This is an examination of the role and development of parliament throughout the Tudor period, now a central topic in the study of Tudor history. Jennifer Loach examines the constitutional position, political activities, and relationships of the two houses of parliament from the late Middle Ages until the accession of the Stuarts. She explores the growing importance of the Commons and examines the ways in which the Tudor monarchs, from Henry VII to Elizabeth I, attempted to exert their royal power. Topics covered include elections, patronage, and constitutional issues such as the succession to the throne; the fundamental part played by parliament in taxation and other financial matters; the social and economic background; and the vexed and vital question of religion. Thoroughly grounded in contemporary sources, this is a comprehensive and lucid account, which will be invaluable to students of Tudor history.
Reviews
`It is excellent to have a new book by an expert on this subject, and one covering such a long period. It looks very accessible for ordinary students and seems to cover issues in a refreshingly direct manner.'Dr Andrew Foster, Senior Lecturer in History, West Sussex Institute of Higher Education
`A useful basic text' Professor A. J. Fletcher, Durham University
`Good coverage. Clearly written. Ideal for teaching purposes. Useful bibliography.' C.M. Rider, UCW, Aberystwyth
`This is excellent, Dr Loach lays out her case with a clarity and good sense which students find very appealing. The agenda and development are both very sound. A model of writing for student use. This will be the new leading text.' Andrew Pettegree, Modern History Department, University of St Andrews
'concise introductory guide for the student of parliament under the Tudors' A.R. Buck, Monash University,Newsletter of the Social History Society
`Dr Loach has written a useful text for the undergraduate. Clearly structured and very readable ... this is a valuable book and students will undoubtedly find it a good place to begin their study of the Tudor parliaments. Their teachers will appreciate the illuminating references to the medieval background and the fact that the reader is left contemplating the parliamentary history of the early Stuarts.' David Dean, History
'an admirable offering, as synthetic and suggestive as it is concise and readable ... she has digested the recent scholarship, and she has disciplined herself to turn it, efficiently and effectively, on a series of topics that concern all who look at early modern Europe.' Joel T. Rosenthal, State University of New York, Stony Brook, Journal of Interdisciplinary History
'a great deal of ground is covered in the brief compass of a single modest volume, without becoming either esotoric or polemical. The references provide a very useful guide to recent scholarship, particularly article literature ... it is the work of a scholar who knows her subject.' David Loades, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Parliamentary History, Vol. 12 Pt. 1, (1993)
'another well-written and nicely organized summary of the existing research about Tudor parliaments ... Loach has produced an excellent book for classroom use that is clearly and pleasantly written. Her selections of anecdotes are memorable and to the point.' Ronald H. Fritze, Lamar University, The Historian, Spring 1993, Vol. 55
'a conservative history, concentrating more on "high politics" and procedure than on the function of the institution in the nation. The chapters on assembly and procedure are very good ... a readable introduction to the subject.' Norman Jones, Utah State University, Albion



Book Information
ISBN 9780198730927
Author Jennifer Loach
Format Hardback
Page Count 184
Imprint Clarendon Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 221mm * 145mm * 16mm