Wharncliffe

Wharncliffe, LORD (1776-1845). James Archibald Stuart Wortley Mackenzie was educated at Eton, served in the army, and entered the House of Commons in 1797. As a Tory he opposed Catholic emancipation, but was one of the 'waverers' who helped to pass the Reform Bill, having been created a baron in 1826; he opposed Peel's Free Trade till his death. His name is remembered in connection with 'Wharncliffe Meetings'—meetings of public companies under a standing order of the House of Lords introduced by him. Under this 'Wharncliffe Order' proceedings for the modification of the powers of a company constituted by act of parliament cannot be instituted in the House of Lords till it is reported that a special meeting of the proprietors has been called under specified conditions of publicity.