This wonderful former Wakefield shop was at the centre of alleged political corruption. In 1883, Albert Gosnay sent 24lbs of pork pies to a local polling station where the returning officer served it to voters with champagne, sherry and bottles of beer - ThreadSky

handhyorkshire.bsky.social • 5 days ago

This wonderful former Wakefield shop was at the centre of alleged political corruption. In 1883, Albert Gosnay sent 24lbs of pork pies to a local polling station where the returning officer served it to voters with champagne, sherry and bottles of beer

Comments

handhyorkshire.bsky.social•5 days ago

with waiter service. An ensuing inquiry by the Bribary Commissioner found that it had not corrupted the election. Now that is how to run elections as long as they supplied chutney or brown sauce with the pie. 🤣

darlenecypser.bsky.social•5 days ago

That kind of thing was common in US elections in the 19th century when the voting was done in taverns. Hard to tell if a free pint 🍺 changed your vote.

fennygoldfish.bsky.social•5 days ago

I'm going to forward this to our Election Services team and suggest they pass it on to the village halls, chippies and take aways 👍

tykebrahe.bsky.social•5 days ago

Well, I suppose if all voters got offered it , it’s hospitality rather than corruption!

keirharper-thorpe.bsky.social•4 days ago

Love the fact that they tried to cover so many bases with pork pies, cheese and gingerbread. Did the shop thrive?

handhyorkshire.bsky.social•4 days ago

I am not sure when they closed as business but they had been trading since at least 1844 so had bult up a very successful concern that was definitely still in existence in 1891. I love this Christmas advert. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=907657437405977&set=pcb.7283485761741462

keirharper-thorpe.bsky.social•4 days ago

Wonderful. In that ad they say they have been in business for over a century by that time. Thanks for sharing.