The demonstrations held around the time of the passing of the Reform Acts in the 19th century were impressive colourful events. The carrying of banners, regalia and symbols of the trade, demonstrated civic and craft pride. In 1884, banners were carried which had been first paraded in 1832, emphasising a long sense of tradition stretching back over the century.
The Great Reform Act 1832
At the beginning of the 19th century only 33 people, the members of Edinburgh Corporation, were able to vote for their Member of Parliament. The first Reform Act was therefore expected to bring about great changes in the political system. The
Edinburgh Reform Jubilee, was held on 10 August 1832 and reported in great detail
'The Scotsman' on 11 August 1832. Sixteen banners in our collection are described in this report, most of which were made for the event. The Act only extended the franchise to those with a property qualification and so the majority of the population was excluded. Only about one in eight men could vote after the passing of the Act. This contributed to the formation of the Chartist movement, which organised demonstrations, public meeting and newspapers.
The 1867 Reform Act
was preceded by a large demonstration held in November 1866. After the passing of the act, about one adult man in three could vote. Many banners that were carried in 1832 were also brought out as old battle standards in the demonstrations of 1866 and 1884.
The 1884 Act
The Radical Demonstration held on 14 July 1884 in favour of the Franchise Bill, was attended by 15-20,000 workmen of various trades. The Third Reform Bill had a difficult passage and was obstructed by the House of Lords. Demonstrations in its favour were held all over the country. The Representation of the People Act 1884 extended the vote to householders and lodgers who had occupied their houses or lodgings for twelve months before registration. All women and certain groupings of men were still not included and only about two in three men could now vote.
Votes for Women
Women had campaigned for the vote throughout the century, but this had little impact until the formation of the Women's Social and Political Union in 1906. Many banners were made during this period but we have none in our collection. Suffragette agitation ceased in 1914 at the outbreak of war. The 1918 Act finally gave the vote to men and, to women over 30. An Act granting 'Universal suffrage' was not passed until 1928.
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