286 A TOPOGRAPHICAL 



Stafford sent two representatives to parliament, and has continued 

 to enjoy this privilege since that time. 



The following memoranda are curious illustrations respecting 

 this subject: 



*' 1519. This yere John Ferrers and Humphrey Barber, being 

 burgesses in parliament for the towne of Stafford, received 

 certaine waightes out of the King's exchequer, which were ap- 

 poynted to be kept here within this towne as in the Kinge's trea- 

 sure. 10 Henry VIII." 



" 1532. This yere Mr. Erdeswicke and Mr. Bickley, being 

 burgesses of the parliament for this towne, were allowed their 

 charges from the towne." 



Among the records of the Corporation, is a power of attorney 

 from Mr. Erdeswicke, to a person in the borough, to receive the 

 sum allowed for his expences in attending parliament. 



In former times, it was customary for the burgesses of Stafford 

 to nominate a tradesman as a colleague to some neighbouring gen- 

 tleman in the representation. The right of election is vested in the 

 inhabitants who pay scot and lot, and have been admitted bur- 

 gesses. This right the sons of burgesses, when of age, and all men 

 who have served an apprenticeship of seven years in the town, are 

 entitled to; and the number of electors is estimated at about six 

 hundred. 



The celebrated Richard Brinsley Sheridan, equally famed for 

 his wit, eloquence, and patriotism, was one of the representatives 

 for the borough of Stafford from 1780 to 1806. It is only intended 

 here to give a very brief sketch of the political life of Mr. Sheri- 

 dan, whose eminent abilities fully entitle him to be thus pro- 

 minently connected with the parliamentary history of Stafford- 

 In the year 1779, when he stood high in the public estimation as a 

 poet and dramatic writer, Mr. Sheridan first felt an anxious desire 

 to make the House of Commons the theatre of his eloquence. It 

 is believed that an application was made, without success, to the 

 Duke of Portland, then a leader in Opposition, to give Mr. Sheri- 

 dan a seat in parliament for one of his boroughs. However that 

 may be, a general election took place in 1780, when Mr. Sheridan 

 determined to canvass for himself, and directed his views to, and 

 carried his election for the town of Stafford. He began, as he 

 afterwards continued, through a long political life, to support the 

 views of Opposition ; and though his eloquence did not immedi- 

 ately burst forth, but rather reserved itself for the present to shine 



