KIDDERMINSTER ROTARY CLUB: What an insight into the unscrupulous tactics used by candidates in the 19th century to get elected. Many electors expected payment or at least free drinks and food. The talk by Rtn. Richard Groom was unbelievably revealing.

Richard’s talk centred on the rise and fall of Albert Grant MP by“dodgy dealing”. He was elected to Parliament by his Kidderminster supporters in 1860 and 1874. At that time voters could not live in a rented accommodation and their house had to be valued over £10. Although Electoral Law changed in 1874, elections from 1832 to 1880 were well known to be “Bribe and Beer Barrel” occasions.

If you are interested in supporting the work of Rotary International or in listening to similar interesting talks over lunch on Tuesdays, visit kidderminsterrotary.moonfruit.co.uk; and approach the secretary for more details.