4th April 1817: The reported death of Daniel Diggle's mother - an example of 19th century 'fake news'

In the days following Daniel Diggle's execution, several regional newspapers reported that his mother has died two days later, on Friday 4th April 1817 of 'excessive grief'.

I have as yet been unable to pin down the source of this story, but the precise date derives from the Gentleman's magazine, an aggregator of news stories, which can be found online here.

In fact, Diggle's mother was called Sarah Diggle (nee Rhodes) and had married William Johnson Diggle in 1793. Genealogical records show that she didn't die in 1817, but was buried at St Leodegarius at Basford on 24th June 1827, aged 65. William died in 1841.

22nd November 1816: Informer's report about James Towle's funeral

22d Novr 1816

I was at Towle’s Funeral yesterday—A Schoolmaster I was told gave out the Hymns that were sung from his house to and at the Grave by Six young women.—Peter Green was there and joined in the singing—Many other men also sung—Badder was there with me—He said he felt uneasy because Barnes & Lawson were not come at before the body was put into the Grave—I and Badder went to Torr’s, The Shoulder of Mutton accompanied by Adam the Scotchman, Jos. Mitchell Chris and his Brother the man at whose house the Frames were last broke at Lambley, Glover who was tried at the last Assizes and Peter Green and many others who were at the supper at Scattergoods on the occasion of Badder and Slater’s acquittal whose names I dont know—Some of their wives were with them—I believe they were all Ludds or friends to them—There was a deal of muttering amongst them saying they would not give a penny for Barnes and Lawson's lives and that they must be done—Adam and Badder said they had slept at the Police Office for several nights and that they would be seen here no more and were going to London to be Police Officers where that damned Rogue Garton was but there would be a reckoning day there and they might be let on there—They said a deal about Garton being there for safety—Nothing was proposed to be done—Jos: Mitchell was chosen for a Bearer of Towle but he did not help to carry—I could only see two Bearers that I knew; Mellors of Dob Park Lane who keeps a Shop of Frames and Robinson who lives at this end of Basford—It was dusk when the Funeral was over—There was a great many men and women but most men, and a Soldier estimated them all together at 3000—Many men from Nottm, many of them I knew to be Ludds—I saw several from Arnold, Hucknall and many from Bulwell—There was a Star or Cross upon the Coffin lid which excited much conjecture what it could be for—Some said it was because he had died game, others because he had been hung, and some damned Dr. Wylde for not allowing the Funeral service to be read—Badder said the Parish Parson would have read the Service had not Dr. Wylde threatened to strip off his gown if he did it, but he said it did not signify to Jem for he wanted no Parson about him—We all came out of Torr’s together but Mitchell and Chris went to Towle’s mother’s and promised to overtake us before we got to Nottingham but they did not—On the way Badder said he wished we could meet Barnes and Lawson—Adam told him not to mind they would be met with tho’ they might go to London; as there had been meetings there of 40 or 50,000 and things were coming to a head and he should not mind being hung for shooting one of them but he should like to see a Revolution first and then he should die easy. I, Badder, Adam and the man of Lambley whose Frames were last broke, went by the Bowling Alley (Peter and the others left us on the Road and went by Radford) to Seymour’s and there we met Sam Slater—He said Jem had been damned ill used as he had sent a letter out of Prison to shoot Barnes that he might not give evidence against him and it would be a pity if he were not done now before he got to London and that Barnes would get £140 by the Job—Badder said they must lye still abit to which they acquiesced by silence.—

21st November 1816: James Towle is buried in Basford 'in the presence of thousands'

On Thursday 21st November 1816, James Towle was buried in Basford, with thousands of people being present.

The funeral was covered in several regional newspapers, with the Nottingham Review of 22nd November including the conditions Towle's relatives had to adhere to to take possession of the corpse & conduct the burial:

After hanging the usual time, his body was demanded by his cousin Josiah Towle, who before he could obtain it, was required to put his hand to the following document:— 

"The corpse of James Towle having been delivered to me on behalf of his mother, who is desirous of interring it at Basford, I hereby undertake that the same shall be buried there before sunset to-morrow, with all possible privacy, and I hereby make myself responsible that there shall be no public exhibition, either previously to, or at the funeral, and particularly that the corpse shall not be detained in the town of Nottingham, but that the same shall be conveyed, as privately as possible, throughout that town, and in case of any disturbance taking place, in consequence of the conveyance or burial of the said corpse, I consent this paper may be produced in evidence against me.

