Victorian Commons
@victoriancommons.bsky.social
The History of Parliament's House of Commons 1832-1945 project, currently researching MPs, elections and parliamentary history between 1832 and 1868. Find more details on our website: https://victoriancommons.wordpress.com/
Our senior research fellow @martinspychal.bsky.social has been the series researcher for this, so we look forward to tuning in later.
On today's episode of 'Materials of State' (BBC Radio 4) David Cannadine will be exploring the history of Black Rod.
The series has been made in association with the History of Parliament. Check out some extra content we have produced about Black Rod below 🧵
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
The series has been made in association with the History of Parliament. Check out some extra content we have produced about Black Rod below 🧵
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - Materials of State, Black Rod
David Cannadine looks at the history and symbolism of Black Rod.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Our senior research fellow @martinspychal.bsky.social has been the series researcher for this, so we look forward to tuning in later.
Born #OnThisDay 1765 Sir Robert Heron was Whig MP for Grimsby 1812-18 & Peterborough 1819-47. He rarely contributed to debate, complaining about fellow MPs who were ‘seized with the rage for speaking’. For more on him & his diary, see our earlier post: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2013/04/19/m...
MP of the Month: Sir Robert Heron (1765-1854)
For historians of the Victorian House of Commons, there is perhaps no richer source for throwing light on the political personalities of the day than the journals and diaries of nineteenth-century …
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Born #OnThisDay 1765 Sir Robert Heron was Whig MP for Grimsby 1812-18 & Peterborough 1819-47. He rarely contributed to debate, complaining about fellow MPs who were ‘seized with the rage for speaking’. For more on him & his diary, see our earlier post: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2013/04/19/m...
#OnThisDay 1867 Lily Maxwell cast her vote at a by-election in Manchester, despite women being excluded from the parliamentary franchise. Find out more here: historyofparliament.com/2025/03/14/l...
‘A woman actually voted!’: Lily Maxwell and the Manchester by-election of November 1867 - The History of Parliament
More than half a century before the partial enfranchisement of women in 1918, Lily Maxwell, a Manchester shopkeeper, cast a parliamentary vote. Dr Kathryn Rix
historyofparliament.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:22 PM
#OnThisDay 1867 Lily Maxwell cast her vote at a by-election in Manchester, despite women being excluded from the parliamentary franchise. Find out more here: historyofparliament.com/2025/03/14/l...
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Unsurprisingly, the Budget statements are typically very long. To date, the longest Budget speech was that of Gladstone in 1853, coming in at a whopping 4 hours and 45 minutes. The shortest was Benjamin Disraeli's budget speech in 1867 which lasted just 45 minutes. (7/10)
November 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Unsurprisingly, the Budget statements are typically very long. To date, the longest Budget speech was that of Gladstone in 1853, coming in at a whopping 4 hours and 45 minutes. The shortest was Benjamin Disraeli's budget speech in 1867 which lasted just 45 minutes. (7/10)
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The tradition of holding up the red box – which contains a copy of the Chancellor’s Budget speech to Parliament – apparently began after George Ward Hunt was unable to find it before making his 1868 Budget speech, which as a result was one of the shortest ever! buff.ly/16QwgkA (6/10)
‘The sagacity of the elephant, as well as the form’: MP of the Month, George Ward Hunt (1825-77)
The recent rise of a certain parson’s daughter to the premiership provides a fitting opportunity to consider the unexpected ascent of a parson’s son to one of the great offices of state during the …
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM
The tradition of holding up the red box – which contains a copy of the Chancellor’s Budget speech to Parliament – apparently began after George Ward Hunt was unable to find it before making his 1868 Budget speech, which as a result was one of the shortest ever! buff.ly/16QwgkA (6/10)
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Today is #BudgetDay 2025!
To mark this important day in Parliament's calendar, here is a short thread on the history and traditions of the UK's annual Budget. 💸 (1/10)
To mark this important day in Parliament's calendar, here is a short thread on the history and traditions of the UK's annual Budget. 💸 (1/10)
November 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Today is #BudgetDay 2025!
