Crown and Parliaments, 1558–1689

The relations between the crown and parliament in England between the accession of Elizabeth I in 1558 and the Revolution of 1688-89 are examined. The authors analyse the changing nature of royal powers and the limitations that were placed upon them. The reasons for the development of a limited monarchy, and the role that the individual monarchs’ personalities played, are explored through a series of stimulating case studies and primary sources. Central themes include changes in the balance of power between crown and parliament, the growing constraints on royal powers, and the evolution of parliament into a permanent institution.