1698

Date: Friday 29 July 1698.

Poll book reference: Nottingham University Manuscripts and Special Collections, GA 12259/4.

The poll sheet forms part of the Monckton-Arundell, Viscounts of Galway, family papers of Serlby Hall. It is entitled, 'The names of the severall Candidates att the Elecc[i]on for members to serve in Parliament the 24th day of August for the Burrough aforesaid'.

Candidates: Sir John Bland (Tory); John Bright (Whig); Robert Monckton (Whig); Sir George Tempest; Sir William Lowther (Whig); Henry Dawnay, Lord Downe (Tory); John Ramsden; Sir Roland Winn; Mr. Hanfield; Mr. G Hewlett; Mr. Higslen; and Sir William Ramsden.

Sir John Bland of Kippax Park near Pontefract had 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'.

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

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

Sir George Tempest was related by marriage to Pontefract's senior alderman, John Frank.

Sir William Lowther of Swillington was a burgage-holder and had previously served as MP for Pontefract from 1660 to 1679.

Henry Dawnay, Lord Downe of Cowick, had been elected as MP in 1690. He was the son of the 1st Viscount Downe who represented the town in Parliament from 1661 to 1690.

The election returned Bland and Bright narrowly beat out the incumbent, Monckton. Monckton petitioned against the return of Bright, alleging corruption and that eight of Bright's voters had no right to vote. The petition was renewed in 1699 when Bright conceded that only one of his voters had no right to vote and that the objections should have been raised during the poll. Eventually the petition was successful in the House of Commons, declaring that Monckton was elected. However, that motion was defeated in the House of Commons, triggering a new writ to be issued.