On this day 330 years ago in 1689, Royal ascent was given to the English Bill of rights which laid out the rights of parliament, the limitations on the Monarch as well as certain civil rights and liberties of subjects, such the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. The Bill was presented to William of Orange as the terms under which he and Mary were invited to become joint Sovereigns of England. These rights are in still effect in many Commonwealth realms, including Australia.
