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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Long Parliament
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The parliament called by *Charles I in November 1640, which can be said to have lasted either till 1653 or 1660. The king needed the MPs' support in raising funds (to pay for his recent unsuccessful campaign in Scotland) and in providing troops (to put down a rebellion in Ireland). But from the start the parliament proved uncooperative, impeaching the king's most promiment supporters, the earl of *Strafford and Archibishop *Laud. Charles took an aggressive line in return, with his attempt to arrest the *Five Members in 1642. Soon the two sides were in arms against each other in the *English Civil War.
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The Long Parliament was much reduced in *Pride's Purge of 1648, when Colonel Thomas Pride (on behalf of the army) expelled about 140 of the less radical members, leaving only some 60. These, sometimes known as the *Rump Parliament, later voted for the trial and execution of the king and the declaration of the *Commonwealth. They were themselves ejected from the House of Commons in 1653 (see *'In the name of God, go!'). The Rump was recalled in 1659, followed by the expelled members of the Long Parliament in 1660. Their one remaining task was to legislate for their own dissolution. A new parliament was then assembled to prepare for the *Restoration.
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