NORTHUMBERLAND ELECTION BROADSIDE – Ancient Ballad – Alnwick – 1826

Alnwick: Printed by W. Davison, [1826].

Single-sheet broadside, printed on both sides. Approximately 27.6 x 22.4 cm.

Near fine condition. Fold creases. Light handling wear and minor age-toning. Strong and legible throughout.

A scarce and highly entertaining satirical broadside issued during the celebrated Northumberland Parliamentary Election of 1826, one of the most fiercely contested county elections of the late Georgian period.

The broadside presents itself as a mock-antiquarian discovery, claiming that the “following ballad was lately found in the library of a gentleman, of curious antiquarian research, now deceased.” This deliberately parodies the language of eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century antiquarian scholarship, especially the revived interest in ancient Border ballads, Percy’s Reliques, and the legendary literature of Northumberland and the Scottish Marches.

The title and opening frame clearly invoke the tradition of Chevy Chace, the famous Border ballad associated with the Percys, Northumberland, hunting, chivalric conflict and Anglo-Scottish warfare. Chevy Chace is one of the best-known English and Border ballads, catalogued as Child Ballad 162 and Roud 223, and was repeatedly reprinted, adapted and discussed by antiquaries.

Here, however, the ancient ballad form is turned into an election weapon. The poem recasts the Northumberland contest in mock-heroic terms, transforming candidates and supporters into chivalric figures. References to “Harry Percy,” “old Northumbria,” “Ravendale,” “Burdoune,” “Laytoune,” “Andersoune,” and other disguised or semi-disguised names would have been immediately intelligible to contemporary readers familiar with the personalities of the 1826 campaign.

The satire ridicules factional loyalty, aristocratic pretension and political combat by dressing the electoral struggle in the language of medieval romance and Border warfare. This was a particularly apt strategy in Northumberland, where Percy legend, Alnwick Castle, antiquarian balladry and local political identity were closely intertwined.

The broadside is also notable as an example of W. Davison’s Alnwick printing, a press strongly associated with chapbooks, ballads, local history and popular printed literature. Davison’s output included numerous inexpensive publications aimed at a wide provincial audience, and his imprint is closely linked with Northumbrian popular print culture.

The 1826 Northumberland election generated an extraordinary quantity of printed ephemera, including addresses, songs, squibs, mock advertisements, speeches, committee notices and satirical broadsides. This example is among the more literary and sophisticated productions, combining election propaganda with antiquarian parody and Border-ballad tradition.

No separate institutional record for this specific item has been traced. Related Chevy Chace and Davison-printed ballad material is represented in institutional collections, but no separately catalogued record for this particular 1826 election broadside has been identified during research.

An unusually attractive survival from the world of Georgian election satire, combining Northumberland political history, antiquarian humour, Border ballad tradition and early nineteenth-century provincial printing.

Why Buy from Hornseys?

Established in 1976, Hornseys specialises in rare books, signed editions, manuscripts, historical documents and works of enduring cultural importance. From our gallery in Ripon, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, we serve collectors, institutions and bibliophiles throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

Our reputation is built upon careful scholarship, accurate cataloguing and a long-standing commitment to authenticity, provenance and condition. Every item we offer is selected not simply for rarity, but for its significance within the history of literature, art, politics, exploration and collecting.

Expertise and Authenticity

Each book, manuscript or historical item is thoroughly researched and professionally described. We carefully examine points of issue, bindings, dust jackets, inscriptions, provenance and bibliographical references to ensure accuracy and authenticity throughout our catalogue.

Curated Collections

Our stock is individually chosen for rarity, condition, historical importance and collector appeal. We specialise in literary first editions, children’s books, modern literature, signed and inscribed copies, Churchilliana, fine bindings, rare maps and unusual historical ephemera.

Provenance and Scholarship

We place particular importance on provenance and collecting history. Wherever possible, our cataloguing traces ownership, associations and historical context, allowing collectors to acquire objects with genuine bibliographical and historical significance.

Customer Service

We aim to provide a professional and straightforward buying experience, from detailed cataloguing and high-quality photography to secure packaging and prompt worldwide shipping. We are always happy to discuss condition, provenance or collecting advice directly with clients.

Returns Guarantee

All items are offered with an unconditional guarantee of authenticity. Purchases may be returned within fourteen days of receipt for any reason, provided items are returned in the same condition in which they were supplied. We simply request advance notice of any return.

Explore Our Collection

Discover exceptional rare books, manuscripts, signed editions and historical material at Hornseys. With nearly fifty years of experience in the trade, we continue to offer carefully curated material chosen for rarity, condition, provenance and lasting cultural importance.