To mark this important day in Parliament's calendar, here is a short thread on the history and traditions of the UK's annual Budget. 💸 (1/10)
To mark this important day in Parliament's calendar, here is a short thread on the history and traditions of the UK's annual Budget. 💸 (1/10)
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3/ The 1872 Ballot Act introduced secret voting at UK parliamentary elections. Dr Philip Salmon has explored some of the initial problems with the ballot box and secret voting, as well as the unintended consequences of the Ballot Act:
buff.ly/m2fkFsb
buff.ly/m2fkFsb
The 1872 Secret Ballot and Multiple Member Seats - The History of Parliament
The calmness and order of Britain's new secret elections, by contrast, was striking. At the first by-elections to be held in Pontefract, Preston, Tiverton and
historyofparliament.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
3/ The 1872 Ballot Act introduced secret voting at UK parliamentary elections. Dr Philip Salmon has explored some of the initial problems with the ballot box and secret voting, as well as the unintended consequences of the Ballot Act:
buff.ly/m2fkFsb
buff.ly/m2fkFsb
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2/ Dr Martin Spychal, in his series on Harriet Grote, has investigated how years before the introduction of the secret ballot, Harriet and her husband George were at the forefront of the parliamentary campaign for the ballot, including developing plans for a proposed ballot box:
buff.ly/fLU3brv
buff.ly/fLU3brv
Ballot boxes, bills and unions: Harriet Grote (1792-1878) and the public campaign for the ballot, 1832-9 - The History of Parliament
In part six of his article series on Harriet Grote, Dr Martin Spychal, research fellow in our House of Commons 1832-68 project, explores the role of Harriet
historyofparliament.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
2/ Dr Martin Spychal, in his series on Harriet Grote, has investigated how years before the introduction of the secret ballot, Harriet and her husband George were at the forefront of the parliamentary campaign for the ballot, including developing plans for a proposed ballot box:
buff.ly/fLU3brv
buff.ly/fLU3brv
Reposted by Victorian Commons
On today's episode of 'Materials of State' on BBC Radio 4, David Cannadine alongside Dr Mari Takayanagi
(@satisfactory20.bsky.social), will be examing the history of the ballot box.
We've published several articles on the history of the secret ballot 🧵
(@satisfactory20.bsky.social), will be examing the history of the ballot box.
We've published several articles on the history of the secret ballot 🧵
November 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
On today's episode of 'Materials of State' on BBC Radio 4, David Cannadine alongside Dr Mari Takayanagi
(@satisfactory20.bsky.social), will be examing the history of the ballot box.
We've published several articles on the history of the secret ballot 🧵
(@satisfactory20.bsky.social), will be examing the history of the ballot box.
We've published several articles on the history of the secret ballot 🧵
This is Fenton's Hotel, given as an address for several of our MPs during the parliamentary session. Among the residents in March 1835 were the newly selected Speaker James Abercromby and his wife, who were waiting for the outgoing Speaker Charles Manners Sutton to move out of Palace Yard.
November 25, 2025 at 3:11 PM
This is Fenton's Hotel, given as an address for several of our MPs during the parliamentary session. Among the residents in March 1835 were the newly selected Speaker James Abercromby and his wife, who were waiting for the outgoing Speaker Charles Manners Sutton to move out of Palace Yard.
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Looking forward to hearing about the duchess of Gordon and the late 18C ‘tartan rage’ at tonight’s IHR Parliaments, Politics and People ONLINE seminar. Sign up FREE at the link below! historyofparliament.com/2025/11/18/t... @nemgarrett.bsky.social
‘The Tartan Rage’: Fashion, High Society, and Scottish Identity in Eighteenth-Century London - The History of Parliament
The Tartan rage has at length reached Paris,’ declared the World in June 1787. Demand for tartan fabric and accessories had swept British high society earlier that year, with the Gazetteer and New Dai...
historyofparliament.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Looking forward to hearing about the duchess of Gordon and the late 18C ‘tartan rage’ at tonight’s IHR Parliaments, Politics and People ONLINE seminar. Sign up FREE at the link below! historyofparliament.com/2025/11/18/t... @nemgarrett.bsky.social
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4/ Dr Kathryn Rix's article on the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838 reveals that the future Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, was unsatisfied with the then PM Viscount Melbourne's performance, stating he was 'holding the great sword of state like a butcher': buff.ly/630BgbS
A 'noble' and 'magnificent' occasion: MPs and Queen Victoria's coronation - The History of Parliament
Dr Kathryn Rix, assistant editor of our Commons 1832-1868 project, reflects on the guestlist for Queen Victoria's coronation and the privileged view MPs had of proceedings.
historyofparliament.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 AM
4/ Dr Kathryn Rix's article on the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838 reveals that the future Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, was unsatisfied with the then PM Viscount Melbourne's performance, stating he was 'holding the great sword of state like a butcher': buff.ly/630BgbS
Looking forward to listening to this later. Our senior research fellow @martinspychal.bsky.social was the series researcher.
