Westminster Election
Not on view
We here are shown hustings, erected in the summer of 1818, next to St. Paul's, Covent Garden for the Wesminster Election of in the summer of 1818. Created as a frontispiece for "The Poll Book, for electing Two Representatives in Parliament for ... Westminster ..." the print includes placards that identify seven parishes, and a sign inscribed with polling totals at the end of the third day (the election was progressive with votes tallied daily until a clear majority was achieved). On the left, on a small platform in front of the "St George" placard, the radical politician Henry "Orator" Hunt addresses the crowd. Other candidates watch the procedings, several of whom were noted supporters of parliamentary reform.