“Dated this 20th of Nov. 1816. 

            HIS 

“JOSIAH + TOWLE”

          MARK

"I further engage that the corpse shall not be halted or detained at any other place between Leicester and Basford, than the following:—

“To bail for one hour at Rothley House.
“To put up for the night or bail at Costock.
“To bail for one hour at Bradmore and from thence to Basford without stopping." 

The body was conveyed through Nottingham during the course of Wednesday night, and on Thursday afternoon, was committed to the earth in Basford church yard, by the side of his father, in the presence of thousands of spectators; every thing being conducted in the most peaceable and orderly manner.

Also present at the funeral was the Secret Agent employed by the Nottingham 'Secret Committee' of bureacrats and employers, and the Town Clerk would receive a report from him the following day.

17th October 1814: Threatening letter from 'Ned Lud' at Basford to William Beer at Derby

Mr  We want som Bol
Cartig an Sum Harms, You
May expect us very soon

Ned Lud

Basford
Oct 17 – 1814

Directed thus

Mr Bare
Depot
Derby

4th September 1814: 16 stocking frames destroyed in Old & New Basford

On Sunday 4th September, just before midnight on the 5th, around 20 Luddites undertook a series of raids in both Old and New Basford in Nottinghamshire.

At the house of Thomas Ford in Old Basford, the group demolished 5 frames. The Luddites moved on to the house of James Smith in the same town, where they destroyed 5 cotton frames.

Moving to New Basford, the Luddites went to the home of Thomas Garton, and destroyed 6 frames there. Within a week, a man had been arrested after Garton gave testimony that he recognised one of the Luddites: his name was James Towle, and he was to become one of the most notorious figures in Midlands Luddism for the next 2 years.

10th March 1812: Stocking frame stolen at Basford

On Tuesday night, the 10th March 1812, Luddites stole a narrow stocking frame from a house on the Parsons Flat at Basford, near Nottingham.

15th February 1812: John Slaney committed to Nottingham Gaol

On Friday 15th February, John Slaney, a framework-knitter from Basford was committed to Nottingham Gaol. He was charged with having attempted to incite 2 soldiers from the Royal Berkshire Militia to break frames in Basford on the 27th January.

7th Feburary 1812: 2 Framebreakers committed to Nottingham Gaol

On Friday 7th February, the authorities committed 2 more men to the County Gaol for frame-breaking.

John Osborne, of Eastwood, was committed for frame-breaking at Eastwood 2 days earlier. Upon his entering custody the County Gaoler, Thomas Wright, said he had found Osborne had about his person a piece of iron (part of a stocking frame) and a letter or piece of paper signed 'Ned Lud for ever Amen'.

It was also reported that William Barnes had been committed for frame-breaking at Basford on 26th January. The authorities had obviously decided that Barnes has connived in the attack upon the frames being kept in his home at the time.

4th February 1812: Frames broken in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

In somewhat of a last hurrah for this phase of Midlands Luddism, several villages in 2 counties were attacked in the same night.

In Derbyshire, 2 frames were broken at Taghill, near Heanor.

In Nottinghamshire, 1 frame was broken at Bobbers Mill, 1 frame at Basford & 5 were broken at Burton Joyce.

27th January 1812: Luddites play another practical joke at Basford

On Monday evening the 27th January, Luddites broke three stocking frames frames at Basford, and burned the woodwork from the frames in an adjoining field. The following morning, villagers in Basford awoke to find the ironworks from one of the frames fixed to the top of the local prison or round-house. The Luddites seemed to be operating with complete impunity and mocking the authorities.

