1818

Transcription completed by the London Electoral History 1700-1850 project, undertaken by Penelope J. Corfield, Edmund M. Green, and Charles Harvey.

Dates: Thursday 18 June-Saturday 4 July 1818.

Poll book reference: The poll for electing... (London: J. J. Stockdale, 1818).

The poll book is preceded by a series of anonymous 'threatening letters' allegedly received by the editor, John Joseph Stockdale, threatening death if he continued with his advertised intention of publishing the poll book.

Candidates: Sir Samuel Romilly (Opposition), Sir Francis Burdett (Radical), Sir Murray Maxwell (Government), Henry Hunt (Radical), the Honourable Douglas James William Kinnaird (Radical), and John Cartwright (Radical).

The Huguenot Sir Samuel Romilly had trained as a lawyer serving on the midland circuit before joining politics, becoming a notable moderate reformer. From 1806, he served as MP at Queensborough, Horsham, Wareham, and Arundel. For the 1818 election, he received invitations to stand from Liverpool, Coventry, Chester, Hull, Huntingdonshire and Glamorgan. He determined, 'not to accept any of these offers, or to put myself to any expense, or to offer myself as a candidate anywhere, when on this day [8 June], a requisition was made to me by many electors of Westminster, to bring me in without trouble or expense; and I have accepted it'. He took no actual part in the election, either canvassing or speaking on the hustings, but managed to be elected at the top of the poll.

Sir Francis Burdett was a returning candidate, having been elected for Westminster since 1807. Known for his oratorical skill, Burdett was a radical who campaigned for parliamentary reform and universal suffrage. Whig members of the press printed that both Burdett and Romilly were 'two firm and independent patriots of known character and ability' who ought to be returned for the borough. Despite the significant contest between Westminster's radicals, Burdett's campaign cost only £1,200, with £900 paid by public subscription.

Sir Murray Maxwell was a sailor whose role as Government candidate made him very unpopular in the streets, sparking riots and an assault on his person in the course of the campaign.

Henry Hunt was another notable orator, later known as the 'best mob orator of the day'. Hunt had been a keen supporter of fellow radical Sir Francis Burdett, and attempted to stand for Bristol, the City of London, and Westminster.

Douglas Kinnaird was the son of Baron Kinnaird, a London banker. As Sir Francis Burdett's friend and supporter, Kinnaird became his running partner in the 1818 campaign. However, in order to ensure Burdett's victory, he was withdrawn from the contest on the third day of polling.

John Cartwright was another leading figure as a radical in Westminster who campaigned for parliamentary reform on behalf of labourers.

The election returned Romilly and Burdett as MPs for Westminster, which was touted in the Morning Chronicle as a victory for 'practicable and moderate reform'. Following his election, Burdett held a celebratory dinner for his supporters. However, only a few months after his election, Romilly committed suicide following the death of his wife, opening the seat for Westminster once again.