The franchise at Bath was in the corporation, a close body, recruited by co-option. In spite of this narrow franchise, against which some of the citizens petitioned unsuccessfully to the House of Commons in 1728,1 Bath was an outstandingly independent and respectable borough. For most of the period it was run by its famous postmaster, Ralph Allen, whose father-in-law, George Wade, held one seat from 1722 till his death in 1748. After Wade’s death Allen persuaded the corporation to elect another distinguished soldier, Sir John Ligonier, honoris causa, though he had no connexion with the city. The other Members were either neighbouring country gentlemen or had strong local connexions.