“Wilful murder by persons unknown”: death in an Oxford college (1747)

In the latest post for the Georgian Lords, Dr Robin Eagles examines an unpleasant incident that took place in Oxford in the 1740s, which left a college servant dead and several high profile students under suspicion of his murder… In April 1784, George Nevill, 17th Baron Abergavenny, was approached to ask whether he would accept promotion to an earldom. In the wake of Pitt the … Continue reading “Wilful murder by persons unknown”: death in an Oxford college (1747)

Two anniversaries, two impeachments and an election

In 2024 the tercentenaries of the deaths of two important 18th-century figures the fell within weeks of each other. Dr Charles Littleton compares the contrasting careers of Robert Harley, earl of Oxford, and Dr Henry Sacheverell, who both suffered impeachment by Parliament Robert Harley, Speaker of the Commons, secretary of state, earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer and, ultimately, lord treasurer and de facto leader … Continue reading Two anniversaries, two impeachments and an election

“Take care, or you will break my shins with this damned axe”: The trials of Lords Balmerino, Cromartie and Kilmarnock (Summer 1746)

The summer is normally a period for Parliament to go into recess, and for MPs and members of the Lords to take some time off. On extraordinary occasions, though, Parliament has been known to sit through the summer. As Dr Robin Eagles explains, this was true of 1746 as the government got on with the task of mopping up after the ‘45. Charles Edward Stuart … Continue reading “Take care, or you will break my shins with this damned axe”: The trials of Lords Balmerino, Cromartie and Kilmarnock (Summer 1746)

The royal scandal that helped change British politics: the 1820 Queen Caroline affair

On 5 June 1820 Caroline of Brunswick returned to England to take her place as Queen Consort to George IV. But the breakdown in the couple’s relationship would become a matter of parliamentary and national importance. This blog from Dr Philip Salmon, editor of our Commons 1832-68 project, explores the impact of the Queen Caroline Affair on British politics. Two hundred years ago the Prince … Continue reading The royal scandal that helped change British politics: the 1820 Queen Caroline affair