TALK: Pomp, Politics & Power: The Peculiar Tale of ‘Squire’ Drax - Saturday 9th November, 2pm

John Samuel Wanley Sawbridge Erle Drax (1800-1887) was arguably one of the most notorious characters of 19th-century Dorset. He was elected MP for Wareham on three occasions and held other high offices in the county but is usually remembered for his eccentric habits and scandalous reputation. In this talk, I recount the story of this controversial figure while seeking to place his life against the social and political backdrop of his age.