19th December 1812: News of the planned York Special Commission becomes public

On Saturday 19th December 1812, the Leeds Mercury informed it's readers that the long-awaited trial of the West Yorkshire Luddites was imminent:

We are authorised to state that Special Commissions of Oyer and Terminer, and Gaol Delivery, will be opened at the Castle of York, on a very early day in January, by Mr. Baron Thompson and Mr. Justice Le Blanc, for the trial of offences, connected with the disturbances lately existing in a part of the West-Riding.—It is not their Lorships' purpose to try any prisoners on private prosecution.

The Judges have fixed the 2d January for opening he Commission at York.