Jennifer Davey
@jhdavey.bsky.social
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Historian and Director of The History of Parliament (
@histparl.bsky.social
).
reposted by
Jennifer Davey
The Georgian Lords
4 days ago
Shades here of affairs in
#Parliament
in the winter of 1725/6 when William Pulteney (later earl of Bath) finally broke with Walpole. According to Dr Stratford: "Pulteney's party is said to increase... the Tories came in so fast that he knows not what to do with them..."
#HistParl
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
4 days ago
Following some recent high-profile political defections,
@alfiesteer.bsky.social
and Dr
@emmapeplow.bsky.social
have delved into the History of Parliament's
#OralHistory
archive to explore some historical cases of MPs who 'crossed the floor' and changed their party affiliation.
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Crossing the Floor: Tales from the Oral History Project - The History of Parliament
Political defections, commonly known in Westminster parlance as âCrossing the Floorâ, have been a phenomenon in Parliament since at least the 17th century.
https://historyofparliament.com/2026/01/16/crossing-the-floor/
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Come and work with us!
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6 days ago
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
15 days ago
In the first
@georgianlords.bsky.social
post of 2026, Dr Robin Eagles explores the identity of new Black voters in the 18th century: a chimney sweeper in the 1749 Westminster by-election, and most likely his descendents in later polls in Hertfordshire:
historyofparliament.com/2026/01/05/s...
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Steps towards identifying new Black voters in 18th-century Westminster and Hertfordshire - The History of Parliament
A few months ago, the History welcomed a guest post by Dr Gillian Williamson with her groundbreaking research into John London, to date the earliest known
https://historyofparliament.com/2026/01/05/steps-towards-identifying-new-black-voters-in-18th-century-westminster-and-hertfordshire/
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
about 1 month ago
2/ For more information on the McLagan family, check out Martin's first article on Peter McLagan, MP for Linlithgowshire:
historyofparliament.com/2025/06/12/p...
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Peter McLagan (1823-1900): Scotlandâs first Black MP - The History of Parliament
This is the first article in a new series for the Victorian Commons on Peter McLagan (1823-1900), by Dr Martin Spychal, Senior Research Fellow on our House of
https://historyofparliament.com/2025/06/12/peter-mclagan-scotlands-first-black-mp/
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
about 1 month ago
Following on from his article on Peter McLagan, Scotland's first Black MP, Dr Martin Spychal has explored the life of his father, Peter McLagan senior, and his ownership of enslaved people in Demerara (modern-day Guyana):
historyofparliament.com/2025/12/11/p...
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Peter McLagan senior (1774-1860): enslaver, plantation owner and landed proprietor - The History of Parliament
Dr Martin Spychal explores the life of Peter McLagan senior (1774-1860). A farmerâs son from Perthshire, McLagan senior acquired considerable wealth as an enslaver and plantation owner in DemeraraâŠ
https://historyofparliament.com/2025/12/11/peter-mclagan-senior-1774-1860/
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Jennifer Davey
Hetan Shah
about 1 month ago
Itâs Jane Austenâs 250th anniversary and
@britishacademy.bsky.social
postdoctoral fellow
@hillaryburlock.bsky.social
helps us understand what going to the ball was all about, including the months of preparation required
theconversation.com/inside-the-r...
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Inside the Regency ballroom: what youâd experience on a night out with Jane Austen
Ball-goers needed months to prepare for these events.
https://theconversation.com/inside-the-regency-ballroom-what-youd-experience-on-a-night-out-with-jane-austen-270628
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As Nick says here, this really is a 'gem of a story' and told expertly and brilliantly by
@victoriancommons.bsky.social
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about 1 month ago
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Jennifer Davey
Sarah Moxey
about 2 months ago
My article on the Motherwell by-election is now available to read in
@parlhistjournal.bsky.social
It explores the reasons for Dr. Robert McIntyre's victory and how he became embroiled in a sponsorship saga.
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Jennifer Davey
Matthew Hamlyn
about 2 months ago
"Having looked at some deaths of MPs involving vegetables ..." is an unimprovable line
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Honestly, the joy of working
@histparl.bsky.social
.
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about 2 months ago
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Jennifer Davey
Tom O'Grady
about 2 months ago
We have a vacancy at UCL for a new permanent lecturer in British and Comparative politics, working as part of the Constitution Unit
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Jennifer Davey
The Georgian Lords
about 2 months ago
A minor insight into the importance of 18th-century women lacking a formal vote, but commanding influence over their menfolk: "Mr. Winford, notwithstanding his behaviour in St. Stephens, has not the hearts of the citizens, or what is worse, the citizens' wives."
www.histparl.ac.uk/volume/1715-...
