West Cornwall (UK Parliament constituency)

Last updated

West Cornwall
Former County constituency
for the House of Commons
United Kingdom general election 1837.svg
United Kingdom general election 1837.svg
Context of 1832-1868. Extract from 1837 result: the western, peach area.
County Cornwall
18321885
SeatsTwo
Created from Cornwall, St Mawes
Replaced by Camborne, St Austell, St Ives and Truro

West Cornwall was a county constituency in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elected two Members of Parliament (MPs) by the bloc vote system of election.

Contents

Boundaries

In 1832 the county of Cornwall, in south west England, was split for parliamentary purposes into two county divisions. These were the West division (with a place of election at Truro) and East Cornwall (where voting took place at Bodmin). Each division returned two members to Parliament.

The parliamentary boroughs included in the West division, between 1832 and 1885, (whose non-resident 40 shilling freeholders were eligible to vote in the county constituency) were Helston, Penryn and Falmouth, St Ives and Truro. (Source: Stooks Smith).

1832–1885: The Hundreds of Kerrier, and Penwith, and in the hundred of Powder, the western division, i.e. the parishes of St Allen, St Anthony in Roseland, St Clement, Cornelly, Creed-with-Grampound, Cuby-with-Tregony, St Erme, Feock, Gerrans, St Just in Roseland (with St Mawes), Kea, Kenwyn, Lamorran, Merther, St Michael Penkevil, Philleigh, Probus, Ruan Lanihorne, Truro St Mary, Veryan, and in the hundred of Pydar, the parishes of St Agnes, Crantock, Cubert, Newlyn, St Enoder, and Perranzabuloe, and the Isles of Scilly. [1]

History

During the 53-year history of this division, there was never a contested election. Only once was a Conservative member returned, but he only represented the constituency for a few months before becoming the 2nd Earl of Falmouth.

In 1885 this division was abolished, when the East and West Cornwall county divisions were replaced by six new single-member county constituencies. These were Bodmin (the South-Eastern division), Camborne (North-Western division), Launceston (North-Eastern division), St Austell (Mid division), St Ives (the Western division) and Truro. In addition the last remaining Cornish borough constituency was Penryn and Falmouth.

Members of Parliament

ElectionFirst memberFirst partySecond memberSecond party
1832 Sir Charles Lemon, Bt Whig [2] [3] Edward Wynne-Pendarves Whig [2] [3]
1841 Lord Boscawen-Rose Conservative
1842 by-election Sir Charles Lemon, Bt Whig [2] [3]
1853 by-election Michael Williams Whig [4] [5]
1857 Richard Davey Whig [4]
1858 by-election Sir John St Aubyn, Bt Radical [6]
1859 Liberal Liberal
1868 Arthur Vivian Liberal
1885 Constituency abolished

Election results

Elections in the 1830s

General election 1832: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7] [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Whig Charles Lemon Unopposed
Whig Edward Wynne-Pendarves Unopposed
Registered electors 3,353
Whig win (new seat)
Whig win (new seat)

Charles Lemon had been Whig Member of Parliament for Cornwall prior to the 1832 election. Edward Wynne-Pendarves had also been a Member of Parliament in the previous parliament.

General election 1835: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7] [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Whig Charles Lemon Unopposed
Whig Edward Wynne-Pendarves Unopposed
Registered electors 3,612
Whig hold
Whig hold
General election 1837: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7] [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Whig Charles Lemon Unopposed
Whig Edward Wynne-Pendarves Unopposed
Registered electors 4,928
Whig hold
Whig hold

Elections in the 1840s

General election 1841: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7] [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Conservative George Boscawen Unopposed
Whig Edward Wynne-Pendarves Unopposed
Registered electors 5,040
Conservative gain from Whig
Whig hold

Boscawen-Rose succeeded to the peerage, becoming 2nd Earl of Falmouth and causing a by-election.

