Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The main aim of the project was to examine the inter-relations between politics and economics in Sandwich. The intention was to trace the voting history of each voter, and to associate any changes with external circumstances (e.g. change of occupation, change of residence, etc.) and to identify patterns of change among the voters' political preferences.

Main Topics:

This data collection consists of a transcription of the poll books for the parliamentary constituency of Sandwich, Kent for the nine general elections and four by-elections between 1831 and 1868. Each voter is identified by name, occupation and qualifying property (where appropriate and available) and details are given of the way his two votes were cast. Where the vote was split, or was a plumper vote, details are given as to which candidates were supported. Non-voters who appear on the electoral roll and not in the poll books are included, but voters enfranchised under the terms of the 1867 Act are not included. The main variables are: surname; forenames; voter type (freeman or elector); votes cast; occupation; electors' residential qualification; freemen's parish of residence.

No sampling (total universe)

Transcription of existing materials

Compilation or synthesis of existing material