BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

288
Lonsdale.
In earlier years the family had controlled Whitehaven as a
pocket borough.
As the cousin of the Earl of Lonsdale, G.C. Bentinck's
victory as a Conservative candidate standing for the borough in 1885
was attributed to the surviving influence of the Lowthers. 37
Whitehaven Habitation likewise came under the influence of the
Lonsdales, the Countess holding the position of Ruling Councillor and
the Earl assisting her efforts.
Their symbolic role as dignitaries of
the Primrose League was underscored in 1891 when the three Habitations
which the Countess served as Ruling Councillor were invited to attend a
summer fete on the grounds of Lowther Castle.
The Earl's active
participation in local politics was indicated by his election as the
first Mayor of Whitehaven in 1895.38
The ties between members of the Whitehaven Habitation and the
Conservative party were substantial.
The Habitation was formed in
1888. Most of its executive meetings and some social functions were
held in the premises of the Whitehaven Conservative Association. The
facilities there included a large reception room, renamed "Primrose
Hall" in 1889 after a substantial donation was made toward renovation
by the Earl of Lonsdale.
A number of Conservative members of
parliament from Cumberland made appearances at Habitation gatherings
including G.C. Bentinck, J.W. Lowther, Sir James Bain, Augustin Helder,
and H.V. Duncombe. 39
330.
37
Pelling, Social Geography of British Elections, pp. 323,
38
Whitehaven Habitation Minutes, 1 May 1889; 4 December 1889;
18 April 1890; 31 July 1891; 5 December 1895.
39
Ibid., 12 July 1888; 20 July 1888; 1 May 1889; 8 January
1890; 5 February 1890; 18 April 1890; 29 March 1892; 21 March 1895; 17