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Overview

Originsofparliament

Find out how Parliament gradually developed and how it was still far from being a representative body by the 18th century

Demandparticipation

Find out how demand for the vote grew following the French Revolution and inspired the Chartist movement

Chartistmovement

What were the Chartists demands and how did they put pressure on Parliament for change?

Participationawareness

How did people find out about parliamentary proceedings and elections in the days before mass media?

Participationthroughpetition

Most people may not have had the vote in the 18th century but they could still try to influence Members of Parliament by other means. Find out more

Also within Living Heritage

Women had to wait until 1928 to gain equal voting rights with men. Read more about their struggle

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Key dates

Track the dates and legislation which made fairer representation and universal manhood suffrage a reality

Find out more

Also within Living Heritage

Women had to wait until 1928 to gain equal voting rights with men. Read more about their struggle