British History/"Bill of Rights"

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Expert: - 10/13/2006


Question
Hello, Jospeh.

Re the 1689 "Bill of Rights", is that it's authentic title--or is it actually the "ENGLISH Bill of Rights"?

Regards,
Dan O'Hanlon

Answer
Hello Dan,

The Bill of Rights was born as the Declaration of Rights after the de facto abdication of King James II in 1688.  It later became a Bill by Act of Parliament.  It is called the "English Bill of Rights" to distinguish it from the American Bill of Rights.  Since the English Bill concerns the role of the monarchy in government (succession rights, etc.) it is quite different from our own Bill, which deal chiefly with personal liberties and protections from the government.

Thanks for visiting AllExperts, Dan, and come back soon.

Sincerely,

Joseph Logue

British History

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Joseph Logue

Expertise

I am knowledgeable about English history from about 1400 to 1688, and then from the reign of Victoria (after 1837). I have a particular interest in the monarchy and dynastic relations of Europe from 1800 onwards. I cannot answer questions regarding the latter Stuarts, the early Hanovers, and the politics of the 18th century.

Experience

Undergraduate degree in British history.
Lifelong interest, and over 25 years of personal study.
Oxford University: History of the British Monarchy

Education/Credentials
BA/History
MS/Library and Information Science
Awards and Honors
Graduated with distinction from the Program for European Studies (UMass Boston).

Awards and Honors
Graduated with distinction from the Program for European Studies (UMass Boston).

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