ORIGINS
England's earliest Parliaments were attended by the most
powerful figures in the land - earls, barons, archbishops,
bishops, and abbots. They met to advise the King, to 
make legal judgements, and to award financial grants to 
the monarchy. 

In the late 13th century, these Lords were supplemented 
by an increasing number of representatives from the counties 
and boroughs. In due course, these 'Commons' grouped together, 
and formed a separate assembly. By the end of the 14th century,
the two groups each had their own identity and meeting places.

The term 'House of Lords' was first used in the 16th century. Before that, the group was known either as 'domini spirituales et temporales' 
(the Lords Spiritual and Temporal), or 'domus superior' (the upper house).