British History

The Beginning of Parliament 1236 - 1307

• The first reference to a 'parliament' was made in 1236
• In 1254, the first meeting of a parliament took place
• Representatives were two knights from each shire.
• Parliament developed through the reign of Edward I to a role beyond that of 'high court'.

Late Medieval (1348 – 1484)

• This period was dominated by the long period of conflict known as the Hundred Years' War
• Profound social and economic changes were brought about by the Black Death (bubonic plague).
• The popular and successful Edward III reigned for fifty years, presiding over a mixed period of success for England in France.
• Parliament continued to develop and English rather than French became the language of daily use.
• A new dynasty - the Stewarts - was established Scotland. They would eventually rule England