The House of Lords in the reign of Charles II
By: Andrew Swatland.
Series: Cambridge studies in early modern British history
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 1996
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 288
Subjects: Great Britain. Parliament. House of Lords -- History -- 17th century.; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1660-1688.; Great Britain -- History -- Charles II, 1660-1685.; Great Britain -- History -- Restoration, 1660-1688.
Description: This is the first comprehensive study of the House of Lords in the reign of Charles II. It examines the House's institutional and political activities, and reveals the vital role played by the peerage in Caroline parliaments.

Andrew Swatland draws on an extensive range of sources to analyse the membership and procedural developments of the House of Lords, relating these to legislative, judicial and political issues in Restoration England. He sheds light on the Lords' relations with the king and the Commons, and assesses the contribution made by peers and bishops to the Restoration church settlement.

He also describes the emergence of political parties, reinterpreting 'Toryism' and 'Whiggism' during the succession crisis of 1679-81. This detailed and balanced study is both a major institutional history and an important contribution to the history of Restoration politics and political culture.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.