Unreformed House of Commons - University Members

University Members

The two ancient universities of Cambridge and Oxford elected two members each from 1603. The franchise was restricted to holders of doctoral and masters degrees, which excluded the great bulk of graduates (mostly Anglican clergy) holding bachelor's degrees. Both universities had about 500 electors in the 18th century, rising to 800 by 1832, but at most elections a much smaller number actually voted. After the Act of Union of 1801, Dublin University also elected one member.

Read more about this topic:  Unreformed House Of Commons

Famous quotes containing the words university and/or members:

    Priests are not men of the world; it is not intended that they should be; and a University training is the one best adapted to prevent their becoming so.
    Samuel Butler (1835–1902)

    The damned are in the abyss of Hell, as within a woeful city, where they suffer unspeakable torments, in all their senses and members, because as they have employed all their senses and their members in sinning, so shall they suffer in each of them the punishment due to sin.
    St. Francis De Sales (1567–1622)