100845 | GREAT BRITAIN. Reform Bill white metal Medal.

100845 | GREAT BRITAIN. Reform Bill white metal Medal. Issued 1832. The Reform Bill–Reintroduced (50mm, 52.21 g, 12h). By T. Halliday.

 

Central circular medallion with head of Earl Grey right; propositions of the Reform Bill around in three segments / Britannia, the Genius of Patriotism, wielding sword and Union shield and repelling Corruption from the Constitution; Mercury, holding overflowing cornucopia and caduceus, and Justice, holding scales, standing to left; ship upon the sea in background; above, radiant triangle with interior inscription of KINGS LORDS COMMONS. Edge: Plain.

 

BHM 1589. Choice Mint State, highly lustrous and mirrored, with some typical, lightly scattered marks. Rare.

 

The Reform Bill of 1831 set forth numerous issues which were of importance to the Reform party of the time, including no stamp taxes, no London monoopoly on East India trade, and an abolishment to colonial slavery, though major reforms to representation and the squashing of tiny, bought-and-sold parliamentary seats was of vital interest.. The bill carried by a one vote majority, though parliament was dissolved shortly thereafter. Upon reconvening, the Reform party secured a larger majority, with the bill passing by a greater total. Earl Gray introduced the bill to the House of Lords, but it was defeated by 41 votes. Not giving up, Earl Gray, under the authority of King William IV, was tasked with creating language to ensure the bill's passage the following year in 1832, finally passing on 4 June and receiving Royal Assent three days later. The abolition of colonial slavery, one of the reforms that didn’t make it in this language, passed in a separate act the following year in 1833.

 

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