The Speech of John Davidson, Writer in Aberdeen, intended to be delivered by him at the Great Reform Meeting held on the Broad-Hill of the Links

RAD125

John Davidson, the writer of this pamphlet, was a printer and Tory supporter. He was one of the (self-appointed)leaders of the reform movement in Aberdeen. This article is preceeded by a letter to Alexander Bannerman, who was to be elected MP for Aberdeen the following year, at the first 'reformed' election. Davidson was to be one of the speakers at a well-attended meeting in support of reform, held on 22nd October 1831, at the Broad Hill of the Links - the open-air meeting place in Aberdeen. Appalling weather meant that Davidson was unable to deliver his speech - it was very windy and the hustings blew down. Fortunately, no one was injured. Davidson's speech refers to the fact that the House of Lords had recently thrown out the Reform Bill, which the House of Commons had passed by a majority. Davidson believed that the bill had been vetoed by the Church of England bishops who sat in the House of Lords. He felt that as Lords of the Church rather than of the country, these bishops ought not to sit in the House of Lords.

created in October 1831
published in November 1831

John Davidson

printed paper pamphlet

University of Aberdeen

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