Chartism and the Anti-Corn Law League
Chartism was a working class movement for political reform in Britain, which emerged in 1836 and was most active between 1838 and 1848. The aim was to gain political rights and influence for the working classes. The Anti-Corn Law League was a campaign to reduce the tax on corn and oats to make food more affordable. Both groups wanted reform for poor working people.
Records we have on microfilm can be viewed on the ground floor of Central Library. Materials with a reference number starting GB can be viewed in the search room, please make an appointment (with at least one day notice).
- Anti-Corn Law League letter books 1838 to 1840 (ref GB127.BRMS f 337.2 A1). Use microfilm MF 501-503. We also hold the Ant-Corn Law Circulars 1839 to 1841 on microfilm MF 2819
- John Bright (1811 to 1889) Correspondence 1852 to 1876 (ref GB127.MS f 923.2 BR13)
- Cobden Family Papers 1817 to 1935 (ref GB127.M87)
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We also hold The Letters of Richard Cobden Volume I 1815 to 1847 (Oxford University Press 2007) (Central library 328.41092 COB(927)) and Volume 2 1848-1853
- Letters from Richard Cobden to Thomas Hogskin, editor of Hansard, 1841 to 1864 (ref GB127.MISC/767/1-4)
- Ernest Jones (1819-1869) Papers. Politician, chartist, poet and novelist (various references)
- Letters to A.B. Wakefield of Hipperholme, Yorks regarding Ernest Jones, 1886 to 1891 (ref GB127.MS Q 923.2 Jo4)
- Mark Philips (1800-1873), M.P. for Manchester; the Park, Prestwich; and Stratford upon Avon. Diaries and correspondence, 1820 to 1872 (ref: GB127.M571)
- John Benjamin Smith Papers (various references). John Benjamin Smith was a Manchester cotton merchant who was prominent figure in the Anti-Corn Law League. He served as Liberal MP for Stockport from 1852 to 1874. He died in September 1879. A name index to these can be found in the archives search room (Autograph letters index)
- Watkin Family Papers 1831 to 1887 (ref GB127.M219). Includes papers concerning Manchester Reform Committee 1831 to 1832, correspondence from John Bright 1850 to 1887, correspondence from Richard Cobden 1844 to 1864 .
- George Wilson (1808 to 1870) Papers (ref GB127.M20). Correspondence of George Wilson and other family members 1827 to 1885. These papers number 5,000 items and include correspondence from Gladstone, Bright, Cobden and other prominent figures.