Jug, 1807
This jug was made to show support for Lord Milton in the 1807 general election. Lord Milton was one of the candidates competing to be a Member of Parliament for Yorkshire. The other two candidates were Lascelles and Hullâs William Wilberforce.
Milton and Wilberforce were elected as MPs. Yorkshire had two MPs because of the countyâs size. Many other items were produced to advertise the candidates. Medallions decorated with the candidatesâ pictures were a popular way of showing support.
The meaning of the word âplumperâ on this jug is confusing at first. A plumper is a vote cast at an election for a single candidate instead of an optional two or more. A plumper can also be a person who votes for one candidate at an election when he is allowed to vote for more.
As Yorkshire had two MPs, voters were allowed to vote for two candidates at the 1807 election. This jugâs message is to vote only for Milton, giving the other candidates fewer votes. This tactic would give Milton the best chance of being elected.
The 1807 election for the County of Yorkshire was a fiercely fought contest. People were eager to read about the latest voting figures and handbills were printed daily to show the results. Cartoon pamphlets were produced ridiculing the characters of the candidates, adding to the lively debate about the election.
Like Lord Milton, William Wilberforce was successful at the election. He had been an MP for Yorkshire since 1784. Yorkshire was one of the most powerful counties in England, so his position as MP gave Wilberforce great influence.
Wilberforce first became interested in politics whilst at university. He watched MPs debate in the House of Commons and was inspired to become an MP himself. He was elected MP for Hull in 1780, at the age of 21, before becoming MP for Yorkshire four years later. Wilberforce held office in Parliament for over 40 years.
