Lyme Regis (UK Parliament constituency)

Lyme Regis was a parliamentary borough in Dorset, England, which elected two Members of Parliament to the House of Commons from 1360 until 1832, and one member from 1832 until 1885.

History

Lyme Regis, a port town in Dorset, was granted borough status and the right to send representatives to Parliament in the 14th century. Its representation continued uninterrupted until the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885.

Boundaries

The constituency comprised the town of Lyme Regis. Its boundaries remained largely unchanged throughout its existence.

Franchise

The right to vote in Lyme Regis was vested in the freemen of the borough, and later extended to include inhabitant householders paying scot and lot (local taxes). This resulted in a relatively small electorate, making it susceptible to influence from local patrons.

Abolition

The constituency was abolished by the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885, and its territory was incorporated into the Dorset Western constituency.