Reform Bill, Dissolution of Parliament
Antonia Fraser in her wonderful book "Perilous Question, The Drama of the Great Reform Bill 1832" gives an excellent account of how things developed.
During this period various manoeuvrings and attempts by both sides to influence the King were made. For example, at the end of March the Duke of Gloucester, a profound right winger and cousin of the King had told him that the Reform Bill would deprive him of his crown. William "pettishly" responded "Very well, very well" to which Gloucester came back with relish, "But, Sir, Your Majesty's head may be in it."
22nd April saw a stormy meeting of the House of Commons. Such was the atmosphere when William resolved to dissolve Parliament announcing that he would go to the House of Lords that day. He explained the coming dissolution-
"I have been induced to resort to this measure for the purpose of ascertaining the sense of my people, in the way that it can be constitutionally expressed, on the expediency of making such changes in the representation as circumstances may appear to require-"
In other words, the General Election was intended to resolve the subject of Reform. Earl Grey subsequently wrote. "The King has behaved like an angel."
Such was the popularity which greeted the King's behaviour that the popular cry went up- "Vote for the Two Bills."
If you require further information on this item you can contact us in a number of ways. Click here to see our contact information.
Id:3523 Q:0