Since 2013, this website has provided a space for the History of Parliament team and external authors to publish groundbreaking research in the field of parliamentary history.
But that is not all; here you can also find articles on local and community history, social and cultural history, personal stories from the past, and more. Because the history of Parliament touches all aspects of the past, in the United Kingdom and beyond!
Browse our Archive
Explore our vast collection of online articles here, arranged by theme, period, Prime Minister, Monarch or research collection:
Understanding Parliament
How does Parliament work, and how has it changed throughout history? This series of articles will help you find out more about the unique history of the institution.
What is the difference between the House of Commons and House of Lords? Find out about their distinctive functions and how their powers have changed over time.
Find out about who the presiding officers of both Houses are and how their roles have developed since the 13th century.
Every British citizen aged 18 and over now has the right to vote in elections to choose their MP. But that has not always been the case. Find out about how this has changed since the 15th century and the landmark legislation involved.
How do we know what has been debated or discussed in each chamber? From Parliament Rolls to Hansard, find out about the methods by which Parliament has been reported and recorded throughout history.
Find out about the key ceremonial event which marks the formal start of the parliamentary year: the State Opening of Parliament.
Discover the significance of this key document which sought to limit royal authority, and find out about other key documents which have helped to shape the British constitution.
Explainers
Parliamentary language is not always the easiest to understand. However, our short explainers will help decipher some of these unique phrases:
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Find out what it means when MPs decide to 'cross the floor' here.
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Have you heard of an MP taking the Chiltern Hundreds but didn't know what that meant? Find out more here.
Podcasts
Oral History Podcast
Tales from the Green Benches
What does it feel like to be in the House of Commons chamber?
Hosts Dr Emma Peplow and Dr Alex Lock delve into the History of Parliament’s Oral History archive of interviews with former MPs, gathering reflections from those who have sat on those green benches and allowing a true insider’s view into life as a Member of Parliament.
We also have lots of video content over on Youtube, Instagram and TikTok, exploring all parts of parliamentary history!
School Resources
Explore our Key Stage 3 resources on the Reformation, political reform in the eighteenth and nineteenth century, and Josiah Wedgwood and politics in the 1930s.
Events
The History of Parliament regularly holds events and seminars throughout the year in a variety of different locations. Find out what we’ve got coming up and read about some of our previous events.