For the fourth time in two years, Mid Devon prepared for a General Election. The election of November 1922 was followed by two during 1923. The result in December 1923 was a majority of just 3 for the Liberals after a recount of the 24,600 votes cast. The Tiverton Gazette started ramping up the coverage until a whole page was devoted to the campaigns in the two editions preceding election day on October 29th 1924. This election also marked a ‘first’ for the BBC.

 Having lost in two previous elections to Francis Acland, Gilbert John Acland-Troyte won the seat this time and served as MP for Tiverton until 1945.

The Museum’s photo and archive collections house several items relating to the 1924 elections, these concerning the winner, Gilbert Troyte.

Troyte election to put in supporters’ windows

In 1909, Gilbert married Gwladys Eleanor Quicke in Newton St Cyres. The Quickes had been established in the village, as farmers, since the 16th century and are, today, famous as award winning cheese makers.

In 1924 only women over 30 and who met certain property qualifications could vote. Gwladys published a 2 page leaflet appealing to women voters to support her husband in the election.

Written by Museum Volunteer, Sue B.