We are delighted to be able to release all the materials for the House of Commons, 1604-29 section online. These volumes cover some of the darkest moments in the history of parliament. While many MPs feared that England’s representative institution was teetering on the brink of extinction, two successive kings were no less fearful that some of the most influential members of the Commons were secretly hell-bent on doing away with the monarchy.

In 1629 the king forced the House of Commons to adjourn amid scenes of uproar as a band of Members, led by Sir John Eliot, dragged the Speaker back to his chair while the House agreed a formal protest. Parliament was not called again until 1640, when the king, having failed to suppress rebellion in Scotland, was left with no other option. Two years later the country descended into Civil War.

The History of Parliament’s 6 volumes covering this period trace the people and politics of the period in unparalleled detail. Biographies of each of the 1,782 men who sat in the House of Commons are accompanied with electoral histories of each of the 259 constituencies which returned them. The work draws on research in over 170 archives, both in the UK and abroad, by an expert team of historians.

To view the material, visit the ‘research’ section. The volumes are still available to purchase: please visit publications for more details.