From Jockeys to Ministers: How Horse Racing Shaped Rockingham’s First Ministry

In the latest post for the Georgian Lords, we welcome Ioannes Chountis de Fabbri from the University of Aberdeen, who considers the importance of horse racing in the formation of the Rockingham administration of 1765. The structure of mid-eighteenth-century politics was often defined as much by social custom as by constitutional form. What Leslie Mitchell has called the ‘circle of acquaintances’ of the ruling, largely … Continue reading From Jockeys to Ministers: How Horse Racing Shaped Rockingham’s First Ministry

The Sport of Kings – and Protectors!

In this blog, Dr Patrick Little, of the 1640-60 Lords section, explores the enduring popularity of horse-racing, even during the rule of that archetypal puritan, Oliver Cromwell… Oliver Cromwell is blamed for many things without any basis. There are ruined castles said to have been destroyed by him (even though he never went near them); Christmas was famously banned by him (it wasn’t – blame … Continue reading The Sport of Kings – and Protectors!

The earl of Abingdon and the treatment of American prisoners of war

In the latest post for the Georgian Lords, Dr Robin Eagles highlights the career of one of the House’s more eccentric orators: Willoughby Bertie, 4th earl of Abingdon: musician, breeder of champion race-horses and radical politician concerned about corruption at the top and the treatment of prisoners. The 4th earl of Abingdon, is probably best known as one of the 18th century’s more talented amateur … Continue reading The earl of Abingdon and the treatment of American prisoners of war

“The Greatest Appearance of Company ever seen”: Parliament, politics and horse-racing in the early 18th century

With Parliament in recess and ‘Glorious Goodwood’ in full swing, Dr Robin Eagles, Editor of the House of Lords 1715-90 section, considers the importance of racing in Georgian society as an opportunity for political display… In the late summer of 1724 Lord Bingley laid on an entertainment at his estate at Bramham Moor, offering prizes amounting to 12 guineas for those taking part in a … Continue reading “The Greatest Appearance of Company ever seen”: Parliament, politics and horse-racing in the early 18th century

House of Lords 1660-1715… and horseracing

Exciting times at the History of Parliament, as next month we will publish our first set of volumes focusing on the House of Lords. Covering the period 1660-1715, this five-volume work is now available for pre-order at Cambridge University Press, at a special pre-publication price. Over the next month we’ll publish a series of blogposts inspired by research from the volumes. First up, and ready … Continue reading House of Lords 1660-1715… and horseracing