7th July 1812: Colonel Fletcher & his spy, John Stones, observe the 'Manchester 38' in Gaol

In his account of the arrest and trial of the 'Manchester 38', John Knight recounts a chilling episode that took place at the New Bailey prison in Salford on either Tuesday the 7th or Wednesday 8th July 1812:

On the 7th or 8th July, Higgins, the gaoler, accompanied by a magistrate of Bolton, named Ralph Fletcher, and a notorious character, of the name of Stones, came into each yard, and ordered in every yard the prisoners belonging to the thirty-eight, to separate themselves from the other, and then viewed our persons minutely, for a considerable time, with earnest attention.

This was no doubt aimed at fixing any of the '38' that John Stones had come across during his infiltration of the underground workers' organisations during the last few months.

27th May 1812: The trials of the Bolton oath givers at Lancaster Special Commission

At 9.00 a.m. on  Wednesday 27th May 1812, 12 men stood trial for aiding in the administering of an unlawful oath to Sergeant Holland Bowden of the Bolton Local Militia, at Great Bolton on the night of April 19th 1812.

The principal witnesses at the trial were the undercover members of the Bolton Local Militia, the 'blackfaces' that had appeared during the meeting on Dean Moor that evening. Although their names were left out of the newspaper reports of the trials, from notes of the trials in the Home Office documents we know the names of some of them. A couple are familiar - i.e. Colonel Fletcher's chief spy, John Stones, and his father Simon Stones. The others are: Corporal William Orrell, Corporal Lawrence Harwood. Private Abraham Kaye, John Wood & Peter Grundy.

The evidence they gave at the trial paints a vivid picture, but contrasts starkly in many respects from the evidence given 5 months later by others present at the meeting when they 'un-twisted' themselves before the authorities. Our account of the events of April 19th is drawn from these sources and not the trial account.

Fletcher's spies attested that they were sent to Dean Moor by their commanding officer, Adjutant Warr, to observe what happened and arrived at 11.00 p.m. to find 100 others there. Before they were allowed to join everyone, they were challenged by a man armed with a rudimentary pike for the password and offered the correct counter-sign.

The spies attested that John Hurst (37) was 'General Ludd' on the evening, and conducted the meeting. They said he had his face whitened and was armed with a pistol and a kind of Halberd. They said it was he who calmed the group down when there was an alarm that cavalry were approaching, and outlined the plans to go to Chowbent, first to meet with others and then to proceed to Westhoughton.

The trial was largely concerned with the oath being forcibly administered later to the Bolton Militia Sergeant, Holland Bowden, when the group came across him at Hulton Lane Ends. The spies attested that Joseph Greenhalgh (22) had said of Bowden "He's nothing but a spy, he's a sergeant in the Bolton Local Militia; damn him, I know him, either twist him or puff him (i.e. shoot him)". The spies also said that a hatchet was held over Bowden's head whilst the oath was administered to him.

The others accused at the trial were: Christopher Medcalfe (41), James Brierley (30), Henry Thwaite (24), Thomas Pickup (51), Samuel Radcliffe (35 - who had been acquitted of being involved in the Westhoughton incident at the trial the day before),  Joseph Clement, William Gifford, John Hays, Peter Topping, and James Knowles.

With Bowden being unable to identify any of the prisoners as to having been present that night, the identification of the accused was left Stones and his men. That they centralised the role of the accused and minimised their own role and involvement was to be expected. After the trial concluded at 7.00 p.m., the jury took just 30 minutes to find Medcalfe, Brierley, Thwaite, Pickup, Hurst, Radcliffe and Greenhalgh guilty. The other men were acquitted.

21st May 1812: Colonel Fletcher seeks help from the Home Office for his spy, John Stones

Bolton 21st May 1812

Dear Sir/

I feel much obliged by your Favor communicating Mr. Ryders Approval of my Offer of Assistance and authorising me to incur such reasonable Expence as may be necessary for giving Effect to the Prosecution of those committed to Lancaster on Charges of Riot – Sidition &c —. (The Testimony of one of our main Informers [John Stones] may, in the opinion of Messrs Stoner & Ravald – Clerk to the Majistrates here) be necessary to convict some of the most notorious Offenders … And therefore his Information has been taken amongst others & was one of those transmitted to you, 15th.—

His Father – Simon Stones – who was the Leader of those Ten Men – amongst whom some others of our Confidants were introduced to the Meeting of the 19th April – has since the Committals to Lancaster become suspected, & the suspicion has been extended also to his Son—who as he resides in one of the most siditious Parts of this Neighbourhood has requested to have his Family removed to a Place of greater Safety – which has been promised on our part & will be carried into Effect during his absence at the Assizes.—We have charged Messrs Stoner & Ravald – to represent to Mr. Hobhouse, that in those Cases where the Proof is likely to be sufficient without Stones’s Evidence to omit him & only make use of his Testimony where absolutely necessary.—

It is hoped that Government will deem his Services deserving of some remuneration – even should his giving open Testimony in Court deprive him of the means of procuring further Information.

