Database of Poems
A New Song
1832: Representation of the People Acts
Author: Anon
Publication: A New Song
Publication type: Broadside
Featured individuals:
King William IV (1765-1837)
Henry Brougham (1778-1868)
Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey (1764-1845)
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell (1792-1878)
John Spencer, Viscount Althorp (1782-1845)
Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington (1769-1852)
No full copy of this poem is available.
This poem has a set tune, and its title is:
Hey ho Dobbin.
Archive/Library: National Library of Scotland
Classmark(s): ABS.10.206.02
The subject of this poem is a reform jubilee; these were celebrations that were held to mark the passing of the Reform Bill. The speaker expresses their surprise at the fact that Earl Grey (the pro-reform Prime Minister) resigned earlier in the year, but they nevertheless commend his work. Although the poem is celebratory, and mocks the anti-reformers, the speaker does advise caution, as the Scotch and Irish Reform Bills are yet to pass through parliament. There are no publication details printed on this broadside, but there is a handwritten note at the bottom, '30 July 1832', which may refer to the date of publication.