Originally published in 1912, this volume analyses the struggle between the Crown and factions of the Whig party. The text covers the period between the formation of Chatham's administration in July 1866 and the collapse of the Whig opposition to Lord North in the summer of 1871, providing a detailed interpretation of key events in the continued ascent of royalty in government. Whilst Winstanley's approach foregrounds the domestic scene at the expense of colonial history and foreign policy, this is justified in the consummate portrayal of parliamentary conflict and the figures involved in it. This volume will be of value to anyone with an interest in political history and the development of the British parliamentary system.