Staffordshire

In 1753 the two outstanding Staffordshire families, the Leveson Gowers of Trentham (Whigs) and the Bagots of Blithfield (Tories), came to a compromise about the forthcoming general election. ‘I am glad to hear Staffordshire is agreed’, wrote Henry Pelham to Newcastle, 27 July 1753,Add. 32732, f. 36. ‘a contest would have cost a great sum of money, and I believe not ended better than it will now.’ There was no contest 1754-90; one seat was always conceded to the Leveson Gower interest and the other usually went to a country gentleman.