Constitutional History of the UK

The British constitution is unique in being both unwritten and the product of many centuries of evolution, at times peaceful and at times set against a background of violent conflict. Its nature, and its many unusual features, cannot be understood without a knowledge of the forces which shaped that evolution. This book provides an accessible one-volume introduction to the development of the British constitution from its earliest beginnings in the 7th century to the present day. It focuses on the political events, and social, religious and philosophical ideas which have shaped the constitutions development. It is designed for university undergraduates studying law, history, politics and related subjects.

Cover; Title; Copyright; CONTENTS; Preface to the second edition; Acknowledgements; Map and genealogical tables; Table of cases; Table of statutes; Introduction; 1 The development of English law and government prior to the Norman Conquest; 2 The Norman Conquest and after, 1066-1189; 3 Magna Carta and its genesis 1189-1216; 4 The birth of parliament: the reign of Henry III 1216-72; 5 The reign of Edward I; 6 A king dethroned: Edward II 1307-27; 7 Edward III 1327-77; 8 Sad stories of the death of kings: Richard II; 9 The fifteenth century.

10 Government and royal justice in the later Middle Ages11 The early Tudors 1485-1547; 12 The children of Henry VIII; 13 The genesis of civil war 1603-42; 14 Civil war and Commonwealth 1642-60; 15 Restoration and revolution 1660-89; 16 The revolution entrenched 1689-1707; 17 The early eighteenth century; 18 The later eighteenth century; 19 The reform era; 20 An increasing role for government; 21 The later nineteenth century; 22 Queen Victoria and the emergence of constitutional monarchy; 23 Two constitutional crises: 1906-14; 24 Representation of the people since 1900.

25 The emergence of modern monarchy: the twentieth century26 Britain and Euro…