The House of Commons, 1715-1754: Members E-Y

Book excerpt: These volumes contain 2,041 biographical articles and 314 constituency articles. They cover the ascendancy, dominance and fall of Sir Robert Walpole; the Jacobite rebellions of 1715 and 1745 and the difficulties of the Tory partyin responding to it. The Introductory Survey, in the first part of this two volume set, sketches the procedure of the House of Commons during this period, shows the two party system in being at the general election of 1715, describes the evolution ofthe Opposition and of a new type of Prime Minister, and the Jacobite rebellions of 1715 and 1745 and the difficulties of the Tory party in responding to it. It is supplemented by numerous notes and appendices. We also learn about the composition of the Commons, what type of person served there and the difficulties of conducting parliamentary business in the cramped confines of the House. Also included are over 2,000 biographical articles and 314 constituency articles.