Frederick Hodgson (1795-1854) was an English Tory politician This document is a Free Front (the address panel of a letter) from 1839. It is a historical artifact from the era of the British Postal Franking System, which allowed Members of Parliament (MPs) and Peers to send mail for free by signing their names. Frederick Hodgson (1795-1854) was an English Tory politician, known for serving multiple terms as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the borough of Barnstaple in Devon, from the 1820s to the 1840s, representing a period of significant political change, voting on issues like Catholic Emancipation and Corn Laws, and being associated with theatre management and general Tory principles. • Political Career: He was elected for Barnstaple in 1824, 1826, 1831, and again from 1837 to 1847. • Political Stance: He identified as a Tory, generally supporting the ministry but claiming independence due to his own fortune. He voted against Catholic relief in the 1820s and for relaxing the Corn Laws in 1826. • Associations: He was connected to theatre figures like Charles Manby and involved in managing London theatres, including the Adelphi and Haymarket. • Death: He died in 1854, as indicated by his lifespan and portrait records. In essence, Frederick Hodgson was a typical Tory MP of his era, representing a pocket borough and navigating complex political issues while maintaining a degree of personal financial freedom. Business and Background • Brewing: He was a successful brewer, whose fame in the industry led to the nickname "Brown Stout," a reference to both the beer and his own robust size and dark complexion. • Hodgson's Brewery: In 1838, he formed a business partnership with Edward Abbot to manage his brewery, though Abbot had taken full control of the operation by 1845. • Residences: His primary London residence was located at 15 James's Place, Middlesex. The Identity of Frederick Hodgson (1795–1854) The signature at the bottom left is that of Frederick Hodgson, an English Tory/Conservative politician. • Role: He served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Barnstaple. • Tenure: He represented the constituency in several stints: 1824–1830, 1831–1832, and notably during the time of this letter, from 1837 to 1847. • Background: Beyond politics, he was a prominent figure in the brewing industry (Hodgson’s Brewery) and a fellow of the Royal Society. Analysis of the Postal Markings This front provides a snapshot of the British postal system just months before the "Uniform Penny Post" and the Penny Black were introduced in 1840. • The Red Date Stamp: A "Crown" circle mark dated 23 AU 23 (August 23, 1839). The red ink indicates it was handled by the London Chief Office and that the postage was "Free" (pre-paid/waived). • Handwritten Date: At the top, "London August twenty third" is written out. MPs were required to write the full date and the name of the post town to prevent the reuse of old franked covers. • The Recipient: Addressed to John Bond, Esq. at The Grange, Wareham. The Grange (Creech Grange) was the ancestral seat of the Bond family in Dorset. • The Annotation: "The Honble M. T. Best" likely refers to a family member or associate being mentioned or enclosed. Historical Significance & Value • Pre-Stamp Era: This is an excellent example of Postal History. Because the franking privilege for MPs was abolished in 1840 to make way for stamps, covers like this from late 1839 represent the "final days" of this centuries-old system. • Condition: The "Mount Sigs" (Mounting Signatures) stamp at the top right suggests this was once part of a Victorian-era collection of famous signatures. • Market Value: In the philatelic market, "Free Fronts" for MPs like Hodgson are common but widely collected. Depending on the clarity of the strikes and the specific recipient, these generally sell for £10 to £25 ($12–$30 USD). Its value lies more in its historical connection to the Barnstaple MP and the prominent Bond family of Dorset. Based on the historical record and the artifact provided, here is an evaluation of Frederick Hodgson (1795–1854). Political Career Frederick Hodgson was a prominent English politician during the 19th century, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency of Barnstaple in Devon. His tenure in the House of Commons was divided into several periods: • 1824–1830 • 1831–1832 • 1837–1847 He was active during a transformative era in British politics, including the period of the Great Reform Act of 1832. The document you provided is a "Free Front" from August 23, 1839, which demonstrates his use of the Parliamentary Franking Privilege—a right held by MPs to send mail for free by signing the cover. Business and Professional Life Outside of Parliament, Hodgson was a significant figure in the London brewing industry. • Hodgson’s Brewery: He was a partner in the famous Bow Brewery (Hodgson and Drane). The brewery is historically significant for its role in the creation and popularization of India Pale Ale (IPA). • The India Trade: Under his management, the brewery aggressively exported beer to India. He famously navigated the complex relationship with the East India Company, at one point attempting to monopolize the trade by shipping directly to India rather than through the company’s officers. • Other Interests: He was involved in the management of London theatres, specifically the Adelphi and Haymarket, and was a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). The 1839 Postal Artifact The image you shared is a specific piece of postal history from Hodgson’s third term in office: • Date: August 23, 1839 (marked by the red London "Free" crown stamp and his handwritten "August twenty third"). • Context: This was sent just months before the Uniform Penny Post was introduced in January 1840, which abolished the very franking privilege Hodgson used here. • Recipient: It is addressed to John Bond, Esq. at The Grange, Wareham, who was a member of a prominent land-owning family in Dorset. Value Breakdown 1. Historical Context (+Value) • The "Final Days" Premium: This is dated August 1839. Since the franking privilege for MPs was abolished on January 10, 1840, collectors often seek out "late usage" examples from the final year of the system. • The Signature: Frederick Hodgson is a "minor" political figure, but his connection to the IPA beer trade (Hodgson’s Brewery) gives the item cross-over appeal to brewing historians. 2. Condition and Markings (+Value) • Strike Quality: The red London "Crown" FREE stamp is very clear and well-centered. Clear strikes are essential for postal history value. • Provenance: The "Mount Sigs" stamp in the top right corner indicates this was part of an organized Victorian autograph collection. While some collectors prefer "pristine" fronts, this adds a layer of 19th-century provenance. 3. The Recipient (+Value) • John Bond of Creech Grange: The Bond family were major landowners in Dorset. Correspondence to "The Grange, Wareham" is recognized by regional postal historians of Dorset, which can increase interest in local auctions. Look carefully at the images to form an opinion The shipment will be from UK Lot L-GB-07