Tag: American History

Georgian Lords, 18th Century history, Elections, Georgian

Benjamin Franklin and the state of Britain in the time of Wilkes

A new series exploring Benjamin Franklin’s time in Europe launches on streaming services this month, but how did the American ‘Founding Father’ respond to the politics in Britain during the 1760s? In this blog Dr Robin Eagles, editor of our House of Lords 1715-1790 project, looks at Franklin’s opinion of the British political agitator John Wilkes- a man who divided not just his own nation… … Continue reading Benjamin Franklin and the state of Britain in the time of Wilkes

Robin EaglesLeave a comment
17th Century history, Interregnum, James I to Restoration, Parliamentary Life, Social history, Stuart

Parliament and the Mayflower: the case of Samuel More’s children

This month marks the 400 year anniversary of the voyage of Mayflower, the ship that transported 102 passengers to begin their lives in ‘New England’. Last month the History of Parliament’s Director, Dr Stephen Roberts, explored the men who during the 1640s and 50s made the return journey from America to take up seats in Westminster. Today Stephen casts his attention to the MP Samuel … Continue reading Parliament and the Mayflower: the case of Samuel More’s children

Stephen Roberts3 Comments
James I to Restoration, 17th Century history, Interregnum, Religious history, Stuart

The Mayflower: The New England men at Westminster, 1640-1660

In September 1620, the Mayflower set sail, transporting the first Puritan separatists to the ‘New World’. But, even thousands of miles across the sea, ‘New England’ would not be unfamiliar to many of those in Westminster, as our director Dr Stephen Roberts explores… Mayflower sailed from Plymouth, Devon, in September 1620, reaching what became New Plymouth, on the eastern coast of America, in November. About … Continue reading The Mayflower: The New England men at Westminster, 1640-1660

Stephen Roberts3 Comments
Victorian, 19th Century history, Conferences, Seminars and Events, Diplomacy and International Relations, Slavery

The History of Parliament lecture: Dr Amanda Foreman

The History of Parliament has held an annual lecture in Westminster for eight years, until last year Dr Amanda Foreman, author of ‘Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire’ and ‘A World on Fire’ was unfortunately delayed thanks to Hurricane Sandy. Not to be deterred, Dr Foreman made it over to Westminster at the beginning of June to give her long-anticipated lecture: ‘How to make friends and corrupt … Continue reading The History of Parliament lecture: Dr Amanda Foreman

Emma Peplow1 Comment