'Merciless Parliament' meets in England

Historical Context Note

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.02: English Writing and Culture: High and Late Medieval, 1066-1485.
Vol. editors: Kate Ash-Irisarri (University of Edinburgh), Rory Critten (Université de Lausanne), David Fuller (University of Durham), Natalie Hanna (University of Liverpool), Hugh Magennis (Queen's University Belfast), Jamie McKinstry (University of Durham), Sarah Peverley (University of Liverpool), Sebastian Sobecki (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen)

Domains

Politics

Dates

Date of occurrence 1388

Places

England (Location)

Resources

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The 'Merciless Parliament' was so called because of the hostile measures it took towards the young King Richard II's counsellors. In 1386, a previous parliament, the 'Wonderful Parliament', had blamed Richard and his advisors for the apparently futile expenditure on the Hundred Years' War, and insisted that governmental powers be transferred over by a commission of nobles, the 'Lords Appellant'. The following year, Richard fought back against this policy by declaring the appellants guilty of treason, and raising an army led by Robert de Vere. However, at the Battle of Radcot Bridge on 19th December 1287, de Vere was defeated by the King's opponents. In the ensuing Parliament, many of Richard's closest advisors, including Robert de Vere, Michael de la Pole, Nicholas Brembre, and Alexander…

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