The Creevey Papers
Thomas Creevey to Elizabeth Ord, 29 August 1820
“House of Lords, 29th August, 5 o’clock.
“Here’s a capital scene such as I never saw
before. Always keep in mind the point in discussion—viz. whether
Brougham should have a little
cross-examination now, and an unlimited one hereafter. This was conceded to him
early on Saturday—refused yesterday, and to-day Harrowby begins by moving that, under the peculiar
circumstances, Brougham shall have an unlimited
cross-examination both now and hereafter. This motion was opposed by Lord Eldon, and a division has just taken place,
when Harrowby’s motion was carried by 121 to 106.
The three law lords—Eldon, Redesdale, and Manners—the two Royal Dukes—York and Clarence—and
all the King’s friends were in the minority, and Sidmouth was the only other member of the Cabinet besides
Eldon who voted against
Harrowby’s motion. Our people of course voted
with Harrowby. Was there ever such a state of things?. .
.”
Henry Peter Brougham, first baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868)
Educated at Edinburgh University, he was a founder of the
Edinburgh
Review in which he chastised Byron's
Hours of Idleness; he
defended Queen Caroline in her trial for adultery (1820), established the London University
(1828), and was appointed lord chancellor (1830).
Frederick Augustus, Duke of York (1763-1827)
He was commander-in-chief of the Army, 1798-1809, until his removal on account of the
scandal involving his mistress Mary Anne Clarke.
John Freeman- Mitford, first baron Redesdale (1748-1830)
Brother of the historian William Mitford; he was MP for Beeralston (1788),
attorney-general (1799), speaker of the house (1801) and lord chancellor of Ireland
(1802).
Dudley Ryder, first earl of Harrowby (1762-1847)
Tory MP; Pitt's second in the duel with George Tierney (1798), he was friendly towards to
abolition of the slave trade and to Catholic emancipation.
John Scott, first earl of Eldon (1751-1838)
Lord chancellor (1801-27); he was legal counsel to the Prince of Wales and an active
opponent of the Reform Bill.
Thomas Manners- Sutton, first Baron Manners (1756-1842)
Lord chancellor of Ireland (1807-27); he was the grandson of the third duke of Rutland
and was MP for Newark-on-Trent (1796-1805) and an opponent of Catholic emancipation.
