Government had considerable interest through the customs and the Crown quarries at Portland. The most important private interest belonged to the Tucker family, who for many years held the post of supervisor of the Portland quarries, and to George Bubb Dodington, who joined his interest to that of Tucker and acted as intermediary with Government. In 1744 Dodington came to an agreement with Henry Pelham by which Government should recommend to two seats in exchange for the disposal of patronage. Under this agreement, Dodington arranged the Members in 1754 with Newcastle and in 1761 with Bute.
On Dodington’s death in 1762 Tucker became sole patron, and the arrangement with Government remained unchanged. In 1779 Tucker was succeeded by his nephew Gabriel Steward, who in 1790 sold his property in the borough to William Pulteney.
in the freeholders
The two boroughs were united by Act of Parliament in 1571, and returned four Members
Number of voters: about 300