1705 English general election

English general election 1705

May–June 1705
All 513 seats of the House of Commons 257 seats were needed for a majority
First party Second party   Leader Marlborough Whig Junto Party Tory Whig Seats won 260 233 Seat change 38 49 Popular vote - - Percentage - -

The 1705 election saw contests in 110 constituencies in England and Wales, roughly 41% of the total. The election was fiercely fought, with mob violence and cries of "Church in Danger" occurring in several boroughs. During the previous session of Parliament the Tories had become increasingly unpopular, and their position was therefore somewhat weakened by the election, particularly by the Tackers controversy. Due to the uncertain loyalty of a group of 'moderate' Tories led by Robert Harley, the parties were roughly balanced in the House of Commons following the election, encouraging the Whigs to demand a greater share in the government led by Marlborough

Summary of the Constituencies

See British general election, 1796 for details. The constituencies used in England and Wales were the same throughout the period. In 1707 alone the 45 Scottish members were not elected from the constituencies, but were returned by co-option of a part of the membership of the last Parliament of Scotland elected before the Union.

Party strengths are an approximation, with many MPs' allegiances being unknown.

See also

List of members of the House of Commons at Westminster 1705–08

References

• Cruickshanks, Eveline; Handley, Stuart; Hayton, David, eds. (2002). The House of Commons, 1690-1715. The History of Parliament. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

External links

• History of Parliament: Members 1690-1715
• History of Parliament: Constituencies 1690-1715