Both seats at Amersham were controlled by the Drakes of Shardeloes, one mile from the borough, who as lords of the manor1 appointed the returning officer, nominating Tories at every election. During the long minority of William Drake, who held one seat for 50 years, single anti-Drake candidates were put up at three elections between 1728 and 1735 but their voting strength was only about half that of the Drake candidates.