Description
Book SynopsisThe third volume in BHRS's series of poll books and covers the years from the fall of Walpole to the rise of William Pitt the younger.This is the first volume of BHRS's series of late seventeenth and early eighteenth century poll books. Poll books tell the story of local people and their link with national history. This book is the first in a series by BHRS containing transcripts of the poll books for the county and borough seats of Bedford, and also includes some election accounts showing candidates' expenditure.The introductory commentary gives an insight into political influences in Bedfordshire during the seminal period of English history from the Glorious Revolution to the accession of George I. It enables comparisons and political trends to be detected, including allegiances of regions of the county and parishes, the survival of the Tory party, the political allegiance of Anglican clergy and the role of Protestant nonconformists. Major landowners were important in Bedfordshire politics, but not dominant, and local gentry played a crucial role.The transcriptions list all those who voted in four county and one borough election. The 8,500 names, fully indexed, will give unparalleled information on local landholding and help family historians find ancestors between the 1671 Hearth Tax and the 1841 Census.
Trade ReviewGive[s] a fascinating insight into the structure of landowning in Bedfordshire and the patterns of local allegiance and loyalty. [...] Social, economic and political historians with interests beyond Bedfordshire will find much to interest them in this well-researched volume. HISTORY IN BEDFORDSHIRE [A] handsomely produced volume. PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY YEARBOOK Political historians will be very grateful for [the author's] efforts. LOCAL POPULATION STUDIES A very useful analysis of the political debates of the times. ANCESTORS
Table of Contents1685 Election 1695 Election 1698-1705 Elections 1708-1715 Elections
