The county members were usually elected unopposed from among the leading Whig families, particularly the Powletts, Dukes of Bolton, the most important family in Hampshire, who owned large estates at Basingstoke, Alresford and Lyndhurst in the New Forest. In 1715 the election was compromised but on 25 Feb. 1722 the 3rd Duke of Bolton, the lord lieutenant, wrote to Sunderland:
My two brothers are set up to represent the county this next election. I find not only the Whig gentlemen but even some of the Tory interest very zealous and ready to serve me and we are all of opinion that there will be no opposition, if we have, there is but six families that can make an interest that are Tories, and we have greatly broke into their interest. ... I am to meet all the country gentlemen to see if they will attempt an opposition.
Sunderland (Blenheim) mss.
There was no opposition in 1722 or 1727, but in 1734, when the Whig interest was split by the Duke of Bolton, who had gone into opposition, the Tories put up two candidates, Edward Lisle and Sir Simeon Stuart, against Lord Harry Powlett and Anthony Chute.
My lord has taken a great deal of pains and had vast success; but it is no small trouble to retrieve the interest of a county almost lost: the task would have been very hard had we had any other man but Lord Lymington to have supported us; but the perfect harmony that is between my lord and him, makes everything go with ease and pleasure. The Whig gentlemen act now with vigour and resolution, and there seems to be a point in the county entirely to our advantage and I am in great hopes that we shall quite defeat the design of our enemies.
Lady Sundon, Mems. 321-2.
On 4 Apr. 1734 the Duke of Bolton wrote to the mayor and freeholders of Basingstoke:
It is with the greatest reluctancy that I am obliged to oppose Mr. Chute’s election for the county, but since he has put it out of my power to promote his interest, I desire you will not give him your votes at the next election. I will say no more to you though I have provocation enough, but the not voting at all will equally oblige.
Chaloner Chute, Hist. of the Vyne, 83-84.
Chute was defeated by Lisle, who was returned with Powlett. The Whigs were reunited on the Duke of Bolton’s return to office in 1740, after which there were no more contests.
Number of voters: about 5200