Document that gave a voice to the people
Nov 23 2010 by David Whetstone, The Journal
AN iconic document is to have pride of place in an exhibition about the struggle for democracy, as DAVID WHETSTONE reports.
ALL these years Earl Grey has stood on top of his monument in the heart of Newcastle, but how many people could tell you exactly why he’s there, other than suggesting vaguely some association with scented tea?
Those in the know will confirm what is inscribed on the plinth, that this particular Northumbrian was the Prime Minister when the Great Reform Act was steered through parliament in 1832.
Properly known as the Representation of the People Act, it dramatically increased the number of people – well, men – allowed to vote and also gave the burgeoning cities of the Industrial Revolution seats in the House of Commons.
At the same time it did away with the so-called “rotten boroughs”, those relics of history with tiny populations that gave some individuals a disproportionate say in national affairs.
This week the historic document itself will have pride of place in an exhibition at Newcastle City Library and its association with Earl Grey will be emphasised by new signage due to be installed near the landmark monument at the top of Grey Street.
The exhibition, Taking Liberties, looks at the 900-year struggle for democracy in the United Kingdom, paying particular attention to the North East’s contribution.
It is one of the fruits of a developing partnership between Newcastle City Libraries and the British Library, which is lending some of its treasures; but the Great Reform Act, on scrolled parchment, is coming from the Parliamentary Archives in London.
It promises to be a reminder of the many battles that have brought us to our present position where anyone aged 18 or over (bar prisoners – and that’s a battle ongoing) has the right to vote on a regular basis for the person who will represent them in the House of Commons.
Arguably, it is also a reminder to those promoting the notion of democracy overseas that this is not a system that arrived with us overnight or without the shedding of blood, tears and sweat.
“What we are trying to get over to people is that many of the rights and liberties we all take for granted today were not won without a fight,” says Kath Cassidy, heritage manager for Newcastle City Libraries.
“It took a long time and a lot of people died for our right to have the vote. Women, in particular, suffered during the struggle.”
It wasn’t until 1928 that all men and women were allowed to vote, provided they were aged 21 (the age was lowered to 18 in 1969).
Ten years previously the vote had been extended to women, but only those aged 30 and above who were either a householder or married to one. Failing the latter stipulations, a university degree would do instead.
