Catalogue Number
NMLH.1992.467
Object Name
Plate
Title
WILKES AND LIBERTY NO. 45
Place
Middlesex, London, England, UK
People
John Wilkes
Events
Elections
Date
c 1763
Description
A white plate with blue detailing. The central image is a portrait of Wilkes, and text surrounding it reads 'Wilkes and Liberty. No. 45'.
John Wilkes strongly opposed John Stuart, chosen by the King to be Prime Minister in 1762. His radical publication 'The North Briton' mocked Stuart's Scottish ancestry. Issue number 45, dated 23 April 1763, criticised the King's Speech and Wilkes was sent to the Tower of London for 'seditious libel'. However, due to his position as a Member of Parliament, he was released, to cheers of 'Wilkes and Liberty'. The slogan, and the North Briton issue number are commemorated on the plate.
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