Long Parliament

Long Parliament, the name usually given to the Parliament which met on November 3, 1640. Its members were unanimous in their determination to rid the country from the "thorough" policy of Strafford and Laud, who were impeached Strafford's impeachment being afterwards converted into an attainder - and put to death. An attempt to save Strafford by means of the army was followed by an Act by which it became impossible to dissolve the Parliament without its own consent. The Star Chamber and Court of High Commission were abolished, and an Act was passed making it illegal to raise taxes without consent of Parliament. In consequence of the ascendency of the Presbyterian element the Parliament was "purged" by Colonel Pride, who surrounded the House with two regiments, and ejected ninety-six members (December 6 and 7, 1648). The members who were left, henceforward known as the "Rump," were expelled by Cromwell on April 20, 1653. They were recalled after the overthrow of Richard Cromwell (May, 1659). but were again expelled by Lambert in the following October. The Rump was restored a, second time by Monk, who reinstated all the members previously excluded

(February 21, 1660). It was now determined to summon a new Parliament, and the Long Parliament dissolved itself on March 16, 1660.