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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/93/31
Former ReferenceD5459/1/188
TitleThe Great Book open'd!! : or John Bull more puzled than ever
Date[1800-1809]
DescriptionJohn Bull bends over to read a giant book, listing all the necessary reforms. The list begins 'Reformation in the Navy, Reformation in the Clergy' and ends 'Reformation in Ourselves.' The book is supported by a man, above whose head is written 'The Genius of Britain.'
John Bull comments
"Mercy on me - here is a pretty piece of business cut out - how the devil shall I get through it all - Doomsday Book is a little Primmer [sic] compared to it." Available on CD 158.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationAbbreviated text transcribed.

The genius of Britain might indicate a spirit of reform. Political reform was of increasing importance from 1806 onwards. It was led by Sir Francis Burdett, who was closely associated with John Horne Tooke, Cobbett and other radicals. Burdett's election cry had been 'no placemen, no pensioners' and in his Address to the Electors of Westminster on 25 May 1807 he had promised to 'tear out the accursed leaves of that scandalous red book', the Royal or Court Kalendar, which contained a list of office holders. From the 1807 election there was a greater call for reform, encouraged perhaps by the Whig election campaign of 'no corruption'.
Physical DescriptionPencil drawing with text in ink. Size 370 x 294 mm. Portrait.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Related MaterialSee D5459/1/93/25 for another drawing on reform.
TermElections
Image

The Great Book open'd!! : or John Bull more puzled than ever

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