History of the House of Lords Author:Frank Pakenham Longford, Longford This book appears at a crucial time in the history of Britain's ancient House of Lords. The first piece of legislation to disenfranchise, even abolish the second house of parliament, as it stands today, is only months away. Even the most conservative outcome will almost certainly see an end to centuries of tradition. That history and tradition ... more »are here related by one of the most famous living peers, distinguished historian Lord Longford, who is also the father of Antonia Frasier. It is a complete history from the Norman conquest through the development of parliament in the 13th and 14th centuries, to the Great Reform Bill of 1832 right up to today's pivotal debate. Combining history, anecdote, comment and wit, Lord Longford offers a fascinating account of this historic political institution, including a peer's-eye-view of the latest developments introduced by the modernizing Blair administration.« less