By-election, 16 February 1842: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7] [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Whig Charles Lemon Unopposed
Whig gain from Conservative
General election 1847: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Whig Charles Lemon Unopposed
Whig Edward Wynne-Pendarves Unopposed
Registered electors 5,259
Whig hold
Whig gain from Conservative

Elections in the 1850s

General election 1852: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Whig Charles Lemon Unopposed
Whig Edward Wynne-Pendarves Unopposed
Registered electors 4,649
Whig hold
Whig hold

Wynne-Pendarves' death caused a by-election.

By-election, 18 July 1853: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7] [8]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Whig Michael Williams Unopposed
Whig hold
General election 1857: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7] [9] [10]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Whig Richard Davey Unopposed
Whig Michael Williams Unopposed
Registered electors 4,542
Whig hold
Whig hold

John Tremayne had planned to stand for election, but withdrew. [9] [10]

Williams' death caused a by-election.

By-election, 5 July 1858: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7] [11]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Radical John St Aubyn Unopposed
Radical gain from Whig

George Williams, younger son of Michael, had withdrawn to avoid "disturbing the County". [11]

General election 1859: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7] [12]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Liberal Richard Davey Unopposed
Liberal John St Aubyn Unopposed
Registered electors 4,897
Liberal hold
Liberal hold

Elections in the 1860s

General election 1865: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Liberal Richard Davey Unopposed
Liberal John St Aubyn Unopposed
Registered electors 4,615
Liberal hold
Liberal hold
General election 1868: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7] [13]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Liberal Arthur Vivian Unopposed
Liberal John St Aubyn Unopposed
Registered electors 8,168
Liberal hold
Liberal hold

Elections in the 1870s

General election 1874: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Liberal Arthur Vivian Unopposed
Liberal John St Aubyn Unopposed
Registered electors 7,494
Liberal hold
Liberal hold

Elections in the 1880s

General election 1880: Cornwall Western (2 seats) [7]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Liberal Arthur Vivian Unopposed
Liberal John St Aubyn Unopposed
Registered electors 6,987
Liberal hold
Liberal hold

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Truro (UK Parliament constituency)</span>

Truro was the name of a parliamentary constituency in Cornwall represented in the House of Commons of England and later of Great Britain from 1295 until 1800, then in the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1918 and finally from 1950 to 1997. Until 1885 it was a parliamentary borough, electing two members of parliament (MPs) by the plurality-at-large system of election; the name was then transferred to the surrounding county constituency, which elected a single Member by the first past the post system. In 1997, although there had been no changes to its boundaries, it was renamed as Truro and St Austell, reflecting the fact that St Austell by then had a larger population than Truro.

Inverness Burghs was a district of burghs constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1708 to 1801 and of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1918. It elected one Member of Parliament (MP).

Inverness-shire was a county constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1708 to 1801 and of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 until 1918.

East Looe was a parliamentary borough represented in the House of Commons of England from 1571 to 1707, in the House of Commons of Great Britain from 1707 to 1800, and finally in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom from 1801 until its abolition in 1832. It elected two Members of Parliament (MP) by the bloc vote system of election. It was disenfranchised in the Reform Act 1832.

Bedfordshire was a United Kingdom Parliamentary constituency, which elected two Members of Parliament to the House of Commons of England from 1295 until 1707, then the House of Commons of Great Britain until 1801 and the House of Commons of the United Kingdom until 1885 when it was divided into two constituencies under the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885.

Berkshire was a parliamentary constituency in England, represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of England until 1707, then of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1707 to 1800 and of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1885. The county returned two knights of the shire until 1832 and three between 1832 and 1885.

