Category: Georgian Elections Project

Georgian Elections Project, 18th Century history, Elections, Georgian, Georgian Lords

The rules governing lengths of parliaments in the 18th century

Despite all of the political events of recent years, the upcoming General Election is the first time that the nation has gone to the polls since late 2019- nearly reaching the five year term limit, as determined by the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022. But the length of Parliaments hasn’t always been five years and in the 18th century the rules came under … Continue reading The rules governing lengths of parliaments in the 18th century

Robin Eagles2 Comments
Georgian Elections Project, 18th Century history, Elections, Georgian, Georgian Lords, Legal history, Religious history, Speakers of the House

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

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Georgian Elections Project, 18th Century history, Elections, Georgian, Parties

Tory to Whig and back again

In recent weeks the factional nature of political parties has become apparent, with previous members speaking out against their leaders and news of MPs defecting to other parties. But in the 18th century the line between the main political groups was even more murky, and many politicians (as well as the nation!) found themselves going back and forth between them. In the next blog for … Continue reading Tory to Whig and back again

Robin Eagles2 Comments
Georgian Elections Project, 18th Century history, Elections, Georgian

Polling in advance of the votes

As the 2024 General Election campaigns continue this week, news outlets have been filled with many different polls, suggesting a variety of possible election outcomes. But did you know that polling ahead of an election also took place in the 18th century? Dr Robin Eagles from our Lords 1715-1790 project looks at some of the polling predictions for our Georgian Elections project… 18th-century elections were … Continue reading Polling in advance of the votes

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Georgian Elections Project, Elections, George III, Georgian, Georgian Lords

Dissolving Parliament

Today, on 30 May 2024, Parliament will be formally dissolved following a ‘Dissolution proclamation’ from the King. This is the first time that this proclamation has been required since 201o, following the repeal of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act in 2011. But how was Parliament formally dissolved in the 18th century? In this blog, the first in our Georgian Elections series, Dr Robin Eagles from … Continue reading Dissolving Parliament

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