The beginnings of Parliament

Study note

In the Middle Ages, Parliament began to develop from the king's council of advisers, which included noblemen and Church leaders. Kings called parliaments mainly to raise money. Over time Parliament split into two Houses: the nobility, great landowners and bishops sat in the House of Lords, while knights and wealthy townspeople were elected to the House of Commons. A similar Parliament in Scotland had three Houses called Estates.

Memory tip: Parliament's two Houses: Lords (nobles and bishops) and Commons (elected); Scotland had three Estates.