The clock tower of the Houses of Parliament is an icon both of Parliament and of Britain, but in fact it is a relatively small part of a sprawling complex with a fascinating history. Over several hundred years, the British Parliament has developed from a mobile assembly gathered at the king's behest into a static Westminster-based body that has variously challenged, checked and bolstered royal authority. Richard Tames here offers an introduction to the thousand-year development of the Palace of Westminster, the evolution of the parliamentary system, how legislation passes through the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and the role of the monarch. He also explains such traditions as the State Opening, the role of the Mace and of officials such as the speakers and Black Rod.
- ISBN10 0747811660
- ISBN13 9780747811664
- Publish Date 10 February 2013
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 3 March 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- Imprint Shire Publications
- Format Paperback
- Pages 64
- Language English