's authority, especially regarding his friend, Piers Gaveston.
  • 1309 Parliament: This meeting discussed complaints about unfair courts and how the King was using his power.
  • 1311 Parliament: This Parliament created the New Ordinances, a set of rules designed to limit the King's power and manage his finances.
  • 1316 Parliament: This meeting in Lincoln saw a big disagreement between the King and his powerful noble, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster.
  • 1318 Parliament: This Parliament, held in York, tried to bring peace between the King and his nobles. It passed the Statute of York, which aimed to improve how the government worked.
  • 1321 Parliament (Parliament of Whitebands): This Parliament was called after a defeat for the Lancastrians. It tried to remove the King's advisors, the Despensers.
  • 1327 Parliament: This was a very important Parliament. It met after King Edward II was arrested and forced to give up his throne. His son, Edward III, was then made King. This Parliament showed how powerful Parliament had become in deciding who ruled England.

Parliaments Under King Edward III (1327-1377)

Edward III's long reign saw Parliament become even more important, especially in approving taxes for his wars.

  • 1327 Parliament: This Parliament continued from the previous reign and confirmed Edward III as the new King.
  • 1328 Parliament: This meeting discussed the ongoing war with Scotland.
  • 1330 Parliament: This Parliament met in Salisbury and dealt with issues of treason, showing Parliament's role in justice.
  • 1332 Parliament: This Parliament in Westminster saw the Lords and Commons (knights and burgesses) meet together in one room for the first time. This was a big step in how Parliament would work in the future.
  • 1340 Parliament: The Commons agreed to give the King money for his wars, but only after they had talked to the people they represented. This showed the growing power of the Commons.
  • 1346 Parliament: This Parliament discussed how taxes were collected.
  • 1348 Parliament: A Parliament was planned for 1349 but was cancelled because of the terrible bubonic plague.
  • 1357 Parliament: This Parliament helped negotiate the Treaty of Calais, an important agreement with France.
  • 1362 Parliament: This Parliament saw Henry Green become the Speaker, a key role in the Commons.
  • 1373 Parliament: The Lords and Commons started meeting in separate rooms, the White Chamber and the Painted Chamber, which became a common practice.
  • 1376 Parliament (Good Parliament): This Parliament was known for being very active. The Commons worked closely with the Lords and asked for a group of Lords to discuss the Chancellor's speech. This showed the Commons becoming more confident.
  • 1377 Parliament (Bad Parliament): This Parliament was less successful than the previous one.

Parliaments Under King Richard II (1377-1399)

Richard II's reign was also marked by conflicts with his nobles and Parliament.

  • 1378 Parliament: This Parliament met in Gloucester and was the first time a Speaker of the Commons made a formal 'protestation' (a statement of their rights).
  • 1380 Parliament: This Parliament, held in Northampton, worked with the Lords to create a poll tax. The Commons showed their power by getting a lower tax rate than the Lords wanted.
  • 1384 Parliament: This Parliament, held in Salisbury, saw the Commons and Lords meeting and discussing issues together.
  • 1386 Parliament (Wonderful Parliament): This Parliament was known for its strong actions against the King's advisors.
  • 1388 Parliament (Merciless Parliament): This Parliament was very strict and punished many of the King's friends and advisors.
  • 1397-1398 Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions, one in Westminster and one in Shrewsbury. There were concerns that the King had tried to influence the election of members to get his supporters into Parliament.
  • 1399 Parliament: This Parliament met the day after King Richard II gave up his throne. It was used to officially remove him from power and crown Henry IV as the new King.

Parliaments Under King Henry IV (1399-1413)

Henry IV's reign began with Parliament playing a key role in his claim to the throne.

  • 1399 Parliament (Convention Parliament): This Parliament was crucial in making Henry IV King.
  • 1402 Parliament: This Parliament saw more cooperation between the Lords and Commons, but the King's approval was still needed for many things.
  • 1404 Parliament (Unlearned Parliament): This Parliament, held in Coventry, was nicknamed the "Unlearned Parliament" or "Lawless Parliament."
  • 1406 Parliament (Long Parliament): This was a long Parliament, showing the ongoing importance of these meetings.
  • 1407 Parliament: This Parliament, held in Gloucester, was the first time the Lords and Commons openly disagreed about who had the power to start money bills (laws about taxes).

Parliaments Under King Henry V (1413-1422)

Henry V's Parliaments often focused on funding his wars with France.

  • 1414 Parliament (Fire and Faggot Parliament): This Parliament met in Leicester.
  • 1415 Parliament: This was the shortest Parliament in medieval English history.
  • 1421 Parliament: King Henry V himself was present and approved new laws. This Parliament led to the famous "40 shilling qualification" for voting, which lasted for centuries.

Parliaments Under King Henry VI (1422-1461, 1470-1471)

Henry VI's long reign was marked by instability and the Wars of the Roses, with Parliament often caught in the middle.

