Nelson & His World

A useful resource worth remembering is the prototype digitised historical Hansard, which has Hansards back to 1803 - all fully searchable.

Here: http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/

Sample search for 'Nelson' 1804-09: http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/sear ... cade=1800s

I believe, and please correct me if I'm wrong, that MPs have the opportunity of editing their comments before Hansard is printed as the official record. I don't know whether this means simply correcting faults in expression or actually removing comments they would prefer not to have on permanent record.

I do recall with some amusement the parliamentary reports they used to print in The Times before Parliament was broadcast. The rumbles of discontent we hear now were always reported simply as 'Hon Members:
'Oh!'

I recall one report, of an MP who was also a lawyer, opposing legislation that, he claimed, would damage lawyers' livelihoods. The report continued: As Mr X spoke, Mr Brian Sedgemore, on the Opposition benches, dabbed his eyes with a large white handkerchief while Mr Dennis Skinner played an imaginary violin'.