Strong-arm tactics and bribery were suspected as means to pursuade people to elect the Marquis of Exeter in the general election at Stamford in 1831. Charles Tennyson (uncle of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the poet) was also elected.
“The election for the borough of Stamford commenced on Saturday last. Lord Thos. Cecil was put in nomination by Mr. Gape and Mr. Phillips; Col. Chaplin, by Capt. Chadwick and Capt. Glossop; and Chas. Tennyson Esq., by Mr. Rd. Newcomb. jun. and Mr. Ashby. After a show of hands, Lord T. Cecil demanded a poll; at the final close of which, at one o’clock on Tuesday, the numbers were, for Lord T. Cecil 390, Mr. Tennyson 356, Col. Chaplin 302. The two former were declared duly elected, and were chaired. – This great triumph of the popular interest at Stamford in the election of Mr. Tennyson, has resulted from the virtuous spirit and perseverence of the middle and humbler classes of the town, in opposition to the long-established influence of the Marquis of Exeter, aided as that influence has been on the present occasion by an immense expenditure of money (said to be not less that 14,000l.), and by still more questionable means, – such as the introduction of numerous pugilists, and other persons of that description, from London, and of an immense band of hired labourers from the villages around Stamford, whose only recommendation was their ability to wield weapons of offence.”
The Stamford Mercury, 6th May, 1831.