The members were collectively referred to as the Three Estates (Scots: Thrie Estaitis), or "three communities of the … See more

The Scottish parliament evolved during the Middle Ages from the King's Council. It is perhaps first identifiable as a parliament in 1235, described as a "colloquium" and already with a political and judicial role. In 1296 we ha… See more

The Lord Chancellor was the presiding officer of the Parliament of Scotland, as was the case in the English House of Lords. As the Lord Chancellor was also the principal Officer of State, the Keeper of the Great Seal, … See more

From the early 1450s until 1690, a great deal of the legislative business of the Scottish Parliament was usually carried out by a parliamentary committee known as the "Lords of the Articles". This was a committee … See more

At various points in its history, the Scottish Parliament was able to exert considerable influence over the Crown. This should not be viewed as a slow rise from parliamentary weakness in 1235 to strength in the 17th … See more