A Britain of Panthers and Lions: House of Oldenburg Britain
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VVD0D95
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I don't think so, the Scots haven't been badly treated here, they came into the union on fair terms. Why would Scottish nationalism rise? Especially if nationalism more broadly doesn't rise.
VVD0D95
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I mean in some aspects they are,. One can't ignore the nine hundred years of history that preceded the union.
Chapter 262: Reform
VVD0D95
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Chapter 262: Reform
October, 1740
October, 1740
It had taken years, but finally the King had agreed to consider electoral reform. Henry knew that he needed to find an appropriate solution to sate the King’s concerns, but at the same time, he knew they needed to work quickly, before Walpole or that idiot Wyndham did something that put the King off the idea for good. That was why he’d chosen two people to work with him on this project, two people who he knew could work quickly and smartly. John Leveson Gower, under-secretary for the Northern Department and John Hynde Cotton, a man who had worked in the treasury for a great many years. Both were fanatically loyal to the King, and both wanted a workable solution.
Henry took a breath and then said. “Our task is simple, gentlemen, we must devise a plan that will reform the electoral system and make it fairer whilst also not reducing the influence of the King.”
“Should be relatively easy then.” Cotton said sarcastically.
Henry ignored the comment and continued. “At present there are 600 seats in Parliament, with the majority being based in England. However, they are controlled by a variety of patrons, many of whom have signalled that they require favours for influencing their voters to vote for the Tories. This is unacceptable. If we are to have a Parliament that is elected, there must be a fairness to the system.”
Cotton spoke once more. “How are we to make the system fairer and retain the King’s influence? I do not know whether the two are compatible.”
Henry took a moment to think on what the man had said and then he replied. “If we extend the franchise to those who own at least £5 worth of property, that will bring in the lesser merchants and the small business owners who are traditionally the ones who levy the strongest support for the crown. The most recent election saw them speaking with the candidates who stood to the Crown’s line on a whole host of issues.”
“So, we extend the franchise to them, but that still means there are rotten seats. Places like Old Sarum which have three houses in them, but still return MPs compared with Manchester which is growing considerably, but only has one MP. How is that fair?” Cotton asked.
Gower spoke then. “We remove those boroughs and compensate their landlords with places at court, or with rich postings in the new world.”
“Would the King agree to that?” Cotton asked.
“I think His Majesty would agree if it removed some of the more troublesome landlords.” Henry said. Thinking of the Earl of Devonshire here, who controlled some six or seven rotten boroughs, and influenced countless more.
“But,” Cotton said. “Most of the landlords got their voters to vote Tory during the last election. Explaining to them that their services are now being rewarded by having their power taken away, will need something better than a desire to simply serve their King. They will want monetary compensation and power.”
“Then we shall give those lords who know how to read an explanation that will stir on their patriotism.” Henry said.
“How?” Cotton asked. “Are you going to start selling your book again?”
Henry laughed. His book, The Patriot King, had been written some time ago, but had never seen the light of day beyond the two men in this room. “No, but I am going to have Benjamin Franklin write a series of articles explaining the benefits of what we are proposing. People listen to Franklin; he’s got The Guardian’s readership up five-fold since he took over.”
“And you just know Devonshire will reply with in The Independent.” Gower said. “Though, that man doesn’t have the same sort of pulling power that his father did, so perhaps his effectiveness might be reduced.”
“Indeed.” Henry said. “However, it is no good having all of this in place when we do not have the outline for what we would do.”
Gower answered quickly. “Abolish the defunct rotten boroughs like Old Sarum, give more representation to places like Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin. Extend the franchise to those who own at least £5 worth of property and are male and aged 21 or over.”
Henry looked at Cotton, waiting to see if the man had a protest to voice, when he did not, Henry nodded. “I shall have this written down and presented to the King at the next cabinet meeting. Good work gentlemen.”
People wanting representation are likely to vote for whomever gives it to them. Also New England was very patriotic at this time as I recall, they are likely to vote for the King's Party.
Perhaps the King could visit in person? Is he not corious about the New World colonies held in his name given the seer size of his holdings?