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http://www.histparl.ac.uk/volume/1715-1754/member/geers-thomas-1697-1753
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
about 2 months ago
Last week our colleague Dr Kathryn Rix appeared on Today in Parliament to discuss how women were able to watch debates in the House of Commons after they were officially barred from the chamber in 1778. You can check out her interview here (starting at 22:55):
buff.ly/yrr6CQo
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https://buff.ly/yrr6CQo
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
about 2 months ago
'Materials of State' concludes today at 1:45pm on BBC Radio 4. If you missed any of the episodes, don't fret! You can catch up with the rest of the series either on BBC iPlayer or on BBC Sounds!
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BBC Radio 4 - Materials of State
David Cannadine examines some of the objects that make the British constitution so unique.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002mmm5
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I love these stats - because of course Gladstone delivered the longest Budget speech and Disraeli the shortest.
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about 2 months ago
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
about 2 months ago
Today is
#BudgetDay
2025! To mark this important day in Parliament's calendar, here is a short thread on the history and traditions of the UK's annual Budget. đž (1/10)
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Jennifer Davey
Alice Lilly
about 2 months ago
Researching a bit of historic Budget trivia and TL;DR- it's Gladstone. It's always Gladstone. The red box? Gladstone. The tradition the Chancellor can drink while speaking? Gladstone. Longest Budget speech? Gladstone. Most Budget speeches? Gladstone.
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
about 2 months ago
'Materials of State' will be airing this week on Radio 4, made in association with the History of Parliament. The series examines the artefacts and emblems that have shaped, and continue to shape, the British constitution. You can catch the first episode today at 1:45pm:
buff.ly/1I5JVcE
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BBC Radio 4 - Materials of State, The Union Jack
David Cannadine explores the history of the Union Jack.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002mmm4
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Jennifer Davey
Victorian Commons
about 2 months ago
This is an exciting find: the remains of the building used by the House of Commons as its temporary chamber between 1835 and 1851. If you want to know what that building looked like, see our short article:
historyofparliament.com/2025/09/25/t...
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reposted by
Jennifer Davey
The Georgian Lords
about 2 months ago
This was a thing in the 18th century, too. See Charles Littleton's post on cricket and the Georgian aristocracy:
historyofparliament.com/2023/07/06/e...
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âKind patron of the mirthful frayâ: the English aristocracy and cricket in the 18th century - The History of Parliament
The Ashes Test series currently under way provides an opportunity to consider the English aristocracyâs role in cricketâs early development in the 18th
https://historyofparliament.com/2023/07/06/english-aristocracy-and-cricket-18th-century/
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
about 2 months ago
With this years Ashes beginning in the early hours of this morning, we thought we'd point you in the direction of @TheVictCommons where they explore the link between cricket and the Victorian House of Commons
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/20/c...
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Cricket in the Commons: a Victorian First Eleven - The History of Parliament
With the 2025 Ashes between England and Australia getting underway this week, we have a cricketing themed post from our House of Commons, 1832-1945 project.
https://historyofparliament.com/2025/11/20/cricket-in-the-commons/
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Jennifer Davey
The Georgian Lords
about 2 months ago
Interesting: during the debates on the spirituous liquors bill (1743) in the House of Lords, the earl of Aylesford proposes something rather modern: "Instead of passing or rejecting this Bill... let us only delay it, by which we shall give the Commons time to reflect upon it"
#HistParl
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Jennifer Davey
Ed Davey
about 2 months ago
I was honoured to unveil a plaque for Sam Green, the first openly gay politician to be elected in the UK. He did so much for his community and his courage and dedication remind us to keep championing equality, respect and the rights of everybody.
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A Liberal councillor who made LGBT+ history
Sam Green was the first openly gay politician ever elected in the UK â and possibly the world.
https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/a-liberal-councillor-who-made-lgbt-history
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Jennifer Davey
UK Parliament
2 months ago
POV: youâve been hiding under the Palace of Westminster for hundreds of years. See what we uncovered during recent surveys of the Palace as we prepare for its restoration.
