<p>Weobley had a complicated franchise, akin to that of a burgage borough. About 1750 the leading interests were in Lord Weymouth, lord of the manor, who nominated the returning officer, and Mansell Powell, a shady attorney, who owned a majority of the vote houses. In the first half of the century the borough was much disputed, and there was a strong party bent on preventing it becoming close. Between 1750 and 1754 Weymouth, by his purchase of Powell’s vote houses, gained a commanding interest; which was confirmed at the general election of 1754. For the remainder of this period Weobley was a pocket borough of the Thynne family.</p>
Volume
Number of seats
2
Right of election
‘in the inhabitants of the ancient vote houses of 20s. per annum value and upwards, residing in the said borough 40 days before the day of election and paying scot and lot; and also in the owners of such ancient vote houses paying scot and lot who shall be resident in such houses at the time of election.’
Background Information
Number of voters: about 100
Constituency Type