Ludlow

From 1688 and until 1727 there was no predominant interest at Ludlow, which normally chose its representatives from among the neighbouring landowners, notably the Herberts of Oakley, the Baldwyns of Stokesay, and the Walcots of Bitterley and Walcot. The Duke of Chandos also had an interest through his close connexion with Humphrey Walcot as well as from his purchase of the Bishop’s Castle estate. Chandos was mainly responsible for procuring the return in 1719 of Sir Robert Raymond,1Chandos to John Baldwyn, 9 Nov., 21 Dec. 1721, Chandos letter bks. the only non-local Member elected during the period; but in 1722 he withdrew Raymond for fear of prejudicing the return of Walcot, who in the event was defeated by the new recorder of the borough, Abel Ketelby.

All this was changed by H. A. Herbert, created Earl of Powis 1748, who in 1727 secured the return of himself and his brother, Richard, after a contest, thenceforth nominating both Members without opposition. His success was due to his skill in managing the corporation and in mobilizing the out-voters, a factor reflected in the increased poll of 1727.2Chandos to H. A. Herbert, 20, 29 June 1727, Wm. Hall to Samuel Waring, 29 Jan. 1727, 14, 16 Feb. 1727, ibid. He is said to have spent £20-£30,000 on the borough over a period of 20 years.3G. Lyttelton, Works (1774), p. 738. In the 2nd Lord Egmont’s electoral survey, c.1749-50, Ludlow is noted as ‘totally in Lord Powis’.