BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

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The increasingly cosmopolitan flavor of local political
functions was underscored both by the influential
individuals occupying
positions in the Habitations and by others attracted to speak at these
gatherings.
Thus, at the inaugural meeting of the Nailsworth and
Horsley Habitation in the Stroud Division held in March of 1887, Lady
Hardman delivered an opening address on the principles of the League.61
Both Lady Hardman and her husband, Sir William Hardman, served as
prominent members, respectively, of the LGC and Grand Council.62
Salisbury spoke at an engagement sponsored by the Primrose
League in Drill Hall, Bristol during the spring of 1889.
It was an
elaborate affair, rivaling the ceremonies of the annual Grand
Habitation.
Three hundred and fifty delegates from habitations of
the Primrose League throughout the western counties
occupied seats upon the platform, immediately in front
of which were assembled a large number of ladies
wearing the insignia of the order. The hall presented
a very bright scene, the walls being adorned with the
banners of many habitations and with flags. On the
6* Nailsworth and Horsley Habitation Minutes, 21 March 1887.
62 They were active in the Primrose League almost from its
inception. William Hardman's attendance on the Grand Council dated
back to December of 1883. He served as Chairman of the Council for the
Primrose Years 1885-86 and 1886-87. Lady Hardman was one of the
original fourteen founding members of the LGC. She served as Honorary
Treasurer between 1885-86 and as Honorary Secretary from 1886 through
1891. Lady Hardman remained a member of the LGC throughout the
remaining years under study. Minutes of the Grand Council of the
Primrose League, 22 December 1883; 29 April 1885; 1 June 1886. LGC
Executive Committee Minutes, 16 March 1885; 6 June 1885; 20 February
1886; 4 June 1886; 29 June 1900. The Primrose League Gazette, 1
October 1887, p. 1; 1 September 1888, p. 1; 8 June 1889, p. 1; 10 May
1890, p. 1; 6 June 1891, p. 14; 11 March 1893, p. 14; 13 May 1893, p.
1; 2 July 1894, p. 18; 1 October 1897, p. 1; 1 June 1896, p. 24; 1
October 1897, p. 16; 1 December 1898, p. 3; 1 May 1899, p. 5; 1 June
1901, p. 4.