The Parliamentary Career of Charles De Laet Waldo Sibthorp, 1826-1855: Ultra-Tory Opposition to Reform in Nineteenth Century Britain (Hardback)

This book adds to our knowledge of British politics from 1829 to 1851. It includes a biographical introduction on Sibthorp, an analytical essay on his ultra-Tory political opinions and extracts with annotations from his speeches in the House of Commons on such issues as Catholic Emancipation, the Maynooth Grant, parliamentary reform, retrenchment, government secrecy, military matters, railways, agricultural protection and the Great Exhibition. Charles de Laet Waldo Sibthorp was a very well known figure in his era. His odd appearance and strong political views attracted the attention of many popular writers and periodicals including Charles Dickens - he appears in "Sketches of Boz" - and of "Punch" magazine - he was mentioned, in a merciless campaign of ridicule, by the periodical on some 345 occasions. Surprisingly however, this is the first book on the notorious ultra-Tory. Sibthorp's story - a soldier, an adulterer, an art collector - is interesting in itself, but what is far more interesting is his determined opposition over three decades in the House of Commons to reform. Sibthorp was repeatedly re-elected by the voters of Lincoln who saw him not as "Punch" did but as an honest and independent representative. In the House of Commons Sibthorp was often on his feet and not put off by those who sought to drown him out by talking or laughter. When his parliamentary speeches are examined, it becomes clear that Sibthorp put forward a coherent set of political arguments.