A new home for the archive of ’Radical Jack’

A political firebrand, a radical reformist and a leading society figure - the life and times of John George Lambton, first Earl of Durham, were truly captivating. Durham University is now the new home to the archives of Lord Durham, as he was also known, whose energetic support for political reform earned him the nickname 'Radical Jack'. Behind the scenes of political reform Lord Durham was one of four politicians called the Committee of Four, charged with drafting the Reform Bill, which went on to become the Great Reform Act of 1832, transforming the British electoral system. The archive provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into a period of dramatic political reform. It includes thousands of letters, dispatches and other papers from Lord Durham's political and diplomatic work, as well as his personal life. The archive also includes diaries and correspondence from Lord Durham's second wife, Louisa Countess of Durham, who was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria. Louisa's diaries provide captivating insights into court gossip, and the life of the immensely wealthy and influential Lambton family.