Page "Reform Act 1832" Paragraph 45

The ensuing period became known as the " Days of May ," with so great a level of political agitation that some feared revolution.

Some protesters advocated non-payment of taxes, and urged a run on the banks, saying, " Stop the Duke, go for gold.

" £ 1. 5 million was withdrawn from the Bank of England.

The National Political Union and other organisations sent petitions to the House of Commons, demanding that they withhold supply ( cut off funding to the government ) until the House of Lords should acquiesce.

Some demonstrations called for the abolition of the nobility, and some even of the monarchy.

In these circumstances, the Duke of Wellington had great difficulty in building support for his premiership, despite promising moderate reform.

He was unable to form a government, leaving William IV with no choice but to recall Lord Grey.

At length, the King consented to fill the House of Lords with Whigs ; however, without the knowledge of his cabinet, he circulated a letter among Tory peers, encouraging them to desist from further opposition, and warning them of the consequences of continuing.

At this, opposition peers relented.

By abstaining from further votes, they allowed the legislation to pass in the House of Lords, and the Crown was not forced to create new peers.

The bill finally received the Royal Assent on 7 June 1832, thereby becoming law.