I might have dropped the ball somewhat while moving house!
This is Henry Du Pré Labouchère, aka Labby, an MP who actually was a clown. 1/2

The ringleader, John Frost, was allowed to return in 1856. To many, he remains a hero. But - almost 200 years later - the Chartists' demands have not all been met.

On this day, 4 November, 1839, around 10,000 people marched to Newport in Wales to demand the release of local Chartist leaders. 1/

On this day, 28 October 1689, Henry Wharton, sufferer of road rage and killer of Nell Gwyn’s horse, died of a ‘raging sickness, occasioned by the unwholesomeness of the place, wet weather and ill food’ two months after landing in Ireland to fight against the forces of the deposed James II.

For hell had opened upon us from front and either flank, and it kept open upon us during the minutes – they seemed hours – which passed while we traversed the mile and a quarter at the end of which was the enemy. 1/3

On this day - 20 October - 1739, a Scottish slave ship landed at Donaghadee on the coast of Ireland to reprovision. But it was no ordinary slaver, and its inmates had not opted for transportation over the noose. 1/4

On this day – 17 October – 1708 was the court martial of the visually elusive John, Master of Sinclair. Elected as an MP in May 1708, he never had the chance to take up his seat in parliament. 1/4

James Thomas Brudenell, Lord Cardigan, was born on this day - 16 October - 1797. He is best known for 'leading' the Charge of the Light Brigade, but that wasn't his only fault.

MP Richard Barwell was born on this day - 8 October - 1741. It would be a life of blessings for him - although not for his Indian victims. 1/4

On this day, 4 October 1936, former MP Oswald Mosley attempted to lead 3,000 members of his British Union of Fascists on a march through London's East End. 1/3

This lovely Elizabethan house is Roos Hall near Beccles in Suffolk. As well as allegedly being one of the most haunted houses in Britain, it was also owned by the MP Sir Robert Rich, who died on this day - 1 October - in 1699.

On this day, 29 September 1617, Frances Coke married Sir John Villiers, brother of James I's favourite, George. But it was not a cause for celebration.

We might be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway today, but there's one MP we certainly shouldn't be honouring.
By 1844 George Hudson, the 'Railway King', controlled 20% of the country's lines, making him fabulously wealthy.

Welcome to my new author account! Here you will find fun and fascinating titbits of political history, and jaw-dropping stories of political rogues.
Let's start with an MP I sadly had to cut out of the book. Meet Sir Robert Mansell, one of my absolute favourites bad boys.