The Parliamentary Commissioners Report is a lengthy verbatim account of the three week trial that took place following a successful petition to investigate the extent of bribery and corruption carried out during the 1880 by-election in the Borough of Sandwich.

In its 396 pages, it contains over 22,000 lines of interrogation and testimony between the presiding judges and the witnesses who appeared before them.

Many of those called to testify are locally recognisable names – the ancestors of families still living in Sandwich, Deal and Walmer today. The majority of the testimonies begin with the testifier confirming their address and occupation. In short, the document contains a fascinating and accurate social snapshot of the towns and their inhabitants in the late 19th century.

This information has now been captured electronically and forms the basis of this searchable resource which future and current generations can interrogate.

Report of the Commissioners appointed under Her Majesty’s Royal Sign Manual to enquire into the Existence of Corrupt Practices in the Borough of Sandwich

1: The Report

Schedule 1: Bribers
Schedule 2: Bribees
Schedule 3: Treaters
Schedule 4: Those examined but not indemnified

Appendix A: Return of Expenses for Mr Crompton Roberts, May 1880
Appendix B: List of Claims against Sir Julian Goldsmid, May 1880
Appendix C: Return of Expenses for Sir Julian Goldsmid, May 1880
Appendix D: Return of Expenses for General Election, March 1880

2: Minutes of Evidence: