Tag: Wakefield

19th Century history, Parliamentary Life, Parties, Victorian, Victorian Commons, Women and Parliament

‘I have attached myself to no party’: Daniel Gaskell and parliamentary life in the 1830s

Our Victorian Commons project is shedding new light on the increasingly important role played in the behind-the-scenes business of the post-1832 House of Commons, particularly in the committee-rooms, by MPs who came from non-elite backgrounds. Dr Kathryn Rix looks at the life and career of Daniel Gaskell (1782-1875), including his friendship with the author Mary Shelley. Described by the novelist Mary Shelley as ‘a plain … Continue reading ‘I have attached myself to no party’: Daniel Gaskell and parliamentary life in the 1830s

Kathryn RixLeave a comment
Victorian Commons, 19th Century history, Elections, Victorian

Joseph Holdsworth (1789-1857): candidate or returning officer?

In this article Dr Kathryn Rix of our House of Commons 1832-1945 project looks at a very unusual case – the MP who lost his seat in Parliament because he had technically also been the returning officer for his constituency at the time of his election. In July 1841 Joseph Holdsworth (1789-1857), a prosperous local dyer, was elected as Liberal MP for his native town … Continue reading Joseph Holdsworth (1789-1857): candidate or returning officer?

Kathryn RixLeave a comment