Bs last report I thought it proper to enclose. The Information of Taylor respecting the Arming at the Potteries if correct — affords Cause for Alarm.—In disturbed Neighbourhoods – there should in my humble opinion be a Power vested somewhere to disarm all Persons excepting such as may be authorised by Majistrates or the Civil Officers to have them in their Possession.—The use made of the Fire Arms in the attack of Mr. Burtons Works at Middleton in this County—and against Mr Cartwrights Works in the County of York—& the nightly seizing of Arms lately practised by the Rioters in the Neighbourhood of Huddersfield in the said latter County – seem to me to require a stronger remedy than any which is capable of application under any existing Law.—

I am afraid there will not be time sufficient before the special assizes to avail ourselves of Bs Information in respect to John Buckley and therefore it seems to be a subject deserving of consideration whether when the Bill now pending in Parliament, if passed into a Law, will absolve all Persons who have administered or taken on unlawful Oath (on their confessing their Guilt & subscribing the Oath of Allegiance) from the Pains & Penalties of the existing Law – or whether Buckley, & others similarly circumstanced if apprehended after the said Bill shall have passed into a Law & before any such confession, can avail themselves of a subsequent confession – & by that means escape Trial and Punishment.

Arthur Gordon mentioned by B as having fled is one of the Persons charged with being concerned in the Murder of Charles Chadwick of Westhoughton about 3 years ago—John Lever, the other Person charged, is now in Custody - and has been remanded, waiting untill Gordon shall be taken. Harper the accuser (a Convict under sentence of Transportation) being, I fear, an Accomplice, it will require some collateral Testimony to bring the Offenders to Justice – and this will require more time than the Interval to the Special Assizes will afford & therefore this matter must, I fear, be deffered to the Autumn General Assize. Gordon & Lever have long been Associates in Sidition. The latter when last taken into Custody, was under bail on a charge of drinking “the Death of the King”, and it therefore becomes more necessary to keep him in Custody under the Hope that he may be brought to capital Punishment on the charge of Murder, which would render any Prosecution for Sidition unnecessary.—Trusting you will excuse my Prolixity — I remain

Dear Sir
Yours most faithfully
Ra: Fletcher

6th May 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher writes to the Home Office with the latest news about prisoners

Bolton 6 May 1812

Dear Sir

An apology is due for not having more fully answered your letter of the 2d instant respecting the Testimony of private Informants—but the incessant call upon my time both in my civil & military Capacity must be my excuse.

I am happy to be able to acquaint you that all the Witnesses whose Names are subscribed to the Depositions Copies of which have been sent from hence may be called upon to give their Testimony. Our main Informants have been hitherto kept in the Back Ground—and our promises not to bring them forwards, has hitherto been faithfully kept—For fear however of exposing our most confidential Informants we have been under the necessity of admitting several persons concerned to Bail—the Names of these are Oliver Nicholson—Robert Waddington–John Dewhurst and Richard Charlton—the first of these was Treasurer – but when it would have been difficult to commit – as he had left the meeting to go to the Factory in Westhoughton on the Night of the 19th ultimo to reconnoitre;—and was not therefore under the Observation of those of our Confidants who attended at that meeting―the 3 others – by the Evidence of S – might have been committed – but we thought it better to admit all four to Bail — rather than betray S — which I trust will meet your approbation.

Yesterday I was sent for by Lieutenant General Maitland to Manchester – who wished for my Information as to the State of the Country – which is far as regarded military objects was given to him.

There have been no Riots or Tumults for the several days past — and the spirit of the Disaffected appear to be very flat since the apprehendings which have lately taken place;—but I lament the continuous advance of the Price of Provisions which in the two articles of Oatmeal & Potatoes is nearly double what is usual. This is the most melancholy part of the Subject — and the Distresses consequent upon it are & must be very great until it shall please Heaven by a plentiful Harvest – to relieve them.

