English Bill of Rights

( 1689 ) Commentary by Peter Robinson, University of Tokyo, Japan

“King James the Second, by the assistance of divers evil counsellors, judges and ministers employed by him, did endeavour to subvert and extirpate the Protestant religion and the laws and liberties of this kingdom.” - Preamble
“The pretended power of suspending the laws or the execution of laws by regal authority without consent of Parliament is illegal.” - Abuse I
“Election of members of Parliament ought to be free.” - Restatement VIII
“The said Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons assembled at Westminster do resolve that William and Mary, Prince and Princess of Orange, be and be declared king and queen of England, France and Ireland.” - Second Part: II
“The rights and liberties asserted and claimed in the said declaration are the true, ancient and indubitable rights and liberties of the people of this kingdom.” - Second Part: VI
“It hath been found by experience that it is inconsistent with the safety and welfare of this Protestant kingdom to be governed by a popish prince.” - Second Part: IX

Engraving of William of Orange by Hendrick Goltzius (Yale University Art Gallery)

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