British "non-élite" MPs, 1715-1820

by Christie, Ian R.

• ISBN13: 9780198205579
• ISBN10: 0198205570
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-08-24
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

In the eighteenth century the considerable degree of social mobility in British society, especially between the upper and middling ranks, was arguably one of the important factors contributing to political and social stability. The extent of that mobility among the members of the nation's legislature was particularly important in this regard. In the first detailed analysis of its kind, Ian R. Christie examines how far the House of Commons reflected and was itself affected by such social mobility. Enquiry is directed at the growth in number of 'non-élite' members of parliament; men without land. This is a fascinating study which every historian of 18th-century Britain will want to read.

Author Biography

Ian R. Christie is Professor Emeritus of history at the University of London.

Table of Contents

Note On Sources	p. vi
Outline and Nature of the Enquiry	p. 1
The 'Non-élite' Membership of the Parliaments of George I	p. 38
'Non-élite' Members in the Commons in the Age of the French Revolution	p. 66
The 'Non-élite' Members in George Iii's Last Parliament	p. 109
Patterns of Advancement	p. 129
Parliamentary Performance of 'Non-élite' Mps in the Age of the French Wars	p. 166
Political Alignments: Conclusion	p. 195
	p. 205
	p. 207
Index	p. 211
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