'Wanted' advertisement

Alnwick was more important than Newcastle in 1826 and the main hustings were held thereThe 'Wanted' poster advertises for steam ships from the Tyne, and horse drawn carts from the ports of Warkworth and Alnmouth to transport voters from the south of Northumberland to the hustings and election in the County Town of Alnwick. The election took place over a period of 15 days. Owners of the vehicles were asked to volunteer their services free of charge. One of the candidates was Earl Grey's son Lord Howick, whose supporter John George Lambton took part in a duel on his behalf with another candidate following an exchange of words, but the event terminated without injury. Lord Howick was defeated, but secured the Northumberland seat in 1830 when the Whig party was returned to Parliament. Earl Grey became Prime Minister and was one of the main architects of the 1832 Reform Act.

The poster reminds us that ships were required as the regular coaches from Newcastle could not transport the number of people taking part in the hustings and election. Only freeholders (landowners) together with 'Gentlemen' and clergy were entitled to vote at that time. The Reform Act almost doubled the electorate by the addition of middle-class householders.

Alnwick was more important than Newcastle in 1826 and the main hustings were held there