From its origins in the Medieval period to its current role in the UK’s parliamentary system, this establishment has undergone significant changes to reflect Britain’s evolving political landscape.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the fascinating history of the House of Lords, from the Magna Carta to the Tudor times, all the way to modern reforms and explore how its history has informed the institution it is today.
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Origins in the Medieval Period
11th Century
The roots of the House of Lords date back to the 11th century, when Anglo-Saxon kings used to consult councils, otherwise known as witans, which were composed of the monarch’s ministers and religious leaders.
After the Normans invaded England in 1066, the councils began to evolve. During this time, the great council (Magnum Concilium) was formed, which worked to advise William the Conqueror on governing the united country of England.
13th and 14th Centuries
By 1215, the political landscape of England would change forever, all thanks to the signing of the Magna Carta. This pivotal document was a product of a political crisis and sought to establish that the King and his government were no longer above the law, preventing him from exploiting the power of his position.
This event laid the foundation for the parliamentary system that we know today. Throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, this council then split into two distinct houses, the House of Lords, which was occupied by nobility and bishops, and the House of Commons, which was made up of common people. Additionally, in the 13th century, the House of Lords began to include representatives from counties, cities and boroughs, producing a more fair reflection of the country and its people.
The House of Lords in the Tudor and Stuart Eras
Although the Parliament closely resembled the system we’re familiar with now, the House of Lords still had greater power, as it was made up of the nobility classes and landowners of the country.
The Tudor period
Consequently, the House of Lords played a truly crucial role during the Tudor period. During times of religious and political upheavals, such as the transition from Catholicism to Protestantism, monarchs like King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I used the House of Lords to legitimise their decisions.
15th Century
By the 15th century, five ranks began to emerge. The Lords Temporal, a division of the House of Lords, became known as ‘peers’. Although they were seen as equal amongst themselves, they were split further into ranks that included the following:
- Duke
- Marquess
- Earl
- Viscount
- Baron
The Stuart era
The 17th century brought further challenges. The famous conflict between the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the Royalists (Cavaliers) brought about the execution of King Charles I and subsequently the rise of Oliver Cromwell, who believed in the power of parliament to rule a country, as opposed to the divine right of kings. Now known as the English Civil War, this conflict lasted from 1642-1651.
The House of Lords stood in his way of reforming the country, as it was largely composed of Royalists and could compromise his agenda. So, only two days after the execution of the monarch, the House of Lords was dissolved. However, this was only a momentary lapse, as by 1660, the monarchy was reinstated and the House of Lords resumed its political purpose.
The House of Lords in the 18th and 19th Centuries
18th Century
By the 18th century, the House of Lords expanded to include more representatives from the United Kingdom through the Acts of Union, first with Scotland (1707) and then with Ireland (1800). However, the growing influence of the House of Commons began to challenge the status of the House of Lords, marked by reforms and the democratisation of British politics.
19th Century
Throughout the 19th century, multiple significant changes were made to the House, including the Reform Act (1832) and the Bishopric of Manchester Act (1847). By reducing their legislative powers and limiting the number of bishops who were entitled to sit in the House of Lords, its place in Parliament was becoming increasingly smaller.
20th Century Reforms and Modernisation
Change didn’t stop there.
The 20th century brought about substantial and pivotal amendments to the House of Lords. The Parliament Act of 1911, for example, reduced the Lords’ ability to veto legislation, thus allowing the House of Commons to pass bills without consent from the House of Lords after a delay. Then the Parliament Act of 1949 further diminished the Lords’ power to delay legislation.
In 1958, the Life Peerages Act was introduced, where individuals could be appointed for their lifetime, without hereditary rights, known as ‘life peers’. This act modernised the House of Lords and brought in new expertise from a range of fields.
Then, in 1999, the House of Lords Act removed the automatic right of hereditary peers to sit in the House, with only 92 being temporarily approved to remain, until the House was fully reformed. This paved the way for the fairer, appointed chamber that we see today.
The House of Lords Today
Currently, the House of Lords serves as the upper chamber of our UK Parliament, and is tasked with scrutinising and revising the legislation proposed by the House of Commons. Today, with around 800 members, it is mainly composed of life peers, who have been appointed by the King, with advice from the Prime Minister.
The future of the House is fascinating. Who knows where it will end up? Ongoing debates about its role and composition will ensure that the House of Lords continues to evolve to authentically reflect the United Kingdom and its values.
Changing History with Awards Intelligence
As the House of Lords continues to adapt and grow, its history remains a testament to the dynamic nature of British values and provides valuable insight into the British political landscape.
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