The murkier side of eighteenth-century politics is vividly revealed in the letters edited here. In the mid-eighteenth century, the borough of Morpeth, in Northumberland, was one of many where established vested interests, whether corporate or aristocratic, faced challenges from below. The documents collected here illustratethe struggle between the "sons of liberty" fighting to restore the freemen's "independence", and the earl of Carlisle, striving to maintain his control of the representation. Over two hundred letters reveal secret deals, rioting pitmen, electoral gerrymandering, and legal chicanery, providing fascinating insights to further our understanding of late eighteenth-century politics. A full introduction puts the letters into their local and national context, andthey are accompanied by elucidatory notes.

About the Author
The late JOSEPH M. FEWSTER had an almost life-long interest in the keelmen of Tyneside, culminating in his definitive monograph The Keelmen of Tyneside; Labour Organisation in the North-East Coal Industry, 1600-1830 (2011), to which the present volume provides a valuable supplement.

Reviews
Rich in detail and anecdotes from the canvass, these letters bring the events of 1766-76 to life. [The] volume contains much that will be of interest to anyone seeking to learn more about 18th-century electioneering. * PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY *



Book Information
ISBN 9780854440764
Author Joseph Fewster
Format Hardback
Page Count 326
Imprint Surtees Society
Publisher Surtees Society
Weight(grams) 1g