26th January 1812: Frame-breaking at Basford - anatomy of an attack

In Basford on the night of Sunday 26th January, a Hosiery firm - Messrs Haddens - had arranged with the authorities for 2 soldiers from the Berkshire Militia - Henry Huggins & Thomas Osgood - to guard some of their frames at the home of an employee.

Osgood & Huggins received their orders from Corporal Stephen Allen who, along with a Special Constable Thomas Bodill, accompanied them to the home of the employee, William Barnes, a framework-knitter.

Upon their arrival at 7.00 p.m., Bodill handed Barnes a note from Haddens which explained the arrangement with the military. Barnes was extremely annoyed by this, and insisted the frames were perfectly safe left unguarded in his home. When Bodill gave the soldiers some money for refreshment, Barnes refused Bodill's requests to fetch some food for the soldiers, saying they should go themselves. Bodill and Corporal Allen then left.

Barnes was extremely agitated. Only 10 minutes after their arrival, and whilst Osgood and Huggins warmed themselves by the fire, Barnes left the house, returning again five minutes later. As the soldiers relaxed, they heard a footstep outside, and leapt up seizing their muskets. Barnes told them to rest easy, as it was his neighbour returning home. Within 15 minutes, Barnes had left again, pausing outside to speak to someone who the soldiers assumed was his neighbour.

Upon his return 5 minutes later, he flung the door open and was followed by 20 Luddites, many of them carrying sticks, and some of them armed with pistols. Huggins and Osgood were rushed by the Luddites, with Huggins being knocked to the floor, his musket being seized in the process. Up to 4 Luddite dealt with Osgood, who was presented with pistols aimed at his head, and threats to 'blow his brains out' if he moved.

Posting sentries outside, the Luddites then commanded Barnes and his wife to go upstairs, which they did. They then set about smashing 3 stocking frames kept in Barnes' workshop, making sure they targeted those belonging to Messrs Haddens. 3 others that belonged to Barnes were left untouched.

Their work finished, the Luddites fired the soldiers muskets into the air outside the house, confiscating the bayonets. They returned the now empty muskets to the soldiers, insulted them and left. Barnes was still annoyed, telling them that the frames had only destroyed because the soldiers were present, and that the Luddites would target any properties where frames were being guarded.

14th January 1812: An unpublished letter to the Times is sent to the Home Office

To the Editor of The Times

Sir

Conceiving it a matter of some importance that the Public should be better acquainted with the nature of the “Riots at Nottingham” as they are usually tho’ very erroneously called — I beg leave to transmit a few observations on the subject. Both the Town & Country are perfectly tranquil — save during the momentary space of time occupied by the Destruction of Frames which is the work of a few Minutes — consequently the term “Riot” is misapplied. Such nevertheless is the System of Terror under which this Mischief is perpetrated that it not only requires activity on the part of the Magistracy but also the most undocumented courage and Public Virtue — for, whatever might be the ostensible or original motives which led to these outrages there is every reason to fear that their real extent was to be proportioned to the success which should attend their first enterprises. What follows will prove beyond a doubt that no concession on the part of the Hosiers, short of actual connivance at these Atrocities, can shield them from the effects of unprincipled vengeance. On Friday evening last nine Frames belonging to a Gentleman who had always given the full price and whose Frames were then on with Full Fashioned work were destroyed. Two reasons were assigned – First because one of his Family (in the discharge his Duty as a Constable) had brought two (of Ned Lud’s) men before the Magistrates who would give no account of themselves and who were consequently committed to prison. Secondly because the man who had the Frames was Honest, Sober, Industrious, and was living comfortably. Thus a plea has been found to Destroy the Property of a Hosier with whom they themselves declared at first they were perfectly satisfied! Four more Frames have been subsequently destroyed and the whole of their Lives and Property threatened, because Two if not Three of the Conspirators have been caught and imprisoned. It is the assurance that these threats will be executed if a favourable opportunity should occur which prevents any individual from impeaching — for strange as it may appear the parties are generally well known. The Poor Man & his Wife took refuge in Nottm but are still loudly threatened to the great terror of their Neighbours. Should the County Magistrates exert themselves it becomes obvious that it must be at the evident hazard of their property. Cutting up Plantations, Burning Hay & Corn Stacks Houghing Cattle & Horses, &c. would be the prelude to more serious depredations. If a Carrier should presume to assist in removing frames a note is dispatched to warn him that his next offence will be Death

