The constituency was created under the Reform Act 1832, and first used at the 1832 general election.
Villiers was appointed Judge-Advocate-General of the Armed Forces, requiring a by-election.
Bethell was appointed Attorney General for England and Wales, requiring a by-election.
Villiers was appointed President of the Poor Law Board, requiring a by-election.
Bethell resigned after being appointed Lord Chancellor, causing him to become Lord Westbury and a by-election to be called.