Parliament

Abstract

‘By the early sixteenth century, Parliament was an accepted part of the constitution, a known and established element in the king’s government, though not as yet a regular or necessary part.’ (G. R. Elton, The Tudor Constitution, p. 228).

During the period from 1485 to 1603, crucial developments took place in the evolution of the place of Parliament in public life. The importance of the 1529 Reformation Parliament, the growth in the sheer size and composition of Parliament, its increasing emphasis on its procedure and privileges, all reflected this. But at the outset of the Tudor period, the role of Parliament must not be exaggerated. In 1485, it was accepted that Parliament met only occasionally, when it was required for a special purpose such as the granting of money. Parliaments met only rarely and for short periods (see p. 35). By the end of the Tudor period, the place of Parliament had been transformed. This chapter attempts to set out in tabular form the main changes and developments.