C 2191275-2000Chancery and Lord Chancellor's Office: Petty Bag Office and Crown Office: Parliamentary Election Writs and Returns
This series contains nearly all parliamentary writs to secure the election of Members of the House of Commons, and the returns made on them.
The format of writs and returns has evolved over time towards greater simplicity. From 1407 attestation of the return by electors began, in addition to the sheriff or returning officer. By the early eighteenth century there might be as many as 150 signatures, with their seals. In the twentieth century the indentures of return disappear: all that remains is a printed form serving as a writ, and the returning officer's endorsement of receipt and certification of the Member returned.
Returns refer directly to neither contests nor parties. Records of election of Scottish representative peers, 1900-1959, are also included.