Author: Anon [B. Times]

Publication: Loyal Reformers' Gazette

Published: 19 November 1831

Place of publication: Glasgow, Scotland

Publication type: Newspaper/Periodical

Featured individuals:
King William IV (1765-1837)
John Wilson Croker (1780-1857)
George Murray, Baron Dunmore (1762-1836)
Robert Peel (1788-1850)
John Scott, Earl of Eldon (1751-1838)
Charles William Vane, Marquess of Londonderry (1778-1854)
Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington (1769-1852)

A full copy of this poem is available.

This poem has a set tune, and its title is:
O'er the Water to Charlie.

Archive/Library: Mitchell Library, Glasgow
Classmark(s): Reel Number: 3088; Pressmark: SNMU 175/98
Pages(s): 463

The poem is written in Scots and its subject is the 'besom' who stands up to those Lords opposed to the franchise, several of whom are referenced.  It is not entirely clear who or what the 'besom' is: we are told that it 'soops' (sweeps) but it may also refer to 'liberty', often personified as female too.  The poem's author is 'B. Times.'  The poem may have originally appeared in the Times but, usually, The Loyal Reformers' Gazette includes a dash before publication attributions, so more likely to be the author's pseudonym.  The poem certainly previous appeared in The Glasgow Chronicle, 14/11/1831.