History of the House of Lords: A Short Introduction

This House of Lords Library briefing provides a short introduction to the history of the House of Lords.

In so doing, the briefing charts the principal developments affecting the House over the course of its history and highlights the main changes and legislation passed. Since the 19th century a number of Acts of Parliament have had a noteworthy effect on the role, powers and membership of the House of Lords. These include:

• Appellate Jurisdiction Act 1876
• Parliament Act 1911 and 1949
• Life Peerages Act 1958
• Peerage Act 1963
• House of Lords Act 1999
• House of Lords Reform Act 2014
• House of Lords (Expulsion and Suspension) Act 2015

This briefing identifies other proposals made that have sought to reform the House, either in regard to its role, powers and/or membership. Significant reform proposals over the last 100 years, including those sponsored by the Government of the day, have included: 

• Bryce Commission 1918
• Parliament (No 2) Bill 1968–69
• Wakeham Commission 2000
• House of Lords Reform Bill 2012–13
• Strathclyde Review (2015)

This updated briefing also summarises the proposals for reform debated during the 2015–17 parliament.