Parliamentary Reform Banner

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

22439

Title

Parliamentary Reform Banner, the People's Happiness

Description

Cream cotton banner with painted design and green wool fringe. THE
PEOPLE'S HAPPINESS IS THE STATESMANS HONOUR printed in black lettering; thistles, roses and shamrocks in a wreath along the bottom.

Date

1832

Size

H132cm x W127cm

Type

Banner

Location

The People's Story

Accession number

HH2983/66

Probably carried in the Reform Jubilee Grand Procession on 10 August 1832.
This slogan is drawn from the philosophy of Utilitarianism developed by Jeremy Bentham during the early 19th century, which advocated the principal of the 'greatest happiness of the greatest number'. Utilitarians believed in universal suffrage and the power of the State to advance general happiness. The passing of the first Reform Bill owed much to Bentham's influence.

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Related subjects

Events > Demonstrations > Protest movements

Events > Event Accessories > Banners and Flags

Government > National > Parliamentary Reform

Government > National > Suffrage

People > Politics and government > Political Movements

People > Working Lives > Trade Unions