An English porcelain part tea service commemorating the imprisonment of the Sir Francis Burdett MP in the Tower in 1810, comprising a sugar box and cover with printed portrait to front and inscription to reverse, a milk jug, one teabowl and three saucers each titled in gilt, circa 1810 (wear, staining and slight damage)See illustration (4)

Sir Francis Burdett (1770-1844) was a radical Liberal MP known for his support of free speech, parliamentary reform and Catholic emancipation. He was briefly imprisoned in the Tower in 1810 following an open letter published in Cobbett's Political Register declaring the House of Commons' conduct illegal for previously having him imprisoned following a constituency dispute. At this time he enjoyed great popular support, being regarded as a defender of the rights of the common man. He remained within the Liberal Party until 1835, when he joined the Conservatives.