The House of Lords 1604–29 3 Volume Set

Containing over 280 biographies and a ground-breaking Institutional Survey, these volumes provide an unrivalled study of the early Stuart upper House.

The early Stuart House of Lords has long been neglected by scholars. These volumes remedy this deficiency. Based on detailed manuscript research in 120 archives, they include more than 280 detailed biographies and a ground-breaking Introductory Survey on key aspects of the upper House in the early seventeenth century.The early Stuart House of Lords has long been neglected in favour of its more eye-catching cousin, the House of Commons. Its contribution to parliamentary life and the role played by its members have all too often remained obscure. These volumes, based on detailed manuscript research in over 120 archives and including more than 280 biographies, represent the first scholarly attempt to remedy these deficiencies. Minor and middle-ranking peers emerge from the shadows for the first time, while figures of central political importance, such as Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, Prince Charles and George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, are depicted in a new and fresh light. Accompanying the biographical volumes is a ground-breaking Introductory Survey which examines key themes, among them the changing functions and importance of the upper House. Taken together, these volumes will transform our understanding of early Stuart Parliaments.