William Courtenay MP (1830s)

submitted on Monday, August 29, 2011 at 11:39:00
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fname: Crispin
lname: Whiting
address1: Forge Farmhouse, Staplestreet, 

Hernhill, Faversham, Kent

country: United Kingdom

zip: ME13 9UD

e_mail: crispin@hernhill.plus.com

ancestor: William Courtenay MP (1830s)

comments: This enquiry realates to the imposter Sir William Courtenay and the genuine William, who may or may not have been an MP in 1834. I live in the village where the 1838 Courtenay Rebellion took place and have a keen interest in local history. Among my Courtenay memorabilia is British Free Frank envelope front signed by William Courtenay, sent from London on July 25th 1834 and addressed to a Mr Howard of Killin, near Edinburgh. Free Franking was granted to Members of Parliament for letters sent on Parliamentary business. But I have failed to find a William Courtenay serving as an MP in 1834. There is a slight posibility that the signature is that of the imposter John Thom. He stood as MP for Canterbury in 1832 but was defeated. It seems unlikely that he would have been able to use a free frank two years later. Does anyone know of a William Courtenay who might have entitled to use Parliamentary privilege in 1834? Many thanks.