Daring robberies are now very frequent and from the universal terror that prevails – I must observe, that the evil will soon become of serious magnitude. Perhaps one mode of checking it might be by a power vested in active Resolute men who have no local interest … this is a consideration for government. Military are in the present state of things useless — unless Martial Law was proclaimed — They dare any Judge to condemn them to Death and I truly believe would find means to intimidate any common Jury

11th January 1812: Nottingham County Magistrates request witness protection from the Home Office

County Hall
Nottingham
11th of Jany 1812

Sir

The destruction of Stocking frames, and other violations of the law, still continue in the Neighbourhood of Nottingham, with almost unabated violence. John Braithwaite & Elizabeth his wife, lately residing in Basford near Nottingham, have given direct evidence against Wm. Carnell & Joseph Maples, both of Basford, that they, with many other persons at 8 o'Cl in the Evening on Friday the 3d of January broke open the house of John Braithwaite, and broke several Frames therein and took away certain parts of these Frames. In consequence of such evidence Wm Carnell and Joseph Maples have been committed for trial at the next Assizes. As the lives of the Witnesses have been threatened, they been brought into the Town of Nottingham for security, but considerable apprehensions have been entertained that as their evidence may lead to the conviction of the Offenders their lives cannot be deemed secure till the time of their giving their testimony. We therefore take the liberty as acting Magistrates for the County of Nottingham of submitting to your consideration whether these persons may not with propriety be conveyed to London or some other place of security in the discretion of the Justices, and at the expense of Government till the time when their evidence will be required; and whether the Justices might not have the same discretionary power in the case of other witnesses similarly circumstanced.

Sir your most obedient
hum. servants

Charles Wylde
Fran. Evans

8th January 1812: Two more men committed for frame-breaking

On Wednesday 8th January, two men were committed to Nottingham Gaol charged with machine-breaking. William Carnell and Joseph Maples were charged with entering the house of John Braithwaite, a framework-knitter, at Basford on the 3rd January and destroying 7 stocking-frames there. Upon being taken into custody, one of the men was found to have in his possession a pistol belonging to Lord Middleton.

4th January 1812: Frames destroyed at Basford, Bulwell, Hucknall, Nottingham & Heanor

The new year was seeing an increasing urgency to the destruction of stocking frames by Luddites. On the afternoon of Saturday 4th January at 3 p.m., one frame was destroyed in Basford. The same afternoon, 2 frames were smashed at Bulwell, not long before they were due to be transported to Nottingham for the greater security the town offered.

In the evening, Luddites destroyed 7 frames at Hucknall Torkard, with the ironworks of 2 of the frames being taken away. Meanwhile, in the town of Nottingham, 1 lace frame was destroyed in Pomfret Street, and another in Pearl Street.

Luddites were also at work again in Derbyshire, destroying a number of stocking frames there.

3rd January 1812: Frame-breaking at Basford

Large numbers of stocking frames had been broken at Basford over the past few months, and the new year was to be no exception. On the Friday evening 3rd January, 9 frames were destroyed in the village.

16th December 1811: Rick burning at Basford

A small rick of hay belonging to a farmer was set alight, near to Basford paper mill.

12th December 1811: Arson at Basford

On the evening of Thursday 12th December, two stacks - one of hay & one of seeds - belonging to a Mr Pepper, a Miller, were set on fire at Basford.

5th December 1811: Frames broken at Basford & in Nottingham

Little more than a day after the meeting of the manufacturers, Luddites struck in Nottingham itself, at a workshop in Tyler Street 'which was working goods to an inferior price'.¹

On the same evening, 4 frames were broken at Basford.²

30th November 1811: Framebreaking at New Basford, Bobbers Mill, Old & New Radford

The framebreaking continued for another night. This time 1 frame was broken at New Basford, 2 at Bobbers Mill, 1 at Old Radford & 1 at New Radford.