Queenborough was under the patronage of the Admiralty and the Ordnance, each department recommending to one seat. Admission of new freemen belonged to the corporation, a body of seven which was effectively controlled by Government; and a large proportion of the freemen were employed by the Admiralty or the Ordnance. Local landowners, like Lord Middlesex, or admirals standing against the Government (Brett in 1774 and Parker in 1784) had little chance.