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The Origins of the English Parliament, 924 - 1327
The Origins of the English Parliament is a magisterial account of the evolution of parliament, from its earliest beginnings in the late Anglo-Saxon period. Starting with the national assemblies which began to meet in the reign of King AEthelstan, it carries the story through to the fully fledged parliament of lords and commons of the early fourteenth century, which came to be seen as representative of the whole nation and which eventually sanctioned the deposition of the king himself in 1327.
Throughout, J.R. Maddicott emphasizes parliament's evolution as a continuous process, underpinned by some important common themes. Over the four hundred years covered by the book the chief business of the assembly was always the discussion of national affairs, together with other matters central to the running of the state, such as legislation and justice. It was always a resolutely political body. But its development was also shaped by a series of unforeseen events and episodes. Chief among these were the Norman Conquest, the wars of Richard I and John, and the minority of Henry III. A major turning-point was reached in 1215, when Magna Carta established the need for general consent to taxation - a vital step towards the establishment of parliament itself in the next generation.
Covering an exceptionally long time span, The Origins of the English Parliament takes readers to the roots of the English state's central institution, showing how the more familiar parliament of late medieval and early modern England came into being and illuminating the close relationship between particular political episodes and the course of institutional change. Above all, it shows how the origins of parliament lie not in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, as has usually been argued, but in a much more distant past.
Throughout, J.R. Maddicott emphasizes parliament's evolution as a continuous process, underpinned by some important common themes. Over the four hundred years covered by the book the chief business of the assembly was always the discussion of national affairs, together with other matters central to the running of the state, such as legislation and justice. It was always a resolutely political body. But its development was also shaped by a series of unforeseen events and episodes. Chief among these were the Norman Conquest, the wars of Richard I and John, and the minority of Henry III. A major turning-point was reached in 1215, when Magna Carta established the need for general consent to taxation - a vital step towards the establishment of parliament itself in the next generation.
Covering an exceptionally long time span, The Origins of the English Parliament takes readers to the roots of the English state's central institution, showing how the more familiar parliament of late medieval and early modern England came into being and illuminating the close relationship between particular political episodes and the course of institutional change. Above all, it shows how the origins of parliament lie not in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, as has usually been argued, but in a much more distant past.
544 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2010
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About the author
J.R. Maddicott
4 books4 followersJohn Robert Maddicott is an English historian who has published works on the political and social history of England in the 13th and 14th centuries
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 21, 2015
Though widely regarded as the "mother of Parliaments," surprisingly little has been written about the history of the English Parliament as an institution. Because of this, the importance of various antecedents and the role of certain individuals, such as Simon de Montfort and Edward I, are often distorted in assessing their contribution to its development.
For this reason alone, John Robert Maddicott's book fills an important gap in the story of English history. In it, he explains the evolution of Parliament from its precursors in Anglo-Saxon times into its fully-formed existence in the 14th century. To do this, he immerses the reader in a detailed overview of the councils, meetings, and issues involved over the nearly four centuries covered in his narrative. In this way he explains the organic emergence of Parliament as an institution, though one the development of which was determined by circumstances of the moment. Perhaps the most critical of these was the death of King John and the minority of his son Henry III. As Maddicott notes, institutions similar to Parliament were developing throughout Europe at that time, yet it was the vacuum of executive leadership in England at that critical point which allowed Parliament to develop an institutional standing without a challenge from the monarchy.
This may have been the most important point in the development of Parliament, but it was far from the only one. Maddicott describes all of them, using the available records to explain their composition, business, and standing within the English legal and political system. In this the expects from his readers a considerable degree of familiarity with medieval English history -- this is not a book for the novice to the subject. But those who possess it will find reading Maddicott's book to be a richly rewarding experience, as it offers a superb explanation of the evolution of one of the vital institutions of the English constitutional system and a defining body that would shape English and British history down to the present day.
For this reason alone, John Robert Maddicott's book fills an important gap in the story of English history. In it, he explains the evolution of Parliament from its precursors in Anglo-Saxon times into its fully-formed existence in the 14th century. To do this, he immerses the reader in a detailed overview of the councils, meetings, and issues involved over the nearly four centuries covered in his narrative. In this way he explains the organic emergence of Parliament as an institution, though one the development of which was determined by circumstances of the moment. Perhaps the most critical of these was the death of King John and the minority of his son Henry III. As Maddicott notes, institutions similar to Parliament were developing throughout Europe at that time, yet it was the vacuum of executive leadership in England at that critical point which allowed Parliament to develop an institutional standing without a challenge from the monarchy.
This may have been the most important point in the development of Parliament, but it was far from the only one. Maddicott describes all of them, using the available records to explain their composition, business, and standing within the English legal and political system. In this the expects from his readers a considerable degree of familiarity with medieval English history -- this is not a book for the novice to the subject. But those who possess it will find reading Maddicott's book to be a richly rewarding experience, as it offers a superb explanation of the evolution of one of the vital institutions of the English constitutional system and a defining body that would shape English and British history down to the present day.
March 5, 2025
Absolutely masterfully curated. Maddicott is the historian. Yes, there is an abundance of detail and sometimes you wade through the evidence. But Maddicott is a master of his craft and so often he'll tie a few pages together that really makes this book worth reading. A challenge for sure, but a worthwhile one.
His expert view places parliament within an extended period often neglected. The conclusions at the end of chapters are really helpful.
Overall, prepare for academia on steroids and immerse yourself in this man's love of the medieval world.
His expert view places parliament within an extended period often neglected. The conclusions at the end of chapters are really helpful.
Overall, prepare for academia on steroids and immerse yourself in this man's love of the medieval world.
June 28, 2018
This is by far the most thorough book on the genesis of the English parliament that I have ever read. I appreciated the consistent comparisons the author made to other countries and kings.
The only reason I am giving this a 4, is because occasionally it would stray into Dumas-like tangents that I don't really feel helped me understand his points. They were interesting tangents, but tangents nonetheless. It also felt like he skimmed over Edward II a little more than I would have liked.
The only reason I am giving this a 4, is because occasionally it would stray into Dumas-like tangents that I don't really feel helped me understand his points. They were interesting tangents, but tangents nonetheless. It also felt like he skimmed over Edward II a little more than I would have liked.
November 23, 2020
A truly fantastic read.
Impeccably scholarly, yet eminently readable, too - there aren't many books able to strike so delicate a balance.
I only wish that Maddicott hadn't decided to stop at 1327: I'd love to have his take on the parliaments of the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), particularly those of Edward III.
Still, it's difficult to ask Maddicott to do more when he's already done so much, so well.
Impeccably scholarly, yet eminently readable, too - there aren't many books able to strike so delicate a balance.
I only wish that Maddicott hadn't decided to stop at 1327: I'd love to have his take on the parliaments of the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), particularly those of Edward III.
Still, it's difficult to ask Maddicott to do more when he's already done so much, so well.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews