The Political Debate: Slavery

Election Poster in defence of Gladstone, 1832 (reference: DD/NM/2/1/75)

Throughout the nineteenth century slavery continued to be a major issue in political elections.

During the 1832 campaign in Newark a poster was distributed around the town claiming parliamentary candidate (and future British Prime Minister) William Gladstone was not in favour of abolition, despite his claims to the contrary.

Gladstone responded to this attack with his own poster, addressed to 'the Electors of Newark'. He claimed that the attack was false and libellous and that he deplored slavery. He also discussed the issues of abolition.

Such vociferous criticism and argument made sure that slavery remained at the centre of public debate.

Find out more...

• Larger version of the poster: follow this link to see the poster in more detail [PDF 542KB]
• Attack on Gladstone: find out more about the accusation made against Gladstone
• The 1826 Nottingham election: slavery was also a major issue at this campaign. Find out more about it here
• Further information: explore other web sites and online resources

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