1701

Date: Thursday 9 Jan. 1700/1.

Poll book reference: Nottingham University Manuscripts and Special Collections, GA 12259/6.

The poll sheet forms part of the Monckton-Arundell, Viscounts of Galway, family papers of Serlby Hall. It is entitled, 'Att the Elecc[i]on of two Burgesses to serve in Parliam[en]t for the Burrough of Pontefract aforesaid the ninth day of January in the Twelfth yeare of his Ma[jes]ties Reigne King William the third...'

Candidates: Sir John Bland (Tory); John Bright (Whig); William Lowther (Whig); Sir George Tempest; Henry Dawnay, Lord Downe; Sir William Lowther; Robert Monckton (Whig); John Saville; Robert Lowther (Tory); William Stable; Sir Rowland Winn; Mr. Milford; Mr. Oxlby; Mr. Smith; and George Wakefield.

Sir John Bland of Kippax Park near Pontefract was a returning candidate, having served as MP for Pontefract intermittently from 1681 when he was returned on the Lowther interest (as the nephew of Sir William Lowther). Bland was seen as one of the 'true sons of the Church of England'.

William Lowther was the son of Sir William Lowther, who represented the borough in 1695. A dispute between father and son led to Sir William Lowther campaigning against him during the 1701 general election. William's cousin, Robert (a Tory), also entered the race.

John Bright was the grandson of the Whig Henry Liddell, a leading colliery owner in Durham.

Fellow Whig Robert Monckton was a burgage-holder, and supported in his campaign by the duke of Newcastle.

Bland and Bright were returned unopposed for Pontefract. Following an unsuccessful campaign during the 1700 by-election and 1701 general election, Monckton decided to stand for Aldborough on the duke of Newcastle's interest in 1701.