Boundaries of Parliamentary Constituencies 1885–1972
Tracing the evolution of political representation requires precise documentation of where one electoral district ends and another begins. Boundaries of Parliamentary Constituencies 1885–1972, authored by F. W. S. Craig and published in 1972 by Political Reference Publications, serves as a comprehensive record of the United Kingdom's shifting electoral landscape.
This specialized reference work provides a detailed account of the geographical limits of Parliament constituencies, utilizing both descriptive text and outline maps to illustrate how representation was organized across Great Britain and Northern Ireland over nearly a century.
Key Facts
- Author: F. W. S. Craig
- Publication Year: 1972
- ISBN: 0-900178-09-4
- Coverage (Great Britain): Text and maps from 1885 to 1983
- Coverage (Northern Ireland): Text and maps from 1922 to 1983
- Cartographers: David Bird and Peter Westley
Scope and Temporal Coverage
Although published in 1972, the volume extends its coverage beyond the date of publication. This was possible because the boundary changes effective for the February 1974 general election had already been determined in 1971. Consequently, the book provides data for boundaries effective from 1974 through 1983.
The chronological structure is divided into specific eras: boundaries listed under the 1955–1970 period remained in effect until 1974, while those listed under the 1971 section remained effective until 1983.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Geographical Organization and Mapping
To maintain clarity, the maps divide England into three distinct regions: southern, central, and northern. According to the text, the boundaries between these three broad areas remained remarkably stable between 1885 and 1983. Additionally, the publication maps Wales and Monmouthshire as a combined entity.
The diagrams were prepared by David Bird and Peter Westley. However, the author notes that the cartographers often had to rely on inadequate or erroneous source maps, which impacted the final output.
| Region | Period Covered | Format Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Great Britain | 1885–1983 | Text and Outline Maps |
| Northern Ireland | 1922–1983 | Text and Outline Maps |
Accuracy and Limitations
F. W. S. Craig acknowledges that a work of this magnitude is unlikely to be entirely free from error. He highlights specific discrepancies arising from both the mapping process and the original Boundary Commission reports (the official bodies responsible for reviewing constituency borders).
One notable error occurs in the depiction of district of burghs constituencies—electoral areas comprising several non-contiguous towns. For example, the Kilmarnock District of Burghs is illustrated as a single area in Ayrshire, whereas it actually spanned two burghs in Ayrshire, two in Renfrewshire, and one in Lanarkshire before its abolition in 1918.
Furthermore, the author points to inconsistencies in official reports. In the case of Leeds South, the Boundary Commission listed a major boundary change in 1955; however, Craig notes that the actual boundaries remained unaltered, and only the official description had changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the Boundaries of Parliamentary Constituencies 1885–1972?
The book was written by F. W. S. Craig and published by Political Reference Publications in Chichester, Sussex.
Why does a book published in 1972 contain data up to 1983?
The boundary changes for the 1974 election were decided in 1971, allowing the author to include the 1974–1983 boundaries despite the 1972 publication date.
How is England divided in the book's maps?
England is divided into three areas: southern, central, and northern, which remained stable throughout the period covered.
What is an example of a mapping error mentioned in the text?
The Kilmarnock District of Burghs was incorrectly shown as a single area in Ayrshire, rather than a collection of burghs across Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, and Lanarkshire.
Who were the cartographers for the diagrams?
The diagrams and maps were prepared by David Bird and Peter Westley.