This institutional history charts the development and evolution of parliament from the Scottish and Irish parliaments, through the post-Act of Union parliament and into the devolved assemblies of the 1990s. It considers all aspects of parliament as an institution, including membership, parties, constituencies and elections.

This is the 22nd edition of the publication which was first published in 1862. It is the authoritiative guide to procedure in the House. This edition reflects two major changes: the creation of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom on 1 October 2009, ending the historic judicature of the House of Lords; secondly the procedures agreed for regulating the conduct of members.