25th July 1812: Captain Francis Raynes informs General Maitland of a Luddite meeting near Stockport

The Arden Arms on Ashton Road, Bredbury - photo copyright David Dixon

Roe cross near Mottram
25th July 1812

Sir,

I think it necessary to inform you a meeting of the Luddites, is to take place tomorrow afternoon about 4 o'clock in the Ardens Arms Castle Hill two miles from Stockport

The Meeting as far as I can learn is for the purpose of collecting money for the Prisoners in Lancaster Jail—

I request Sir, to be informed of the result, tomorrow night, by two or three persons I know will be there.

I have [etc]
Francis Raynes Capt
Stirlingshire &c Militia

To
Lieutenant General Maitland
&c &c &c

---

This letter can be found in HO 40/2/1.

The Arden Arms still stands on Ashton Road, Bredbury to this day. A short distance to the East is the site of Joseph Clay's Arden Mill, which was attacked by rioters on  21st April 1812.