London Corresponding Society handbill, 1793 , Catalogue ref: TS 24/3/34
Transcript
REFORM IN PARLIAMENT.
LONDON CORRESPONDING Society,
April 11, 1793.
A PETITION
TO BE PRESENTED TO THE HONORABLE
The HOUSE of COMMONS,
PRAYING for a Radical Reform in the
Representation of the PEOPLE; now
lies for the Reception of Signatures at
the following Places. viz
Mr. RIDGEWAY’s Bookseller, York-street,
St James’-square.
Mr. HARDY, No. 9, Piccadilly near the Hay-
market.
Mr LAMBATH’s, No. 3, St. George’s Mall,
near the Dog-and-Duck.
Mr EATON’s, Bookseller, No. 81, Bishopsgate-
Without.
Mr. SPENCE’S, Bookseller, No. 8, Little-
Turnstile, Holborn.
The Office of the Morning Post, Blake Court,
Catharine-Street, Strand.
And the Office of the Courier, No. 38, Charing-Cross.
Near 3000 have already signed.
No Expence attends Signing.
The London Corresponding Society, and others across the country made Thomas Paine’s ‘Rights of Man’ available, members wrote articles, organised speakers to tour the country, held debates, meetings and discussions. The membership consisted of working men, artisans, tradesmen, and shopkeepers. However, when Britain later became involved in war with France, those who demanded parliamentary reform were regarded as traitors and a threat to law and order.
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- What is the tone of the document?
- What was the purpose of the London Corresponding Society according to this document?
- Is this society campaigning for reform linked to social or economic issues?
- What method did the London Corresponding Society use for its campaign?
- How did it encourage people to give their support?
- What other sources might provide evidence for why people demanded political reform?
- What type of people might have joined the London Corresponding Society?