_First Instance of Bribery amongst Members of Parliament._--The following
extract from Parry's _Parliaments and Councils of England_, deserves, I
think, a corner in "N. & Q.," especially at the present day:
"1571, A. R. 13, May 10.--Thomas Long, 'a very simple man and unfit' to
serve, is questioned how he came to be elected. He confesses that he
gave the Mayor of Westbury and another four pounds for his place in
parliament. They are ordered to repay this sum, to appear to answer
such things as should be objected against them in that house, and a
fine of twenty pounds is to be assessed on the corporation and
inhabitants of Westbury, for their scandalous attempt."