1884 Glasgow Franchise Demonstration Badge.

This Badge from the Glasgow Liberal Association was made to commemorate the demonstration that was held in Glasgow on the 6^th September 1884, it was estimated there were in excess of 250,000 people turned up as supporters for the “Franchise Bill” demonstration being held at Glasgow Green

This proposed amendment to the 1867 Reform Act would give men in rural areas that ether rented or owned property worth £10 or more per annum a vote.

The Conservative party dominating the House of Lords opposed the bill and blocked it when it was put forward to the House, Lord Sainsbury thought that this reform would reduce the power of the Tories in rural constituencies fearing that poorer people in the counties if allowed a vote would be unlikely to vote for a party that favoured wealth and privilege.

Gladstone refused to accept defeat and coupled with the huge demonstrations being held throughout the country he managed to reintroduce the measure. This time the Conservative members of the Lords agreed to pass Gladstone's proposals in return for the promise that it would be followed by a Redistribution Bill. Gladstone accepted their terms and the 1884 Reform Act was passed to become law.

The 1884 Glasgow Franchise Demonstration Badge from the Glasgow Liberal Association is a rare and collectable item that has rightly earned a place in the National Museums of Scotland

Description: 1884 Franchise Demonstration, Glasgow
Oval brass badge of the 1884 Franchise Demonstration, Glasgow, with the monogram GLA, inscribed LET GLASGOW FLOURISH AND FRANCHISE. 1884. DEMONSTRATION
Scotland , Lanarkshire, Glasgow

Language: en

Format: 103 mm H x 50 mm w; Brass. Inscription: GLA and arms / LET GLASGOW FLOURISH; on belt: FRANCHISE. 1884. DEMONSTRATION.

This Badge is in Mint condition considering it's age!