UK Parliamentary Archives

• Held At: Parliamentary Archives: GB-061
• Catalogue Reference: HL/PO/RO/1/156
• Accession Number: 4078
• Ref No: HL/PO/RO/1/156
• Date: 13 March 1832
• Level: File
• Extent: 8 folios
• Creator Name: Wellesley; Arthur (1769-1852) First Duke of Wellington, Field Marshal and Prime Minister
• Administrative or Biographical History: At this time, a current of liberalism was sweeping through the country, and a way of strengthening the government, especially the Commons, was sought. Lord Grey's administration was formed in 1830 and the first Reform Bill was introduced in the House of Commons in March 1831, passing by one vote but failing in the Lords. Wellington did his utmost to bring about the defeat of a bill which he thought would ruin the country, and would rob the upper classes of the political influence which they derived from their property. He gathered a network of supporters to create what was now beginning to call itself the Conservative Party. The Commons passed an amended Reform Bill in the following October, but it was again rejected by the Lords. A third Bill was presented to the Lords on 9 April 1832 and was passed by nine votes, but was rejected on an amendment in May. Grey resigned on 9 May, having failed to obtain the authorisation from King William IV to create enough new Peers to overcome the majority in committee. After Wellington and Lyndhurst failed to form an alternative administration, Grey resumed office and was given Royal authority to create the necessary Peers; the bill was given Royal assent on 7 June.
• Acquisition: Purchased by Parliamentary Archives from Roy Davids Ltd on 29 Oct 2002. Accession No. 4078.
• Description: This autograph letter is entirely about Wellington's views on the Reform Bill, then in progress through Parliament, and especially concerning the tactics used by those who opposed it. He is of the opinion that the Bill will 'destroy the country, the House of Lords the first probably and all its Institutions..'. He comments on the recent minor changes already achieved and on Lord Grey's view on them. He also reports on the unsuccessful efforts of Lord Harrowby and Lord Wharncliffe to meet with the King's servants to reach a compromise.
• Terms:
  • Parliament,
  • Politicians,
  • Political leadership,
  • Politics,
  • Great Reform Act, 1832,
• Related Material: Other correspondence from the Duke of Wellington can be found in CAD. For other records relating to Wellington see the National Register of Archives via the National Archives website.
• Access Status: Open
• Physical Description: Autograph letter

This document forms part of a catalogue

Ordering the Document