NORTHUMBERLAND ELECTION BROADSIDE – “Northumberland Election” – “An Answer To Scrutator” – Newcastle – 1826

Rare Georgian Northumberland election broadside issued during the famous 1826 county election.

Printed at Newcastle by J. Clark and signed “TORY”, the broadside answers an opposing writer using the pseudonym “Scrutator” and attacks Matthew Bell with the memorable phrase: “why should we allow the WHIG-FINGER to be thrust into our PIE?”

The sheet forms part of the highly charged printed propaganda surrounding the 1826 Northumberland election, involving Lord Howick, Matthew Bell, Henry Thomas Liddell, and Thomas Wentworth Beaumont. The contest became notorious for its immense expense, coalition rumours, personal attacks, and fierce party language.

The broadside is especially interesting for its compact, almost slogan-like format, contrasting sharply with the longer argumentative handbills from the same election. Its humour, brevity, and bold use of “WHIG-FINGER” make it a particularly vivid example of Georgian electoral satire.

A bibliographic record for this title is traced via Google Books, recording the title as Northumberland Election. An Answer to Scrutator, by “Tory”, printed by J. Clark in 1826.

Single printed broadside. Sheet size approximately 24 x 18.4 cm.

Condition: Fold lines as issued, light creasing, minor handling wear, and slight age toning. Overall very good.

A scarce and engaging survival of Georgian Northumberland political ephemera from one of the most celebrated county elections of the period.

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