NORTHUMBERLAND ELECTION BROADSIDE – Mr Bell’s Speech, on the Hustings at Alnwick, at the Commencement of the Northumberland Election – Alnwick – June 20, 1826

Alnwick: Smith, Printer, 1826.

Single printed broadside. Folio. Approximately 27.8 x 22.9 cm.

A rare surviving election broadside preserving the full text of a speech delivered by Matthew Bell (1769–1849) at the opening of the fiercely contested Northumberland Parliamentary Election of 1826.

Printed at Alnwick immediately following the commencement of the poll, the broadside reproduces Bell’s address to the assembled freeholders and electors. It constitutes an important piece of Northumberland political ephemera and offers a detailed insight into the electoral language, constitutional concerns and religious controversies that dominated provincial politics during the closing years of the unreformed Parliament.

Bell presents himself as a defender of the British constitution, Protestant interests and civil liberty. A substantial portion of the speech addresses the contentious issue of Catholic Emancipation, one of the defining political questions of the period. Bell argues against admitting Roman Catholics to political power whilst simultaneously asserting support for religious toleration and liberty of conscience, reflecting the complex political balancing required of candidates in the years before the passage of Catholic Relief in 1829.

The speech further emphasises Bell’s attachment to Northumberland, his support for agriculture, trade and manufacturing, and his commitment to representing the county’s interests in Parliament. The text concludes with an appeal for moderation and orderly conduct during what was expected to be a closely fought election campaign.

The Northumberland election of 1826 generated an extraordinary quantity of printed propaganda, speeches, songs, addresses and satirical broadsides. Such ephemeral productions were intended for immediate distribution amongst voters and generally experienced low survival rates. Consequently, original election broadsides from the contest are now uncommon, particularly in such well-preserved condition.

Beyond its local significance, the broadside provides a valuable contemporary record of political discourse during a crucial period in British constitutional history, immediately preceding both Catholic Emancipation and Parliamentary Reform.

No separate institutional record for this specific item has been traced. While election material relating to the Northumberland contests of the 1820s survives within archival and library collections, no separately catalogued institutional record for this particular Bell broadside has been identified during research.

A scarce and historically important survival from one of the most vigorously contested county elections of the Georgian era.

Condition: Near fine condition. Single-sheet printed broadside. Fold creases. Minor edge wear and a little light creasing to extremities. Printing strong and clear throughout with excellent legibility. An unusually well-preserved example.

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.