Act of Union

Although the kingdoms of Scotland and England came under one crown, when in 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England, and although Ireland had come effectively under English dominance about the same time, it was not until 1707 that the Scots, and 1801 that the Irish, parliaments were merged with the English by the two Acts of Union. The earlier act provided that 16 elected peers and 45 members of the House of Commons (now 74) should represent Scotland at Westminster, and the latter act secured for Ireland a representation in the British Parliament of 32 peers and 100 members. The Irish representation was subsequently increased to 103; but, since the creation of the Irish Free State, only Northern Ireland is represented - by 13 members.

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Recommended reading

Britons
Colley, Linda — £8.99 —

The Irish Act of Union
Geoghegan, Patrick M. — Hardback £19.99 —