All volumes now available from Boydell & Brewer.

The History of Parliament is among the most ambitious of humanities research projects. Its aim is to build up a comprehensive account of the working of parliamentary politics in England, then Britain, from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century. The volumes already published represent a monumental survey of the members of and elections to, the House of Commons over a total period of almost 300 years. Volumes in preparation cover a further 160 years of the House of Commons, and 170 years of the House of Lords.

Each set includes an Introductory Survey by a leading historian, drawing together themes and findings from the other sections and additional information on the workings of parliament. This is followed by information on the constituencies, providing a fascinating insight into politics at a local level, and finally biographies of every Member of the House.

This is a parliamentary-funded research project with full and unique access to parliamentary archives. Each set consists of detailed studies of elections and electoral politics in each constituency and closely researched accounts of the lives of everyone who was elected to Parliament within the period. The range and depth of this information far exceeds that which is available from other reference works.

The Introductory Surveys are written by leading authorities on the parliamentary history of the period and bring together themes and conclusions from the other two sections. The articles draw on the work of many historians, but also provide definitive judgements based on more evidence than has been available before on all the key issues of the period. These summaries provide a key and an introduction to the primary material that accompanies them.

Never before have the workings of the House of Commons been available in such detail, compiled by researchers who are specialists in their field and edited by leading historians of the period.

These volumes are essential reading for all historians of politics, economics and society. When completed they will provide a unique primary reference tool for a 600 year period.

Local historians will find a wealth of useful material, especially in the constituency histories and biographies. There is considerable information on the personalities involved in politics on a local and national level, economic and social history – particularly the development of the local economy through acts of parliament to encourage the building of (for example) roads, harbours and canals – the role of patronage, personal interest and corruption. Genealogists and family historians and anyone interested in historical biography will also find much to engage them.

These volumes are an essential purchase for university, research and public libraries alike.

Twenty-eight Volumes have now been published, covering eight periods: 1386-1421, 1509-1558, 1558-1603, 1660-1690, 1690-1715, 1715-1754, 1754-1790 and 1790-1820. All of these volumes are still in print; please click on the appropriate period for details.

House of Commons 1386-1421 4 volumes
House of Commons 1509-1558 3 volumes
House of Commons 1558-1603 3 volumes
House of Commons 1660-1690 3 volumes
House of Commons 1690-1715 5 volumes
House of Commons 1715-1754 2 volumes
House of Commons 1754-1790 3 volumes
House of Commons 1790-1820 5 volumes

For more information on these volumes click here
to visit The History of Parliament web site.