| Description | Henry Thomas Liddell, stood as the Conservative Candidate for the County of Northumberland By election which took place 21 February-7 March 1826, following the death of the previous Member of Parliament Mr Brandling. The other candidate was Matthew Bell (1793-1871) who won the seat. Liddell, who was supported by the Duke of Newcastle, won the Election in June 1826, along with Matthew Bell.
Henry Thomas Liddell (1797-1878), was born on 10 March 1797, the eldest son of Sir Thomas Henry Liddell, and Maria Susannah (nee Simpson). He was educated at Eton College, and St John's College, Cambridge (though did not graduate). He married Isabella Horatia ((nee Seymour, 1801-1856)) on 9 November 1820, and they had 5 sons and 8 daughters. After his political success he carried on a political career. More details can be found in the Dictionary of National Biography.
A fine collection of 36 letters, mainly from supporters and well wishers of Liddell in the area who were writing to William Dickson and Robert Thorp, Solicitors of Alnwick, who stood as Liddell's agents. Many of the letters include local postmarks and seals. They record people who might be persuaded to vote for Liddell, administrative details such as hiring rooms and horses, and give a good insight into how elections worked at this time. In one letter declares he was to take crimson as his colour, a piece of crimson silk is pinned to this letter [DM2159/23]. These letters probably emanate from the solicitors Dickson and Thorp, Bailiff Gate Street, Alnwick.
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Newcastle Robert Leadbitter to Dickson. A printer is producing 2000 copies of Liddell's letter of 2 February, to circulate in the Southern division of the county.
3 February 1826
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Berwick on Tweed Vaughan Forster to Dickson. He wants to vote for Liddell but is not sure if his name is on the land tax schedule. 3 February 1826
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Alnwick James Russell to Dickson. A need to canvass in Alnwick. 3 February 1826
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Alnwick James Russell to Dickson. A need to canvass the Governors of Greenwich Hospital, and Trustees of Lord Crewe. 3 February 1826
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Alnwick John Hunter to Robert Thorp Provision of horses 3 February 1826
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Morpeth Henry Burmell to Thorp and Dickson. Concerning printers, canvassing, and individuals. 3 February 1826
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Alnwick Jonathan Thirwall to Robert Thorp. Enquires whether Liddell has the Duke of Northumberland's patronage. 3 February 1826
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Morpeth postmark HE Burmell to Dickson. Canvassing at Morpeth 4 February 1826
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Newcastle postmark Messrs Clayton to Dickson. Has Liddell been sent the London newspapers? 4 February 1826
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Gerald Selby to Dickson. Canvassing. 5 February 1826
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Morpeth postmark H Burmell to Dickson. Canvassing. 5 February 1826
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Newcastle postmark 6 February 1826
Robert Leadbitter to Dickson. Date of Election, notices in press 5 February 1826
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Alnwick James Russell to Dickson. Canvassing. [5 February 1826]
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Gateshead postmark John Dobson to Dickson. 'Mr Liddell rector of Boldon (Uncle to the new member that is to be)', canvassing. 6 February 1826
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Morpeth postmark. H. Brumell to Dickson. Lists of people canvassed 6 February 1826
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Gateshead postmark W. Liddell to Dickson. Canvassing Shields and other areas. Possibly this letter is written by the candidate. 6 February 1826
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List of people, possibly a committee [7 February 1826]
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Morpeth James Russell to Dickson. Names individuals favourable to Liddell. 7 February 1826
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Gateshead postmark W. Liddell to Dickson. Canvassing in Shields, 500 votes. 7 February 1826
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Alnwick James Russell to Dickson. Need to canvass for Liddell, and discusses individuals. 7 February 1826
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Newcastle postmark Messrs Fenwick to Dickson. Canvassing in West Shields; need to set date of election. 8 February 1826
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James Taylor to Dickson. Letter difficult to read. 8 February 1826
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Gateshead postmark W. Liddell to Dickson. 'My colour is crimson', with crimson silk attached. Letter from the candidate. 9 February 1826
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Newcastle Robert Leadbitter to Dickson. Canvassing North Shields and area, Morpeth, Hexham, and Newcastle. 9 February 1826
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Alnwick John Leithead to Dickson. Date of election fixed for 21st February. 9 February 1826
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Thomas Adams Russell to Dickson. (incidental letter) 9 February 1826
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Alnwick Gerard Selby (incidental letter) 11 February 1826
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Alnwick postmark Major Clutterbuck to Robert Thorpe. Send William Cramlington a letter to get his vote. 11 February 1826
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Gateshead postmark Liddell to Dickson. A new candidate is Mr Bell of Woolington, 'Newcastle is his stronghold'. [12 February 1826]
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Alnwick James Russell to Dickson. Need for a Committee Room in Alnwick. 13 February 1826
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Newcastle postmark. Mr Fenwick to Dickson. Copies of canvas lists. 13 February 1826
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H. Burmell to Thorp. 80 votes available at Morpeth. [14 February 1826]
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Alnwick. Copy of letter from Wickson to Leithead concerning an agreement which Mr Liddell can sign. 14 February 1826
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T. Liddell to Dickson ['Dixon'] asking him to accompany his brother Mr Liddell to visit friends. 22 February 1826
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William Dickson to JA Wilkie. Concerning voting issues and qualifications. 1 March 1826
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Rothbury John Young to Robert Thorp. Discussing name on the electoral roll, and other named individuals. 26 May 1826
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