Grey, Melbourne and Peel 1830-41

When was Earl Grey initially prime minister (and what major challenge did he face during this time?) (YEARS)

1830-34

Almost had to resign in 1832 over the reform bill but the days of may crisis of that same year prevented Wellington succeeding him

What 1833 legislation did Grey’s ministry oversee? (3)

Abolition of slavery within the empire- what it says on the tin

Althorp’s factory act- minimum working age set to 9, 9-13 y/os 8 hour day cap with 2 hours designated to education, 13-adult given a 12 hour cap, 4 inspectors appointed to oversee these changes

First govt grant for education- £20,000 federal funding for schools, would eventually rise to £30,000

What 1834 legislation did Grey’s ministry oversee? (2)

Irish church reform act: made reforms to the Irish church’s secular possessions

Poor law amendment act: set up the infamous workhouses (dubbed whig bastilles) as an alternative to the older system of outdoor relief and speenhamland welfare. The nation’s 15,000 parishes were replaced by poor law unions and entrusted with a workhouse, so the church still kind of controlled welfare

Why did Earl Grey resign, when did he resign and who succeeded him?

He resigned in 1834 over disagreements with the Irish church. Lord Melbourne was appointed as his successor, a fellow Whig.

Lord Melbourne was dismissed the same year he was appointed, why? Who succeeded him?

Disagreements with Irish church reform

Peel was then appointed the head of a new conservative ministry

What legislation did Peel’s ministry oversee in 1835? (3)

Municipal corporations act: reformed local government structure, 3 year terms for councillors, all of whom had to be elected and could not be from secret boroughs, introduced a paid town clerk and allowed local government to make social reforms.

Establishment of the ecclesiastical commission

Orange order suppression and appointment of Catholics as magistrates in Ireland

What 2 events in 1835 led to Melbourne making a comeback and succeeding Peel by 1836?

In February, the Lichfield house compact united the Irish, the radicals and the Whigs in a coalition against the Conservatives in time for the April election where they would win against Peel.

What 1836 legislation did Melbourne’s second ministry oversee? (5)

Marriage act: Allowed nonconformists to marry in their own Chapels

Tithe act

Limited Liabilities company act

Established church act

Birth, death and marriage registry established

What were the results of the 1837 election?

The whigs won but their majority was reduced.

When and what was the pluralities act?

1838

Prohibited the clergy from having over 2 jobs

when was penny post announced/passed

1839/40

When and what was the bedchamber crisis?

1839

Melbourne was forced to resign and the queen called on Peel to set up a ministry. However, he refused thanks to Whig influence in the royal court.

When and what was the Irish municipal reform act?

1840

expansion of 1835’s municipal corporations act

What was the result of the 1841 election?

The conservatives won, establishing the second Peel ministry.