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
2 months ago
This year's Annual Lecture will be taking place on 16 December, where Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, will be speaking on Clement Attlee's Labour Governments. Grab your FREE ticket below before its too late:
hptannuallecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
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Annual Lecture: Clement Attleeâs Labour Governments of 1945-51
Join us for the History of Parliament Annual Lecture for 2025, given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds.
https://HPTAnnualLecture2025.eventbrite.co.uk
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Jennifer Davey
The Georgian Lords
2 months ago
It seems highly likely that Messrs Kent and Fatt, both of them described in the press as being Black, and who held in succession (c1739) the office of sweeper of the king's chimneys - an office of some profit - would have qualified to vote. Worth a check in the poll books.
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Jennifer Davey
The Georgian Lords
2 months ago
This is ground-breaking research by Gillian Williamson. It shows that 30 years before Ignatius Sancho at least one Black voter participated in an election, and the implication must be that there were others like John London.
#skystorians
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
2 months ago
In November 1749, John London walked from his home to vote in the Westminster constituency parliamentary by-election. As Dr Gillian Williamson explores, this provides the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election:
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John London: Britain's First Black Voter? - The History of Parliament
this election could serve as the earliest known record of a Black person voting in a British parliamentary election - John London
https://historyofparliament.com/2024/10/21/john-london-first-black-voter/
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
2 months ago
The History of Parliament is excited to announce this year's Annual Lecture! On 16 December in Portcullis House, Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds will be speaking on 'Clement Attleeâs Labour Governments of 1945-51: A Reappraisal'. Tickets are FREE and can be found in the link below:
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Annual Lecture: Clement Attleeâs Labour Governments of 1945-51
Join us for the History of Parliament Annual Lecture for 2025, given by Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/annual-lecture-clement-attlees-labour-governments-of-1945-51-tickets-1900182780849
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
2 months ago
In our latest article, Dr Kathryn Rix has looked at the 23 MPs commemorated in the Commons chamber who died during the Second World War. Their biographies written by
#HistParl
are now accessible on Parliament's website, links to which you can find in Dr Rix's article below:
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MPs and the Second World War - The History of Parliament
Ahead of Remembrance Day, and with 2025 marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, Dr Kathryn Rix, Assistant Editor of our House of Commons,
https://historyofparliament.com/2025/11/07/mps-and-the-second-world-war/
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Jennifer Davey
House of Lords
2 months ago
Chloe Mawson has been appointed the 66th Clerk of the Parliaments and is the first woman to take up the post. The Clerk of the Parliaments is head of the House of Lords Administration and Chief Procedural Adviser to the House.
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reposted by
Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
2 months ago
Ahead of Remembrance Day this Sunday, and with 2025 marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, Dr Kathryn Rix has looked at the 23 MPs commemorated in the Commons chamber who died during the Second World War:
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/07/m...
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MPs and the Second World War - The History of Parliament
Ahead of Remembrance Day, and with 2025 marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, Dr Kathryn Rix, Assistant Editor of our House of Commons,
https://historyofparliament.com/2025/11/07/mps-and-the-second-world-war/
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
2 months ago
Many will be awaking this morning after an evening of fireworks and festivities. However, as Dr Robin Eagles has explored, on the centenery of the Glorious Revolution, the 4th and 5th November were eyed for a different lasting memorial:
historyofparliament.com/2025/11/06/c...
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âConfirmation of the Peopleâs Rightsâ: commemorating the âGlorious Revolutionâ of 1688 - The History of Parliament
For many, the beginning of November means the advent of longer nights as the year winds down to Christmas. Some may still enjoy attending firework displays
https://historyofparliament.com/2025/11/06/confirmation-of-the-peoples-rights-commemorating-the-glorious-revolution-of-1688/
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
3 months ago
1/ With today's
#BonfireNight
celebrations, we are fittingly looking at the historic constituency of Lewes. Represented since the 1295 Model Parliament, Lewes is not only home to major political events, but also a unique tradition of bonfire celebrations. đ
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Jennifer Davey
Victorian Commons
3 months ago
Members of the Victorian Commons team will be on the
#HistParl
stand from 11-11:45 and 2-2:45 for all your 19th century history needs, and other brilliant colleagues will also be on hand throughout the day!
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Jennifer Davey
Helen Sunderland
3 months ago
Can anyone help me identify these schoolgirls who visited Parliament in July 1909? I'm writing about them in my book and would LOVE to be able to say who they are!
www.npg.org.uk/collections/...
