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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/93/5
Former ReferenceD5459/1/146
TitleThe Excisemens' Visit to John Bulls Cellar!!
Date[1806]
DescriptionThe chancellor of the exchequer Lord Henry Petty (1780-1863), on the left, and Charles James Fox , in the centre, visit John Bull, on the right.
Petty says:
"I'm well assur'd Mr Bull, that you have some very strong ale on your cellar, and we must have an account of it"
John Bull replies:
"I tell you I have nothing but small beer _ I am very sorry indeed that you should you turn Excisemen and Informer in your old age, as to your clerk, there I'm not surprised at it _ he is a very young man."
Behind John Bull are barrels labelled 'Genuine October' and 'Strong Home Brew'd'. A dog standing behind Petty wear a collar labelled 'Whitbread' in reference to the brewer Samuel Whitbread. Available on CD 158.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationThe proposed tax on home-brewing was the product of the Talents/Broad-bottomed Ministry in 1806. It was to replace a tax on pig iron which had been resisted. This was despite Foxites opposing the tax when in opposition, hence John Bull's surprise.
The tax on home brewing allegedly would not affect the poor as it was claimed that they did not brew at home. However, it was claimed by the MP Rose that it was in fact 'favour and protection' for commercial brewers, as three leading commercial brewers, most famously Samuel Whitbread (1764-1815), were Whig MPs. Rose argued that brewers used far more taxable malt, Whitbread in defence claimed that professional brewers used it far more efficiently. It was a very unpopular tax and was defeated in a vote by the country gentlemen.
Physical DescriptionPencil drawing with text in ink. Size 362 x 296 mm.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Related MaterialSee D5459/1/36 etc for more depictions of Fox. See also D5459/1/93/6, D5459/1/93/7.
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The Excisemens' Visit to John Bulls Cellar!!

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