Central Agricultural Protection Society facts for kids

The Central Agricultural Protection Society was a group formed in Britain in February 1844. It was led by the Duke of Richmond and the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. This society worked to keep the Corn Laws in place. The Corn Laws were rules that controlled the price of grain, like wheat and corn. These laws helped landowners but made food more expensive for many people.

What Was the Central Agricultural Protection Society?

This society was a type of pressure group. A pressure group tries to influence government decisions. The Central Agricultural Protection Society wanted to protect the interests of farmers and landowners. They believed the Corn Laws were important for British agriculture.

Why Was This Society Formed?

The society was created because another group, the Anti-Corn Law League, was trying to get rid of the Corn Laws. Farmers and landowners who supported the Corn Laws felt they needed their own strong voice. The society's rules said they could not discuss party politics or interfere in elections. Their first meeting was held at the Duke of Richmond's house in Portland Place, London.

How the Society Was Organized

Soon after the society started, farmers held their own meeting. This meeting was at the Freemason's Tavern in London. Farmers from nine different counties were there. They decided to create a central office to connect all the smaller local groups that supported the Corn Laws. Two Members of Parliament (MPs), George Darby and William Miles, who were part of the Central Agricultural Protection Society, also attended.

Joining Forces with Farmers

During this meeting, the farmers decided to join their efforts with the Central Agricultural Protection Society. A group of 22 farmers then went to the Duke of Richmond's house. There, they met with the Duke of Richmond, the Duke of Leeds, and about 40 to 50 other landowners.

Who Ran the Society?

They discussed how the combined society would work. It would have a president, a vice-president, and four trustees. There would also be a managing committee of 40 members. Half of these members (20) had to be tenant farmers. Tenant farmers are people who rent land to farm. The society's office was at 19 Old Bond Street in London. They also hired a secretary to manage the office.

Was the Society Successful?

Not everyone was happy with the society. On December 9, 1845, a tenant farmer from Warwickshire complained at a meeting. He said that the wealthy landowners (the gentry) had started the society. He felt they did it to please the farmers, but then did nothing. He thought they did not want to upset the Conservative Party.

A Farmer's Viewpoint

Historians have also shared their views. Robert Stewart, a historian, said the society was "little more than a pacifier." This means it was just there to keep the tenant farmers quiet. Another historian, T. L. Crosby, wrote that the Central Society was not the most active group. He believed the real strength of the movement came from the local societies across the country. Farmers had more influence in these local groups.

Trying to Change Tax Laws

On December 10, 1846, the society's committee decided to ask the Conservative Party to remove the malt tax. This was a tax on malt, which is used to make beer. However, other members of the Conservative Party did not agree. When the idea was put to the whole society in January 1847, it was defeated.