#histed
#histchild
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'School Girls at the House of Commons' (including Michael Joseph Flavin) - National Portrait Gallery
by Benjamin Stone platinum print 22 July 1909 © National Portrait Gallery, London
https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw136972/School-Girls-at-the-House-of-Commons-including-Michael-Joseph-Flavin
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
3 months ago
Come and say hello to the
#HistParl
team at History Day next week! We're excited to talk about our research and catch up with new and old friends working in the sector. Find out more via
@ihr.bsky.social
#HistDay25
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
3 months ago
New to the
#HistParl
site,
@kathrynrix.bsky.social
looks at the provision made for women to witness debates in the temporary chamber used by the Commons between 1835 and 1852:
historyofparliament.com/2025/10/30/t...
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The ladiesâ gallery in the temporary House of Commons - The History of Parliament
I am very grateful to Dr Mari Takayanagi for drawing to my attention the subtle differences between Catherine Gladstone's account of her visit to the Ladies'
https://historyofparliament.com/2025/10/30/the-ladies-gallery-in-the-temporary-house-of-commons/
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Jennifer Davey
Institute of Historical Research
3 months ago
đWe are pleased to announce new Applied History Fellowships in partnership with
@royalhistsoc.org
&
@findmypast.bsky.social
. Join us on the 19 November at our launch event to find out more about the Fellowships and how to apply:
www.history.ac.uk/news-events/...
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Jennifer Davey
The Georgian Lords
3 months ago
Radical MP, newspaper proprietor and Lord Mayor of London, champion of a free press and self-styled 'Friend of Liberty', John Wilkes was born 300 years ago today...
#Happybirthday
#Wilkesandliberty
#HistParl
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Jennifer Davey
Victorian Commons
3 months ago
For more on Peter McLagan, see Martin's article here. It's the first in a series, and the next article will be out next month, so watch this space...
victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2025/06/12/p...
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Peter McLagan (1823-1900): Scotlandâs first Black MP
This is the first article in a new series for the Victorian Commons on Peter McLagan (1823-1900), by Dr Martin Spychal, Senior Research Fellow on our House of Commons 1832-1868 project. McLagan wasâŠ
https://victoriancommons.wordpress.com/2025/06/12/peter-mclagan-1823-1900-scotlands-first-black-mp/
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Jennifer Davey
Victorian Commons
3 months ago
Today we visited The National Archives for a workshop organised by
@joecozens.bsky.social
and our own
@martinspychal.bsky.social
on Peter McLagan, Scotland's first Black MP. We looked at original documents relating to McLagan's life & had some great discussions about future directions for research.
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
3 months ago
The History of Parliament team were very sad to hear of the recent death of Professor Michael Rush. A pioneering scholar of parliament, Professor Rush's work on the social background of MPs and resulting Database stands as a fundamental source for generations of historians and political scientists.
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Jennifer Davey
History Today
3 months ago
Parliamentâs champion of the people or scandalous, self-serving politician?
#Georgian
radical John Wilkes kept a foot in both camps. đ Robin Eaglesâ History Matters is free for 7 days
www.historytoday.com/archive/hist...
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The Radical John Wilkes
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/history-matters/radical-john-wilkes
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Busy week(s) here at
@histparl.bsky.social
add a skeleton here at some point
3 months ago
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Jennifer Davey
Lord Norton of Louth
4 months ago
Extremely brief. My chapter in
@iaindale.bsky.social
'British By-Elections 1769-2025' covers the by-election...
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Jennifer Davey
History of Parliament
4 months ago
#OTD
1915, Hon. Thomas Charles Reginald Agar-Robartes, Liberal MP for St Austell, died, having been wounded at the battle of Loos. Dr Kathryn Rix explored his life and career on the
#HistParl
website:
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âIn a dirty ditch somewhere in Franceâ: the Hon. Thomas Charles Reginald Agar-Robartes (1880-1915) - The History of Parliament
For a detailed account of Agar-Robartesâ political career, see Paul Holden, ââA very English gentlemanâ. The Honourable Thomas Charles Reginald Agar-Robartes
https://historyofparliament.com/2015/09/30/thomas-charles-reginald-agar-robartes/
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Jennifer Davey
Parliamentary History Journal
4 months ago
Itâs also exciting to have doctoral student
@chloechallender.bsky.social
contributing âRingside seat? Womenâs modes of entry to the early 19th century parliamentâ, which promises to be a fascinating read!
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Jennifer Davey
Parliamentary History Journal
4 months ago
Weâre delighted that
@jamesepeate.bsky.social
is one of the early career contributors to the next edition of Parliamentary History on âRough Work on the Hustingsâ: Sheridan, Cobbett, and Newspapers in the General Election of 1806. Subscribe here:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1750...
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Parliamentary History
Click on the title to browse this journal
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17500206
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