Plymouth, Memorials and Monuments

PLYMOUTH
DATA
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The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History

MEMORIALS AND MONUMENTS

REFORM TABLET

Updated: 21 March 2011

What is known as the Reform Tablet commemorates the passing of the Reform Bill on June 4th 1832, which became the Representation of the People Act 1832. It was of great benefit to Plymouth by giving the 'middle classes' the vote.

The tablet was erected in 1833 at a spot near to the Bull Ring or Belvedere, a penny subscription defraying the cost. It was later removed to a wall in Madeira Road, near the old Mallard Cafe, but is now within the precincts of the Plymouth Dome.

THIS TABLET
WAS ERECTED TO COMMEMORATE THE PASSING OF THE GLORIOUS
REFORM ACT
IN THE SECOND YEAR OF THE REIGN OF KING WILLIAM
THE FOURTH A. D. 1832
TO THE IMMORTAL HONOUR OF ITS PROMOTERS
GREY, BROUGHAM, ALTHORP, RUSSELL, EBRINGTON
etc., etc., etc., etc., etc.
SUPPORTED BY UNANIMOUS VOICES OF 20,000
INDIVIDUALS OF PLYMOUTH, DEVONPORT & STONEHOUSE
ASSEMBLED NEAR THIS SPOT ON THE 16 OF MAY 1832.
JOHN COLLIER CHAIRMAN
THE FIRST MEMBERS OF THE REFORMED PARLIAMENT
FOR THE BOROUGH OF PLYMOUTH WERE
JOHN COLLIER, Esqr.,
AND
THOMAS BEWES, Esqr.
----------
GEORGE CORYNDON, Esq., MAYOR
RETURNING OFFICER

W. S KERSWELL
GOVERNOR

It would seem that at a later date the name of John Glanville was added to the Tablet, alongside the name of Mr Kerswell, but it is not known why.

The arms shown on the tablet, below the motto 'Industry the Source of Health and Harmony', are those of the Hospital of the Poor's Portion (otherwise known as the Workhouse) with its motto 'By God's Helpe Through Christe'.

Sources:

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