18th century London electoral Roll

[ozcol1]

I know my ancestor was a grocer in London in 1796 but the electoral roll lists him at the same address as a blacksmith. I have tried to understand voting rights but it seems complex. Can anyone explain this.

[chempat]

Could you give us their names, please?

[ozcol1]

Hi Chempat
His name is John Davis of 54 Burr St Upper East Smithfield (or Wapping).
I believe he died in 1813 and buried at St Botolph Without Aldgate.

[Maiden Stone]

I know my ancestor was a grocer in London in 1796 but the electoral roll lists him at the same address as a blacksmith. I have tried to understand voting rights but it seems complex. Can anyone explain this.

Was the electoral roll a poll book?
Eligibility to vote was complex. Counties and boroughs had different qualifications and there were local peculiarities.
'The History of Parliamentary Franchise'  research paper (2013) House of Commons Library. Includes a summary of eligibility to vote before reforms of 19th century. See chapter 'Ancient voting rights in England'.
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/RP13-14/RP13-14.pdf

[ozcol1]

Thanks Maiden Stone.
The list I have is UK, Poll Books and Electoral Registers 1538-189? and for the year 1795.
The paper you have referred me to will explain a lot.
Thanks again

[Maiden Stone]

Explanation of poll books on electoralregisters.org 
www.electoralregisters.org.uk/pollbooks.htm
One example shown has a qualification column.
Poll books recorded how electors cast their votes. I was surprised to find the name of one of my working-class ancestors in a poll book from 1780s for the county of Lancaster.  One of his grandsons, my direct ancestor, was in poll books for the Borough of Preston in 1830s, after 1832 Reform Act. Preston was unusual in that all men over 21 who fulfilled residency criteria and who weren't paupers or felons were eligible to vote. Preston elected a Radical M.P., Henry Hunt.

[ozcol1]

Thanks again Maiden Stone for your contributions.

[coombs]

Have you found a will for your ancestor John Davies? Maybe he had a son also called John who was a blacksmith the father was a grocer, or he managed to do 2 occupations.

[ShaunJ]

He was a grocer and tea dealer according to the 1808 London directory.