The power of creating new freemen was in the corporation, which in effect controlled the borough. The corporation was under the influence of two families, the Edgcumbes and the Trebys, who each nominated to one seat. The Edgcumbe seat was (except in 1768) always sold to Administration, the Treby seat when not wanted by the family themselves; and Lord Edgcumbe acted as intermediary with Government.
Volume
Number of seats
2
Right of election
in the freemen
Background Information
Number of voters: about 100
Constituency Type
Constituency ID