Droitwich

In 1715 the right of election at Droitwich was in the freemen who owned a share in an ancient salt pit, called the corporation salt springs, which had dried up by 1725.

From 1708 to 1747 the representation was shared by the Foleys and the Winningtons without a contest. In 1747 Lord Foley took advantage of the death of Thomas Winnington and the minority of his heir to attempt both seats. His candidates, Thomas Foley and Samuel Masham, Tories, were opposed by two Whigs, Francis Winnington and Edwin Sandys, the first three of whom tied and were returned, all four petitioning. On the merits of the return, the House of Commons awarded the seats to Foley and Winnington, but on the merits of the election, Sandys unseated Foley by proving that nine of his voters were freemen with no property in the corporation salt springs.2CJ, xxv. 424, 427, 463. Next year Lord Foley gained control of both seats by the creation of additional freemen, whose right to vote was upheld in a legal action brought by the Winningtons.3VCH Worcs. ii. 231; Nash, Worcs. 304. The 2nd Lord Egmont noted against Droitwich in his electoral survey, c. 1749-50: ‘Lord Foley will bring in two Tories.’