See The First Ever Secret Ballot Box Used In Britain

Along with exhibition on Hogarth's Government at Hogarth's House

Till Sunday June 21st , from Tuesday to Sunday 12 noon - 5pm, at Hogarth’s House  there is a free exhibition, Hogarth’s Government.

Experience how 18th Century England was governed from the Parish to Parliament through the art of William Hogarth.

And in the wake of the recent election, you can also see on display the first ever secret ballot box used in Britain.

The box was used in August 1872 which was the first time that people had voted in secret by placing an 'X' on a ballot paper next to the name of their choice - the system that we now take for granted.

It was a notable change in the way elections were run as before then those who could vote had to declare their choice in public. This system was open to bribery and intimidation.

The box is on loan from Wakefield Museum and can be seen as part of the special exhibition Hogarth's House "Parish, City, State: Hogarth and Government” that Showcasing Hogarth's famous Election series, alongside his other depictions of how the Eighteenth Century was governed.

The Exhibition is open 12-5 Tuesday to Sunday as well as on Bank Holiday Mondays and is free.

Hogarth's House, Hogarth Lane, Chiswick W4 2QN

May 22, 2015