The role and power of the Victorian House of Lords

Dr Philip Salmon looks at a key element of Parliament which we don’t usually have much opportunity to reflect on in our work on Victorian MPs and constituencies: the House of Lords. As he explains below, the upper chamber played a vital role in many important 19th century reforms and continued to wield significant influence even after the 1911 Parliament Act. The House of Lords … Continue reading The role and power of the Victorian House of Lords

MPs in World War I: Dr. John Esmonde (1862-1915)

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the third MP who died fighting in the First World War, and the second this week. Continuing our series of short biographies of these men, Dr Kathryn Rix, of the Victorian Commons, discusses the life of Dr John Joseph Esmonde… While the first MP to die in the First World War, the Hon. Arthur O’Neill, was an Ulsterman and committed … Continue reading MPs in World War I: Dr. John Esmonde (1862-1915)