Speakers of the House of Commons, 1377-1832

This database contains biographical sketches of the speakers of the House of Commons who served between 1377 and 1832. During this time period, over one hundred individuals served as the speaker of the House of Commons. The House of Commons is also known as the lower house of Parliament. Parliament has been using the two-chamber system (House of Lords and House of Commons) since the fourteenth century. The duties of the Speaker of the House of Commons are to represent the House and to preside over the House.