VVD0D95
Banned
I'm sure he is, but the logistics of organising such a visit would be a bit of a nightmare right now, no?
Maybe? If the King wants to cross the ocean, the King will cross the ocean- though not until the possible war is sorted obviously.
If he was going I would suggest a small fleet to escort him. However the King in the North American colonies seeing how they work (or don't) first hand might head off some problems. Certainly be memorable!
why would he go?he can james or george to the colonies to inspect them,i imagine that would be a good experience for the both of them and give george insights on the colonies and what he wants to do with them
VVD0D95
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Which James? King James or his son James, Duke of Cambridge. George could also go yes. King James could go because its his colonies.
the duke of cambridge,while the king could go sending george or james to them seems a better option since it will expand their experience and let them see how the colonies are managed
Chapter 263: The End of Ansbach
VVD0D95
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Chapter 263: The End of Ansbach
December, 1740
December, 1740
Caroline bit back a cough and felt her chest constrict around her, forcing her to splutter for air. The disease had snuck up on her over the past few months, and by the time she’d realised something was wrong, it was too late. There was nothing the doctors could do, and so here she was. On her deathbed and awaiting the end of time. Her family was all around her, her sons and the one daughter who had not married yet. Her husband was to her right, holding her hand.
“Charles.” She rasped.
“I’m here, Mother.” Her youngest son said.
Caroline looked at him and saw his shock of hair and smiled. “You are the sweetest of our sons, and you will make a fantastic scientist, remember to always look out for your brothers, for they will not always take the time to think after their own wellbeing.”
“I will, Mother.” Charles said, kissing her brow before moving back into the crowd.
Caroline coughed then, and took the cup of water her husband offered her. She downed it in a few gulps and then handed him the cup back. “Charlotte.” She called.
Her youngest daughter stepped forward then. “Mother?”
Charlotte was the child who looked the most like her, and was the most like her, her husband to be would be a very lucky man. “Be kind and be smart, as you always are, my dear. I know you face a challenge, but you will overcome it.”
“I will, Mother.” Charlotte said, kissing her brow.
Her second son, James, Duke of Cambridge stepped forward then. “Ah, James, my darling boy. We both know that there are troubles ahead for you. Beauclerk is returning, and soon so shall temptation. Do what you must to avoid him, even if it pains you. And make sure never to leave your wife alone for more than a few moments in this place.”
Her second son looked as if he were about to cry, but instead he swallowed and said. “I promise to do what I can, Mother.”
“And make sure to look out for your brothers and sister. You know how it is.” Caroline said, winking at him.
Her son laughed and then kissed her left hand before stepping back. Caroline felt another coughing fit coming, so she took a deep breath and waited, when it came she knew the end was close. But there was still much she needed to say, so she held off for the time being, though her eyes were heavy.
“George….” She called out. She felt her eldest son take her left hand. She tried to turn her head to look at him, but it was too painful to do so, so instead she looked straight ahead. “My darling George, you are the heir, the choice of the future stands before you. Make sure to work with your father through everything that comes. Make sure to be a good husband and father. And always remember your good heart.”
Her son said nothing for a moment, and then he whispered. “I promise I will remember, Mother.”
“Good.” Caroline replied. She knew her time was right ahead. She could feel death’s hands on her shoulder. She inhaled deeply and coughed as she breathed out. She blinked and then whispered. “I love you, dearest husband of mine. I love you all, and it pains me to know I won’t be here anymore. But know that I love you all very much.”
“We love you very much as well, my love.” Her husband said, she knew her children wouldn’t be able to hear it, but she could, she could hear the slight shake in her husband’s voice.
“I am tired now. I will rest.” Caroline said.
“Rest, my love. You have earned it.” her husband replied.
Caroline smiled, and was about to make a remark, but then her eyes closed and she could feel the embrace of the end come over her. Knowing as she did that the future was secure, she let it come over her and then she slipped into the void.
VVD0D95
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Oh for sure, and at least more of her children were there to be with her in her final moments as well.
VVD0D95
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Oh for sure, I think we're going to see a slight shift. Some greater patronage of musicians for sure, and perhaps a big encouragement of centralisation for her husband, if one goes by her otl personality.