In 1830, when it was declared that Lord John Russell would be a Bedford election candidate alongside William Henry Whitbread, the Conservatives decided to try to break the Russell domination by putting forward a new candidate, Captain Frederick Polhill. Polhill agreed to stand as an Independent candidate. The election opened on the 2nd August and lasted 13 days. The hustings were held on St. Peter’s Green, Bedford.
The Candidates: William Henry Whitbread
William was first elected in 1818 as MP for Bedford , as a Whig following in his father’s footsteps, a brewer and politician. He also supported many of the causes his father had previously promoted, such as Catholic emancipation, the Reform Bill, the Poor Law and the Abolition of Slavery Bill.
Captain Polhill's Election Poster Courtesy of Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Records Service ref:BorBG10/1/33 |
Captain Frederick Polhill 1798-1848
Frederick, who had been born in London , moved to his inherited family home Howbury Hall, Renhold in October 1828. In 1830 he decided to run in his first election encouraged by a group of Conservatives led by John Pulley. Frederick addressed the electors at the end of the first day of opening in Bedford , you can see his election slogan above.
First Day Results:
Polhill 200; Whitbread 200; Russell 186.
'Polhill Forever' inscribed on this election bobbin, BEDFM 7554 Created as propaganda to show support for Polhill. |
Lord John Russell 1792-1878
John was the third Son of the 6th Duke of Bedford and later became a great Whig reformer, introducing the 1832 Reform Act to Parliament. He had previously represented Tavistock, Huntingdonshire and Banson (Co. Cork).
According to election propaganda an address was printed by 'A FREEMAN' suggesting that the friends of Mr Polhill were making attempts to “bribe and cajole and terrify those who have promised their votes to Mr. Whitbread and Lord John Russell.”
According to election propaganda an address was printed by 'A FREEMAN' suggesting that the friends of Mr Polhill were making attempts to “bribe and cajole and terrify those who have promised their votes to Mr. Whitbread and Lord John Russell.”
In view of the support of Russell’s father, the Duke of Bedford, his defeat in the
The final count: Whitbread 515, Polhill 491, Lord John Russell 490 – a very closely run contest.
Lord Russell was not long out of Parliament, gaining a seat at Tavistock later in the summer. The Duke of Wellington and the Tory party resigned in November and the Whigs succeeded under Earl Grey who offered Russell a seat in the Cabinet. In December 1831 Russell introduced the Third Reform Bill to be passed by the Commons, but it was rejected by the Lords. Throughout 1831 Polhill as an Independent candidate supported the Reform Bill. The Duke of
Bedford Election of December1832. Whitbread, Polhill and Crowley outside the Swan Hotel and George Inn, Fp.114 |
Thanks to Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Records Service for the Polhill Election Poster image.
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