[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Click for more Information about this image

Introduction
The Inheritance
Reform to 1850
1850-1900
Twentieth Century
Entire Collection
Search the Collection
Radical Songs
Further Reading
Acknowledgements
Home

The Voice of Radicalism


The Reform Coalition - Reform to 1850

Reformers wanted to end the old political system. The demands for radical change were strongest in Aberdeen.

  • Established businessmen wanted to replace the Tory-voting Haddens with Liberals like themselves
  • The new middle classes wanted to decide who ran the council and the Church of Scotland
  • Many working class inhabitants also wanted the vote
  • James Adam, the radical editor of The Aberdeen Herald wanted to separate Church and State.
  • The Blaikie family led the Aberdeen reform movement.
  • They were manufacturers who wanted to run the council
  • They were Whigs (rather conservative old-fashioned Liberals)
  • They led an alliance for change that included working class radicals
  • In 1831 they organised a big rally on the Links attended by more than 10,000 people supporting Reform.

Joseph Hume from Montrose was the most famous local Radical. He:

  • Represented the Aberdeen group of burghs prior to 1830
  • Was rector of Marischal College
  • Was a popular speechwriter whose speeches were widely circulated in the press.

Reform to 1850 >>


Lottery Funded - Big Lottery Fund

Historic Collections · Kings College · Old Aberdeen · AB24 3SW

Tel:(0)44 1224 274312 · E-mail: radicalism@abdn.ac.uk

Page design by DISS Web Design Unit