Download or read book Lords of the Ascendancy written by Francis Godwin James and published by . This book was released on 1995 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is the first major study of the Irish House of Lords. Though less important than the Commons, the Lords was a viable and important part of the Irish government throughout the eighteenth century. It approved all legislation and initiated some. Many peers also controlled parliamentary boroughs. This study concentrates on the largely resident peers who attended parliament. It discusses their origins, education, marriages, careers and economic position. Professor James reveals these peers as conscientious public servants who looked at issues seriously and occasionally voted contrary to the wishes of the government of the day. The genealogical data provided here will be a valuable reference source for scholars working in the history of this period.