Cornwall is a former county constituency covering the county of Cornwall, in the South West of England. It was a constituency of the House of Commons of England then of the House of Commons of Great Britain from 1707 to 1800 and of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1832. It was represented by two Knights of the Shire, elected by the bloc vote system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">City of London (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 1885–1950

The City of London was a United Kingdom parliamentary constituency. It was a constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of England then of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1707 to 1800 and of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1950.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camborne (UK Parliament constituency)</span>

Camborne was a county constituency in Cornwall which returned one Member of Parliament to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was created for the 1885 general election, and abolished for the 1950 general election, when it was largely replaced by the new Falmouth and Camborne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Riding of Yorkshire (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 1832–1865

West Riding of Yorkshire was a parliamentary constituency in England from 1832 to 1865. It returned two Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

Egremont was a parliamentary constituency centred on the town of Egremont in Cumberland. It returned one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, elected by the first past the post system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Cornwall (UK Parliament constituency)</span>

East Cornwall was a county constituency in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elected two Members of Parliament (MPs) by the bloc vote system of election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Cumberland (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 1832–1885

East Cumberland is a former county constituency in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elected two Members of Parliament (MPs) by the bloc vote system of election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Cumberland (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 1832–1885

West Cumberland was a county constituency in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elected two Members of Parliament (MPs) by the bloc vote system of election.

Penryn and Falmouth was the name of a constituency in Cornwall, England, UK, represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1832 until 1950. From 1832 to 1918 it was a parliamentary borough, initially returning two Members of Parliament (MPs), elected by the bloc vote system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Durham (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 1832–1885

South Durham, formally the Southern Division of Durham and often referred to as Durham Southern, was a county constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elected two Members of Parliament (MPs) by the bloc vote system of election.

Andover was the name of a constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of England from 1295 to 1307, and again from 1586, then of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1707 to 1800 and of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1918. It was a parliamentary borough in Hampshire, represented by two Members of Parliament until 1868, and by one member from 1868 to 1885. The name was then transferred to a county constituency electing one MP from 1885 until 1918.

Liskeard was a parliamentary borough in Cornwall, which elected two Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons from 1295 until 1832, and then one member from 1832 until 1885. The constituency was abolished by the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oxfordshire (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 1801–1885

Oxfordshire was a county constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of England then of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1707 to 1800 and of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1885. It was represented by two Members of Parliament. In 1832 this was increased to three Members of Parliament. The constituency was abolished in 1885, being split into three single member divisions.

Denbigh District of Boroughs was a parliamentary constituency centred on the town of Denbigh in Wales. It returned one Member of Parliament (MP) to the British House of Commons.

References

  1. "The statutes of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. 2 & 3 William IV. Cap. LXIV. An Act to settle and describe the Divisions of Counties, and the Limits of Cities and Boroughs, in England and Wales, in so far as respects the Election of Members to serve in Parliament". London: His Majesty's statute and law printers. 1832. pp. 300–383. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 "Forthcoming Elections" . Shipping and Mercantile Gazette. 30 July 1847. p. 3. Retrieved 29 July 2018 via British Newspaper Archive.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Stooks Smith, Henry. (1973) [1844-1850]. Craig, F. W. S. (ed.). The Parliaments of England (2nd ed.). Chichester: Parliamentary Research Services. p.  37. ISBN   0-900178-13-2 . Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  4. 1 2 "West Cornwall Election" . Royal Cornwall Gazette. 10 April 1857. p. 6. Retrieved 29 July 2018 via British Newspaper Archive.
  5. "Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette" . 21 July 1853. p. 3. Retrieved 29 July 2018 via British Newspaper Archive.
  6. "The Cornish Telegraph" . 14 July 1858. p. 2. Retrieved 29 July 2018 via British Newspaper Archive.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Craig, F. W. S., ed. (1977). British Parliamentary Election Results 1832-1885 (e-book) (1st ed.). London: Macmillan Press. p. 366. ISBN   978-1-349-02349-3.
  8. The Times, Monday, 11 July 1853; pg. 3; Issue 21477; col D
  9. 1 2 The Times, Saturday, 21 March 1857; pg. 12; Issue 22634; col A
  10. 1 2 The Times, Wednesday, 1 April 1857; pg. 5; Issue 22643; col E "The Elections".
  11. 1 2 The Times, Saturday, 3 July 1858; pg. 9; Issue 23036; col D
  12. The Times, Monday, 11 April 1859; pg. 9; Issue 23277; col F
  13. The Times, Saturday, 14 Nov 1868; pg. 4; Issue 26282; col E

Sources