7 May 1839
Bedchamber Crisis

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Lord Melbourne's government resigns over a crisis in the constitution of Jamaica in May 1839. Queen Victoria reluctantly calls on Robert Peel, leader of the Conservative Party, to form a ministry. Peel knows that the queen is upset at losing Melbourne and decides he needs a public gesture of support from her. He demands the dismissal of some Whig court ladies who had been personally appointed by Melbourne, and proposes to replace them with his own appointees.

When Victoria refuses, Peel retaliates by refusing to form a ministry. Melbourne is recalled as prime minister, and his Whig government stumbles through the next two years, beset by poor harvests and a financial crisis that leads to the collapse of many small banks. Meanwhile, Peel builds his support in the country.

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