Georgian

Timeline

Council

First Charter

Queen Elizabeth's Charter

Reform

Parliament

Boundaries

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Reforming Parliament

Like most places in the country, the only people allowed to vote for Members of Parliament were the rich and well off. In 1830 the two members of Parliament for Reading were elected by about 1200 people out of the towns population of 16 000. The few people who were allowed to vote were often given money to vote for a particular person, threats were made to beat up voters who voted for the "wrong" candidate. In 1831 a reform bill was passed so that more of the men in the town were allowed to vote. Any one who owned or lived in a house worth more than £10 got a vote. Women did not get a vote for almost another 100 years.

The passing of the reform act was the chance for another celebration and large dinner party, this time with 7000 people sitting down to dinner.