Barebones Parliament

English assembly called by Oliver Cromwell to replace the Rump Parliament in July 1653. Although its members attempted to pass sensible legislation (civil marriage; registration of births, deaths, and marriages; custody of lunatics), their attempts to abolish tithes, patronage, and the court of chancery, and to codify the law, led to the resignation of the moderates and its dissolution in December 1653.

The assembly consisted of 140 members selected by the army and derived its name from one of its members, Praise-God Barbon.