A diary that illustrates William Gladstone’s early days as a Newark MP before he became Prime Minister has been published.
The editor of Godfrey Tallents’ diaries, Dr Richard Gaunt, with Mr John Tallents and county councillor Mr Keith Girling.Copies of 14 diaries written by Newark solicitor Godfrey Tallents, who went on to become mayor in 1843, have been edited into a single volume.
The volume was launched at Newark Town Hall on Tuesday with a reading from the diaries by Godfrey Tallents’ great grandson, Mr John Tallents, of Farndon.
Politics, Law and Society in Nottinghamshire: The Diaries of Godfrey Tallents of Newark 1829-1839 has been edited by Dr Richard A. Gaunt from the University of Nottingham and published by Nottinghamshire County Council.
Dr Gaunt said: "During this period Newark people hotly contested the parliamentary elections where the poor were expected to vote for the Landlords who were supported locally by the Duke of Newcastle.
"The Tallents family, through their legal practice, were the main representatives of the Duke in this area and Godfrey Tallents knew William Gladstone when he was a local MP during those troubled times."
Dr Gaunt said the volume was not only of political interest but also shed light on the kind of society Newark was at the time.
He said: "Tallents was involved in society at the time.
"The diaries give an idea of what entertainment was like and how Newark operated socially.
"Tallents also talks about horses as the main mode of transport and the reader gets some idea of how things have changed in terms of transport between then and now."
County councillor Keith Girling, the deputy cabinet member for culture and community, said Newark was the jewel of Nottinghamshire.
He said: "If you look at Newark’s history it is quite impressive and I am really pleased the county council is highlighting one of the families that has had a massive influence in shaping it.
"Lots of the solicitors at Tallents feel very passionate about the town which is something that has been bred there.
"The diaries are an example of the sort of thing that has gone on in Newark and that is why it thrives even in these difficult times."
The book, priced £7.50, is available at Nottinghamshire County Council Archives or county libraries
From Newark Advertiser
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