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Title:
Parliamentary Poll Books of Sandwich, Kent, 1831-1868

Subject Categories:
Political history - History
Population history - History
Election returns - Politics
Community and urban studies - Society and culture

Depositor(s):
Andrews, F.W.G.

Principal Investigator(s):
Andrews, F.W.G., University of London

Abstract:
The main aim of the project was to examine the inter-relations between politics and economics in Sandwich. The intention was to trace the voting history of each voter, and to associate any changes with external circumstances (e.g. change of occupation, change of residence, etc.) and to identify patterns of change among the voters' political preferences.
Main Topics:
This data collection consists of a transcription of the poll books for the parliamentary constituency of Sandwich, Kent for the nine general elections and four by-elections between 1831 and 1868. Each voter is identified by name, occupation and qualifying property (where appropriate and available) and details are given of the way his two votes were cast. Where the vote was split, or was a plumper vote, details are given as to which candidates were supported. Non-voters who appear on the electoral roll and not in the poll books are included, but voters enfranchised under the terms of the 1867 Act are not included.

The main variables are: surname; forenames; voter type (freeman or elector); votes cast; occupation; electors' residential qualification; freemen's parish of residence.

Coverage:
Time Period Covered: 1831-1868
Dates of Fieldwork: 1970-1975, 1982-1987
Country: England
Geography: Deal; Sandwich; Walmer; Kent
Spatial Units: Parishes
Observation Units: Individuals
Kind of Data: Textual data; Alpha/numeric data; Individual (micro) level

Universe Sampled:
Location of Units of Observation:Subnational
Population:Voters in parliamentary elections in the constituency of Sandwich, Kent, 1831-1868.

Methodology:
Time Dimensions: Repeated cross-sectional study
Sampling Procedures: No sampling (total universe)
Number of Units: 2823 (obtained)
Method of Data Collection: Transcription of existing materials; Compilation or synthesis of existing material
Data Sources: Sandwich poll books (1831, 1832, 1857, 1866), Kent Local Studies collection, Centre for Kentish Studies, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent
Sandwich poll book (1835), Sandwich Guildhall archives (a photocopy is held by the Institute of Historical Research)
Sandwich poll book (1837), Society of Genealogists, London (No.2164)
Sandwich poll book (1841), British Library (10361 C 29)
Sandwich poll books (1847, 1852, 1859 general election, 1868), Guildhall Library, London
Sandwich poll books (1859 by-election, 1865), in private possession (photocopies are held by the Institute of Historical Research)

Language(s) of Written Materials:
Study Description: English
Study Documentation: English

Access:
Access Conditions: The depositor has specified that registration is required. Available to all registered users. The depositor may be informed about usage.
Availability: History Data Service, UK Data Archive
Contact: Help desk: hds@essex.ac.uk

Date of Release:
First Edition: 31 July 2001

Copyright:
Copyright F.W.G. Andrews

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