Database of Poems
Rhymes of a Reformer: The Reformer's Song
1832: Representation of the People Acts
Author: Brande
Publication: Glasgow Chronicle
Published: 6 May 1831
Place of publication: Glasgow, Scotland
Publication type: Newspaper/Periodical
Featured individuals:
Henry Brougham (1778-1868)
John Wilson Croker (1780-1857)
Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey (1764-1845)
Francis Jeffrey (1773-1850)
John Lowther (1793-1868)
Robert Peel (1788-1850)
William Pitt the Younger (1759-1806)
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell (1792-1878)
John Scott, Earl of Eldon (1751-1838)
John Spencer, Viscount Althorp (1782-1845)
Philip Henry Stanhope (1805-1875)
No full copy of this poem is available.
Archive/Library: Mitchell Library, Glasgow
Classmark(s): Hard copy: BX 42a
Pages(s): 4
The speaker addresses a crowd of men, perhaps in a pub, drinking to 'the great Reform!'. The speaker takes a moderate line, saying he doesn't care who is named a Lord and doesn't want to 'demolish the State', but simply wants a 'true Reform'. This stance was in contrast to many Radicals who were outspokenly opposed to the House of Lords, which was mainly populated with individuals who wanted to scupper the passing of the Reform Bill. The speaker calls for a more representative parliament - filled with those 'who may tell our tale' - and it specifically commends the pro-Reform Whigs and several Whig politicians. The poem is attributed to The Globe, a London newspaper, and it appeared in the Caledonian Mercury the following day.