The Parliamentary Career of Charles De Laet Waldo Sibthorp, 1826-1855: Ultra-Tory Opposition to Reform in Nineteenth Century Britain [Hardcover]

`History is written by the victor' is a widely accepted adage amongst military historians. What is less commonly proclaimed, although no less true, is that this is also the case in politics. Thus, whilst posterity has heralded the nineteenth century as `the age of reform', what is too easily forgotten is that it was equally, for some at least, an age of resistance and the decimation of the English way of life. Many will never have heard of Charles de Laet Waldo Sibthorp, and yet that is precisely why the study of him and those like him is essential. In Sibthorp, we have the embodiment of a perspective which has, in recent times, become marginalised and worryingly neglected. In The Parliamentary Career of Charles de Laet Waldo Sibthorp, 1826-1855, Acton and Roberts have served to remind us of the importance of looking beyond what is commonly accepted.

The book itself is divided into two distinct parts which complement each other perfectly. The first part details the life of Sibthorp, his views and actions as MP for Lincoln. Written in a scholarly yet accessible style and complemented with occasional tongue-in-cheek humour, Sibthorp and his principles are portrayed so clearly that, irrespective of one's political leanings, it is difficult not to feel some admiration for a politician who clearly fought persistently and uncompromisingly for his beliefs in the face of overwhelming opposition. The second half of the book comprises a selection of his speeches on subjects including political reform, religion, finance and industry, mostly showcasing his opposition to all manner of proposed reforms. Whilst a less dynamic read, this section clearly endorses the claims made in the first half and is an essential reference for anyone concerned with opposition to reform in the first half of the nineteenth century.

Sibthorp was a man both before and after his time and a fascinating character in his own right. This is an entertaining and informative study of his career and an ideal read for anyone interested in an under-represented perspective of nineteenth-century reform.

This is the only book I could find on this interesting man. The book was not enormous, Its price was. However, It gave me a good history of Sibthorpe which I found to be sound and produced a good basis for further research. It would be of great benefit to anyone seriously interested in Lincoln local history and/ or this particular very eccentric member of parliment and his views on the great exhibition, catholic emancipation etc Moira