In the second episode of 'Materials of State', David Cannadine will be exploring the importance of the Sword of State, which you can listen to at 1:45pm today on BBC Radio 4.
Looking through our archive we have highlighted some of our favourite ways the Sword of State has appeared in our research 🧵
Looking through our archive we have highlighted some of our favourite ways the Sword of State has appeared in our research 🧵
November 25, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Looking forward to listening to this later. Our senior research fellow @martinspychal.bsky.social was the series researcher.
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William Fatt, a chimney sweep from Pye St, Westminster voted in the 1749 Westminster by-election for George Vandeput.
It seems likely this is the same Mr Fatt noted in the press as sweep to the royal palaces (1739) and would make him the second identified Black voter in that election.
#HistParl
It seems likely this is the same Mr Fatt noted in the press as sweep to the royal palaces (1739) and would make him the second identified Black voter in that election.
#HistParl
July 1739: the General Evening Post reports the death of Mr Kent, holder of the office of chimney sweeper to the king's palaces 'a place of considerable profit'. He is succeeded in the post by a Mr Fatt. Both are described as being Black, so presumably of African heritage.
November 24, 2025 at 5:54 PM
William Fatt, a chimney sweep from Pye St, Westminster voted in the 1749 Westminster by-election for George Vandeput.
It seems likely this is the same Mr Fatt noted in the press as sweep to the royal palaces (1739) and would make him the second identified Black voter in that election.
#HistParl
It seems likely this is the same Mr Fatt noted in the press as sweep to the royal palaces (1739) and would make him the second identified Black voter in that election.
#HistParl
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Died #OTD 1848, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Although his first ministry survived four months, he was able to return to the position following the 1835 general election after Peel and the Conservatives were unable to secure a majority:
Although his first ministry survived four months, he was able to return to the position following the 1835 general election after Peel and the Conservatives were unable to secure a majority:
The evolving electoral system: the 1835 and 1865 general elections compared - The History of Parliament
The 1835 and 1865 general elections both took place under the electoral system established by the 1832 Reform Act, with 1865 being the last general election before the 1867 Reform Act made…
historyofparliament.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Died #OTD 1848, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Although his first ministry survived four months, he was able to return to the position following the 1835 general election after Peel and the Conservatives were unable to secure a majority:
Although his first ministry survived four months, he was able to return to the position following the 1835 general election after Peel and the Conservatives were unable to secure a majority:
Looking forward to this, especially as our senior research fellow @martinspychal.bsky.social was the series researcher.
'Materials of State' will be airing this week on Radio 4, made in association with the History of Parliament.
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution.
You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
BBC Radio 4 - Materials of State, The Union Jack
David Cannadine explores the history of the Union Jack.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Looking forward to this, especially as our senior research fellow @martinspychal.bsky.social was the series researcher.
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#OTD 1883, the first by-election in England held under the rules of the 1883 Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act took place.
Dr Kathryn Rix explores the impact that the Act had on electioneering during the York by-election:
Dr Kathryn Rix explores the impact that the Act had on electioneering during the York by-election:
The impact of the 1883 Corrupt Practices Act: the York by-election - The History of Parliament
series on the 1883 Corrupt and Illegal Practice Act, Dr Kathryn Rix looks at its impact on electioneering, focusing on the November 1883 York by-election
historyofparliament.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM
#OTD 1883, the first by-election in England held under the rules of the 1883 Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act took place.
Dr Kathryn Rix explores the impact that the Act had on electioneering during the York by-election:
Dr Kathryn Rix explores the impact that the Act had on electioneering during the York by-election:
Reposted by Victorian Commons
Stephen Farrell's @histparl.bsky.social and Stephen Ball's forthcoming @victoriancommons.bsky.social profiles of Rossmore mention his bagpiping. To Ball, it was evidence of
Rossmore's 'strong sense of Irishness'. Farrell's profile can be read here: www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1820-...
Rossmore's 'strong sense of Irishness'. Farrell's profile can be read here: www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1820-...
www.historyofparliamentonline.org
November 23, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Stephen Farrell's @histparl.bsky.social and Stephen Ball's forthcoming @victoriancommons.bsky.social profiles of Rossmore mention his bagpiping. To Ball, it was evidence of
Rossmore's 'strong sense of Irishness'. Farrell's profile can be read here: www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1820-...
