Database of Poems
The New Chevy Chase
1832: Representation of the People Acts
Author: Anon
Publication: The New Chevy Chase
Publisher: Printed by Menzies, Lawnmarket
Place of publication: Edinburgh, Scotland
Publication type: Pamphlet
Featured individuals:
Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen (1792-1849)
King William IV (1765-1837)
Henry Brougham (1778-1868)
John Wilson Croker (1780-1857)
Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey (1764-1845)
Henry Hunt (1773-1835)
John Lambton, Earl of Durham (1792-1840)
Robert Peel (1788-1850)
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell (1792-1878)
James Scarlett, 1st Baron Abinger (1769-1844)
John Scott, Earl of Eldon (1751-1838)
John Spencer, Viscount Althorp (1782-1845)
Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington (1769-1852)
Charles Wetherell (1770-1846)
A full copy of this poem is available.
Archive/Library: National Library of Scotland
Classmark(s): ABS.10.206.02
Pages(s): 1-8
This long poem is accompanied by an illustration representing a man on a horse, 'Lord John upon a Gallant Grey', a line from the poem and a reference to the pro-reform Whigs, John Russell and Earl Grey. The poem begins by criticising the Tories' love of their 'borough towns' and it then portrays the rise of Whigs because the people 'were rous'd for freedom's sake'. There is then a debate between Whig and Tory politicians which results in a battle and the Whigs are portrayed as winning, but then Earl Grey is slain. King William is then portrayed as saving the people by creating 'an hundred Peers' to secure the passing of the Reform Bill. Lord Harrow and Philpots also referenced, but it is not clear who this refers to. No publication date is printed on this pamphlet but it is most likely from mid-1832.