2-979-683 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Finsbury Election: the Hustings on Clerkenwell-Green: the Nominations, 1857. 'At the close of the poll at four o'clock at least 10,000 persons had assembled...in the hope of hearing an address from some of the candidates, more especially those who were understood to be successful; but they were doomed to disappointment, and, to make up for this shortcoming, an "independent" elector made a speech from the window of Mr. Cox's committee-room, the Crown Tavern, which appeared to have such an exciting effect upon his auditory that several fights took place, and the uproar was only quelled by the interference of the police. It is said that the return of Mr. Cox will be petitioned against - upon the ground that he has employed paid canvassers. The opinion of counsel...is, that such a proceeding is an act of bribery'. Dunscombe [sic] and Cox were elected. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.