  • 1422 Parliament: In this reign, Parliament's approvals for laws often began with the French phrase Soit fait come il est desire (Let it be done as it is desired).
  • 1426 Parliament (Parliament of Bats): This Parliament met in Leicester and was known for its conflicts.
  • 1459 Parliament (Parliament of Devils): This Parliament, held in Coventry, was known for its harsh actions against the Yorkists during the Wars of the Roses.
  • 1460 Parliament: This Parliament passed an important Act of Accord, trying to settle the dispute over the throne.
  • 1470-1471 Parliament: This Parliament was held when King Henry VI was briefly restored to the throne during the Wars of the Roses. It ended when Edward IV took back the crown.

Parliaments Under King Edward IV (1461-1470, 1471-1483)

Edward IV's Parliaments helped him establish his rule after the Wars of the Roses.

  • 1461 Parliament: This Parliament officially recognized Edward IV as the new King and reversed laws that had been made against his family.
  • 1463-1465 Parliament: This Parliament transferred tax collection directly to the Treasurer of Calais, an important port.
  • 1472-1475 Parliament: This Parliament showed that the King's presence was still needed for certain requests to be granted.

Parliament Under King Richard III (1483-1485)

Richard III had only one Parliament during his short reign.

  • 1484 Parliament: This Parliament met in January and February.

Parliaments Under King Henry VII (1485-1509)

Henry VII's Parliaments helped him secure his new Tudor dynasty after winning the Wars of the Roses.

  • 1485 Parliament: This was Henry VII's first Parliament.
  • 1487 Parliament: This Parliament met in November and December.
  • 1489 Parliament: This Parliament met in January 1489 and continued into 1490.
  • 1491 Parliament: This Parliament met in October 1491 and continued into 1492.
  • 1495 Parliament: This Parliament met in October and December.
  • 1497 Parliament: This Parliament met in January and March.
  • 1504 Parliament: This Parliament met in January and April.

Parliaments Under King Henry VIII (1509-1547)

Henry VIII's reign saw some of the most significant changes in Parliament's history, especially during the English Reformation.

  • 1510 Parliament: This was Henry VIII's first Parliament.
  • 1512-1514 Parliament: This Parliament had four sessions.
  • 1515 Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions.
  • 1523 Parliament (Black Parliament): This Parliament was known for its discussions about taxes.
  • 1529-1536 Parliament (Reformation Parliament): This was a very famous Parliament. It lasted for seven years and played a huge role in the English Reformation, making laws that separated the Church of England from the Pope in Rome.
  • 1536 Parliament: This Parliament met in June and July.
  • 1539-1540 Parliament: This Parliament had three sessions.
  • 1542-1544 Parliament: This Parliament had three sessions.
  • 1545-1547 Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions and was the last of Henry VIII's reign.

Parliaments Under King Edward VI (1547-1553)

Edward VI's short reign continued the religious changes started by his father.

  • 1547-1552 Parliament: This Parliament had four sessions and continued the work of the Reformation.
  • 1553 Parliament: This Parliament met in March.

Parliaments Under Queen Mary I (1553-1558)

Mary I's Parliaments focused on bringing England back to the Roman Catholic Church.

  • 1553 Parliament: This was Mary I's first Parliament.
  • 1554 (First) Parliament: This Parliament met in April and May.
  • 1554 (Second) Parliament: This Parliament met in November 1554 and continued into 1555.
  • 1555 Parliament: This Parliament met in October and December.
  • 1558 Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions and was the last of Mary I's reign.

Parliaments Under Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603)

Elizabeth I's long reign saw Parliament become more confident and discuss important issues, especially religion and money.

  • 1559 Parliament: This was Elizabeth I's first Parliament. It passed laws that established the Church of England.
  • 1563-1567 Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions.
  • 1571 Parliament: This Parliament met in April and May.
  • 1572-1583 Parliament: This Parliament had three sessions and was one of the longest of her reign.
  • 1584-1585 Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions.
  • 1586-1587 Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions.
  • 1589 Parliament: This Parliament met in February and March.
  • 1593 Parliament: This Parliament met in February and April.
  • 1597-1598 Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions.
  • 1601 Parliament: This Parliament met in October and December and was the last of Elizabeth I's reign.

Parliaments Under King James I (1603-1625)

James I, the first Stuart king, often disagreed with Parliament, especially over his royal power.

  • 1604-1611 Parliament (Blessed Parliament): This was a long Parliament with five sessions, showing the ongoing discussions between the King and Parliament.
  • 1614 Parliament (Addled Parliament): This Parliament was called the "Addled Parliament" because it didn't pass any laws and was dissolved quickly due to disagreements with the King.
  • 1621-1622 Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions.
  • 1624-1625 Parliament (Happy Parliament): This Parliament was called the "Happy Parliament" because it had better relations with the King than the previous one.

