1695

Transcription completed and kindly shared by James Collett-White, in How Bedfordshire Voted, 1685-1735: The Evidence of Local Poll Books (2 vols., Woodbridge: Boydell Press, 2006-2008), I, 48-59.

Dates: Thursday 31 Oct.-Saturday 2 Nov. 1695.

Poll book reference: Lincolnshire Archives, MG/6/1/B/4.

Poll book forms part of the papers of the Massingberd family. Sir William Massingberd was high sheriff of Bedfordshire, and therefore returning officer, during the election. It appears to be an incomplete version (James Collett-White, How Bedfordshire Voted, 1685-1735, I, 48).

Polling held at the Assize House, Bedford.

Candidates: Lord Edward Russell (Court Whig); William Duncombe (Court Whig turned Tory); and Thomas Browne (Country).

Lord Edward Russell was the son of Sir William Russell, later 1st duke of Bedford. He had held the seat since being elected for Bedfordshire in 1689. He spent £125 on the election, with expenses including entertainments, treats of ale and tobacco, a dole for Bedford's poor, and transportation of voters from Woburn to Bedford (approximately 14 miles).

William Duncombe of Battesden had previously served as MP for Bury St Edmunds and then ambassador to Sweden in 1690 before standing as a candidate in 1695.

Thomas Browne had sat for Bedfordshire from 1690. He represented the rival interests of Paulet St John, the earl of Bolingbroke, who favoured Country issues in the Court/Country party division.

Lord Edward Russell and William Duncombe were returned as Knights of the Shire.