Like many family and social historians, I am frequently diverted by an interesting snippet. By exploring further, I find my knowledge of my ancestors’ lives much enriched. This particular tale emerged while researching one of the ‘Women of Note’ in Bradford’s Undercliffe Cemetery and since many of my Bradfordian ancestors would have witnessed this event, my interest was piqued!
The scene was the 1868 General Election, the first following the Second Reform Act which became law in August 1867. By enfranchising all male householders living in a borough constituency, plus various other men meeting certain financial criteria, the electorate increased by around 1.5 million – almost double the previous number. First-time voters (who included my great-great-grandfather PC Thomas Bottomley) thronged to the polls, making it an exciting affair, reported widely and wordily in the newspapers – the social media of the day. Bradford was no exception, electing two MPs for its population of around 110,000. Registered electors numbered 21,518, a four-fold increase on 1865. The Liberal Party selected two candidates: William Edward Forster (worsted manufacturer and sitting MP), and Edward Miall (minister-turnednewspaper editor and previously MP for Rochdale). Enter Henry Ripley (wealthy dyeworks owner). Vowing to stand against