23rd March 1812: Weavers meet in secret near the Brick Kiln, Bolton

Another secret meeting of weavers was held in Bolton on the night following the one at the workhouse. This one was held at a Brick Kiln belonging to a Mr Pilkington, which stood on Ridgeway Row near to the turnpike road on Bolton Moor.

Those present included Oliver Nicholson, who had also attended the meeting at the Gibraltar Rock in February, and Peter Gaskell who had been at the meeting the previous night. Nicholson & Gaskell recalled that John Stones was there, and gave some kind of a report and informed the meeting that his father had sworn in 15 people at a meeting near Bury.

Also present was a member of the local militia, Richard Eckersley, who stated 20 people were present. He was asked to accept an illegal oath, but later said he refused.

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This is taken from the depositions of Nicholson, Gaskell and Eckersley, which can be found at HO 42/128.