Rossmore's 'strong sense of Irishness'. Farrell's profile can be read here: www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1820-...
Reposted by Victorian Commons
Yesterday I visited Monaghan County Museum for the first time since they moved the new Peace Campus last year. My favourite item exhibited was the bagpipes of William Henry Westenra, third Baron Rossmore, much about whom I have researched and written for my thesis.
November 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Yesterday I visited Monaghan County Museum for the first time since they moved the new Peace Campus last year. My favourite item exhibited was the bagpipes of William Henry Westenra, third Baron Rossmore, much about whom I have researched and written for my thesis.
Andrew Carew O’Dwyer, born #OnThisDay 1801, was an Irish barrister who became MP for Drogheda in 1832. Although he won the next election in 1835, he was unseated for failing to meet the property qualification then required of MPs. Find out more: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2018/02/22/m...
MP of the Month: Andrew Carew O’Dwyer (1801-1877)
Many of our recent posts have focused on the way barriers to the franchise were gradually removed in the 19th century, but it is worth noting that there were also many barriers to becoming a Victor…
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Andrew Carew O’Dwyer, born #OnThisDay 1801, was an Irish barrister who became MP for Drogheda in 1832. Although he won the next election in 1835, he was unseated for failing to meet the property qualification then required of MPs. Find out more: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2018/02/22/m...
William Tooke, MP for Truro, who was born #OnThisDay 1777, was the leading figure in the campaign to secure a royal charter for London University. Find out more about his efforts in our short article: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2019/08/30/m...
MP of the Month: William Tooke and the royal charters of the University of London
Following our blogs on the creation of the University of London constituency in 1868 and its first MP, Robert Lowe, August’s MP of the Month is William Tooke. As MP for Truro from 1832, Tooke worke…
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:55 AM
William Tooke, MP for Truro, who was born #OnThisDay 1777, was the leading figure in the campaign to secure a royal charter for London University. Find out more about his efforts in our short article: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2019/08/30/m...
And we should add, before our @georgianlords.bsky.social colleagues beat us to it, that before it was used by the Victorian Commons, the building was home to the Lords!
This is an exciting find: the remains of the building used by the House of Commons as its temporary chamber between 1835 and 1851. If you want to know what that building looked like, see our short article: historyofparliament.com/2025/09/25/t...
November 21, 2025 at 6:36 PM
And we should add, before our @georgianlords.bsky.social colleagues beat us to it, that before it was used by the Victorian Commons, the building was home to the Lords!
This is an exciting find: the remains of the building used by the House of Commons as its temporary chamber between 1835 and 1851. If you want to know what that building looked like, see our short article: historyofparliament.com/2025/09/25/t...
November 21, 2025 at 6:19 PM
This is an exciting find: the remains of the building used by the House of Commons as its temporary chamber between 1835 and 1851. If you want to know what that building looked like, see our short article: historyofparliament.com/2025/09/25/t...
This may be of interest to some of our followers.
📢Call For Papers📢
Sociability & Political life
Marc Jaffré & I are organising a conference! We're asking: can there be politics without sociability? How have friendship, intimacy, socialising & informal attachments been central to political projects & movements?
Get your abstracts in by Feb 14th!
Sociability & Political life
Marc Jaffré & I are organising a conference! We're asking: can there be politics without sociability? How have friendship, intimacy, socialising & informal attachments been central to political projects & movements?
Get your abstracts in by Feb 14th!
November 21, 2025 at 4:54 PM
This may be of interest to some of our followers.
The timetable of the parliamentary day has long been the subject of debate. #OnThisDay 1837 Joseph Brotherton, MP for Salford, failed in one of his many attempts to limit sittings after midnight. Find out more about him in our post: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2021/10/27/i...
‘I shall persist’: Joseph Brotherton (1783-1857) and late hours in the Commons
Joseph Brotherton by Samuel William Reynolds Jr (1836) (C) NPG In 1832 the borough of Salford elected its first MP, who would represent the constituency for the next quarter-century. Described in 1…
victoriancommons.wordpress.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:39 PM
The timetable of the parliamentary day has long been the subject of debate. #OnThisDay 1837 Joseph Brotherton, MP for Salford, failed in one of his many attempts to limit sittings after midnight. Find out more about him in our post: victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2021/10/27/i...