Electioneering in the “Good Old Days”

Oct 22, 2014

Whilst travelling in England this last summer, we visited the original cotton mill at Cromford in Derbyshire. "Richard Arkwright's spinning machines revolutionised the manufacture of cotton" and he is seen as "the founder of the modern factory system". So says R.S. Fitton in his book The Arkwrights, Spinners of Fortune. And, obviously, UNESCO appear to agree, having entered Cromford Mill on the World Heritage List in 2001.

Cromford is a delight to visit. The eighteenth century mill buildings remain largely intact, along with the water-management structure which allowed Arkwright to harness water power for his factory. Across the road is the old canal - Arkwright's transport connection with the outside world, in those days before rail networks and efficient roads. If you go, there is a lovely café by the canal, serving those delicious afternoon teas which England is famous for.

In these days approaching Ontario's municipal elections, it is interesting to reflect on past campaigns. In his book, noted above, Fitton reflects on an election in Preston, Lancashire, at the time that Arkwright was perfecting his machines. He refers to the "famous Burgogne election of March 1768" noting that "bands of ruffians brought in from the surrounding countryside" caused mayhem, including "murder, maiming, pulling down of houses, destroying places of public worship" along with burnings and wrecking furniture.

As our elections attempt to become more efficient and user-friendly, it is interesting to look back at how things were!

Interestingly, despite the rioting, Arkwright is said to have bought himself a new "suit of clothes" in order to make himself presentable enough to appear at the polling station.

Burgoyne was elected to Parliament and Arkwright went on to be acknowledged as one of the great inventors of all time. Burgoyne went on to surrender a large British Army at the Battle of Saratoga, in New York state, giving himself a less envious place in history.

Jeff Sworowski