THE BRITISH BILL OF RIGHTS - 1689

The official name of the British Bill of Rights is:

An Act Declaring the Rights and Liberties of the
Subject and Settling the Succession of the Crown.

The Bill of Rights is one of the foundations of British constitutional law.

You can read the full text of the British Bill of Rights here (Provided by The British National Archives.)

Here is a high resolution image of the document.

You are welcome to visit the British National Archives. Certainly worth a trip. While you're there, check out the family records. You can purchase a certificate of any entry. You can even order documents in advance. Back to the Bill.

WHY WAS THE BILL OF RIGHTS WRITTEN?
The English wanted to put on record the outcome of the long quarrel between the monarchs on one side and the English people and the Parliament on the other side.

CONTENT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS
It said that some stuff James II had done wasn't right. It also stated that English people had certain civil and political rights. Moreover, the change in rulers was put on record: It went from James to William III and Mary II. The Bill then established who the heir to the throne would be: First Mary's kids, then Princess Anne and her kids. And last but not least the kicker: No Roman Catholic could become ruler over England anymore. Ever.

IMPACT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS
The Bill made Parliament the ruling power of England ever since.

The Act of Settlement (1701) was an add-on to the Bill of Rights.