Parliaments Under King Charles I (1625-1649)

Charles I's reign was marked by deep conflicts with Parliament, leading to the English Civil War.

  • 1625 Parliament (Useless Parliament): This Parliament was called the "Useless Parliament" because it didn't achieve much and was quickly dissolved.
  • 1626 Parliament: This Parliament met in February and June.
  • 1628-1629 Parliament: This Parliament passed the Petition of Right, a document that limited the King's power. After this, Charles I ruled without Parliament for 11 years (known as the Personal Rule).
  • 1640 (April) Parliament (Short Parliament): This Parliament was called the "Short Parliament" because it lasted only a few weeks before the King dissolved it.
  • 1640-1660 Parliament (Long Parliament): This was the most famous and longest Parliament in English history. It started with Charles I, but then rebelled against him, leading to the English Civil War. It continued to exist even after the King's death.

The Long Parliament: Royalist Times

During the Civil War, the Long Parliament split. Some members supported the King.

  • 1640-1642 Long Parliament (Phase 'a'): This was the initial period of the Long Parliament before the Civil War fully broke out.
  • 1644-1645 Oxford Parliament (Phase 'c'): This was a separate Parliament called by King Charles I in Oxford during the Civil War, made up of members who supported him.

Parliaments of the Revolution and Commonwealth (1649-1660)

After the Civil War and the King's execution, England became a republic (a Commonwealth), and Parliament changed significantly.

  • 1642-1648 Long Parliament (Phase 'b'): This was the period of the Long Parliament during the Civil War, controlled by those who opposed the King.
  • 1648-1653 Rump Parliament (Phase 'd'): After some members were removed, the remaining part of the Long Parliament was called the "Rump Parliament." It ruled England after the King's execution.
  • 1653 Barebone's Parliament: This was a short-lived Parliament chosen by Oliver Cromwell, a military leader.
  • 1654-1655 First Protectorate Parliament: This Parliament was part of the Protectorate, a period when Oliver Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector.
  • 1656-1658 Second Protectorate Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions.
  • 1659 Third Protectorate Parliament: This Parliament had one session.

These parliaments during the Protectorate included representatives from Scotland and Ireland.

  • 1659 Rump Parliament (Restored, Phase 'e'): The Rump Parliament was brought back for a short time.

Parliaments of the Commonwealth (Continued)

  • 1659-1660 Rump Parliament (Phase 'f'): The Rump Parliament was restored again briefly.
  • 1660 Long Parliament (Phase 'g'): The Long Parliament was finally dissolved in March 1660, paving the way for the return of the monarchy.

Parliaments Under King Charles II (1660-1685)

The monarchy was restored with Charles II, and Parliament returned to its traditional form, though with new challenges.

  • 1660 Convention Parliament: This Parliament met without a King's official order, but it played a key role in bringing Charles II back to the throne. Charles II later officially recognized it as a Parliament.
  • 1661-1679 Cavalier Parliament: This was a very long Parliament, lasting for 17 sessions. It was known as the "Cavalier Parliament" because many of its members supported the King.
  • 1679 Habeas Corpus Parliament: This Parliament passed the important Habeas Corpus Act, which protects people from being held in prison without a good reason.
  • 1680-1681 Exclusion Bill Parliament: This Parliament tried to pass a law to stop Charles II's Catholic brother, James, from becoming King.
  • 1681 Oxford Parliament: This Parliament met in Oxford and was quickly dissolved by the King due to disagreements.

Parliament Under King James II (1685-1688)

James II's reign was short and ended with the Glorious Revolution.

  • 1685-1687 Loyal Parliament: This Parliament was initially very supportive of James II.

Parliaments Under William III and Mary II (1689-1702)

The Glorious Revolution brought William and Mary to the throne, and Parliament's power grew significantly.

  • 1689 Convention Parliament: This Parliament was not called by a King, but by William III, who was invited to take the throne. It declared that James II had left the throne empty and offered it to William and Mary. This Parliament then became a formal Parliament.
  • 1690-1695 Parliament: This Parliament had six sessions. Queen Mary II died in 1694 during this Parliament, but the numbering of parliaments continued without resetting.
  • 1695-1698 Parliament: This Parliament had three sessions.
  • 1698-1700 Parliament: This Parliament had two sessions.
  • 1701 Parliament: This Parliament had one session.
  • 1701-1702 Parliament: This Parliament had one session.

Parliaments Under Queen Anne (1702-1707)

Queen Anne was the last monarch to rule over the separate Parliaments of England and Scotland before they joined.

  • 1702-1705 Parliament: This was Queen Anne's first Parliament.
  • 1705-1707 Parliament: This Parliament had three sessions.

On April 29, 1707, the Parliament of Great Britain was created. The members of Queen Anne's second Parliament then became part of the first Parliament of Great Britain.

See also

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