UK political culture in the 1790s has long been thought to be characterized by conservatism promoted by reformist intellectuals and loyalism of the common people. However, an in-depth examination of the correspondence directed to the London Assn. in the 1790s reveals that the loyalism advocated by writers was geared towards the creation of a vulgar conservatism. Not all reformers accepted loyalism but they all helped promote popular participation in UK politics.