ABSTRACT
The accession of Queen Victoria, on 20 June 1837, necessitated a General Election under the Succession to the Crown Act (1707). Peel’s return for Tamworth, as one of the borough’s two MPs, was guaranteed, given the family’s dominant position in the locality. However, when another Conservative, Edward Henry à Court (1783–1855), proceeded to contest the other seat, Peel’s agents were charged with unduly influencing the electors in his favour. The charge was made by Lord Charles Townshend (1785–1853), who had represented Tamworth from 1812–1818 and 1820–1834, and almost led to a duel with Peel.
Edward à Court served as a naval captain during the Napoleonic Wars and was a founder member of the Carlton Club in 1832. In 1837, he inherited Amington Hall, near Tamworth, from his father’s first cousin, which necessitated him changing his surname to à Court-Repington. He served alongside Peel as MP for Tamworth until 1847.
Peel’s speech represents his defence against the charge of electoral intimidation.
