The constituency was created by the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885 for the 1885 general election, and abolished for the 1918 general election.

[1] Smith was appointed Secretary of State for War, requiring a by-election.

Smith was appointed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, requiring a by-election.

Smith's death caused a by-election.

The political parties had been making preparations for an election to take place and by the July 1914, the following candidates had been selected;