If you shall wait for any further particulars as to what the Witnesses can provide Messrs Stoner & Ravald (Clerk the Magistrates here and who prepared & sent you the Copies,) will reexamine them – and either they or I can transmit what may further appear upon such reexamination, for your Information.

Your Communication respecting Mr Charles Chaddock came to Hand by this Post. I am anxious for the Names of the murderers that are said to reside in this Town – not doubting but that they will turn out to be some of those implicated in the late Outrages— and who have planned future Assassinations.

In Consequence of an Information sworn to at Manchester yesterday—by one Clayton a private in the Cumberland militia – purporting his having been sworn in to become a Luddite by one William Burney of Bolton presence of John Burney – we gave direction to the Local to arrest both William & John. John only is taken, William fled as early as the 26 Ultimo—We are now sending John a Prisoner to the New Bayley – to be examined there as Clayton the Witness is at the New Bayley. The Revd Mr Hay will examine the witnesses & from him you will hear what may be done in that Business―

I remain
Dear Sir
Yours very sincerely
Ra: Fletcher

[To] John Beckett Esqr

3rd May 1812: Colonel Fletcher informs the Home Office about more Bolton prisoners and his use of John Stones

Bolton 3d May 1812

dr Sir/

Since my letter of the 30th ultimo inclosing (in a hasty Scrawl) the Informations relating to Persons charged with being present at the administering of illegal Oaths—Mr Hulton & Self sat yesterday to re-examine several persons who had been remanded before—send of whom we again committed for to Lancaster (2 for administering, or being present at the administering, of illegal oaths, and 2 for being concerned in the Firing of the Westhoughton Factory) one of the first two is Hurst who acted as General on the 19th Ultimo and on previous occasions—and one of the latter two is Radcliffe who according to our secret Informant was the person who administered the Oath to Serjeant Holland Bowden on the night of the 19th ultimo but he could not be identified by as such by any of our confidential Witnesses - and whom thereafter we despaired of being able to bring to justice but who was afterwards identified by one of the Westhoughton Witnesses to have been present at & active in Firing of the said Factory - and is therefore committed for that offence. A person of the Name of Lyon (as mentioned in our joint Note of yesterday) is remanded - until we receive the Instructions of Government – you will perceive by their Depositions - that he is not identified as present at the Transaction of the 19th & 20th Ultimo,—but as being present and [acting] rather a conspicuous part on the Night of the 8th Ultimo. Whether his Conduct on that occasion will amount to Treason or only a Misdemeanour in being present at such an unlawful Assembly – will be for Counsel to decide—if we could bring our main Informant forwards—we could implicate him in almost all the late nefarious Transactions—but I incline to recommend keeping him (the Informant) in the Back Ground – and to the extent, in Lyons case, to prosecute him for such offences as it shall be deemed that the other Evidence (without calling forward the secret Informant) will suffice to convict him of and in relation to the other Prisoners remanded (unless fresh Proofs can be brought forwards tomorrow) to release them on Bail.—The four remanded are Nicholson Waddington Dewhurst & Stones—, in the first of whose Houses was found – a ruled sheet on which were the Names of several suspected persons—but as it was not prefaced with any Preamble or Purpose—we cannot make it instrumental to any Conviction. He was called (as our Secret Informant says) the Treasurer—Waddington & Dewhurst were both present on the 19th – but cannot be identified without bringing forwards the last – whom we have in Custody pro forma & whom we intend to dismiss tomorrow on Bail. That no detention being made he may pass as a faithful Jacobin.

It appears to the magistrate here proper to continue to arrest all suspected persons suspected of being concerned in these Proceedings – as most likely to dampen the Spirits of the disaffected―Several have fled and I doubt not more will follow—and probably it may be best as in military affairs, to make a Bridge for a flying Enemy—our drum beats for parade which I must attend―the Lieutenancy called out 4 Companies of 400 men of my Regiment for 28 days—

I remain in Haste
Dear Sir
Yours very faithfully
Ra. Fletcher

Messrs Stoner & Ravald just now acquaint me that they have forwarded the Depositions of the 4 Persons committed yesterday—

22nd April 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher updates the Home Office on the situation in Bolton

Bolton le moors April 22. 1812

Sir

On monday night 20th instant I just gave you an hasty minute of the proceedings of the Seditious (the mail not allowing time for any detailed account.)

On Saturday 18th instant I received Information of intended assembly to take place at 10 o’Clock PM in a Field near my own House, at which were expected to attend from 200 to 300 Persons, who were to march from thence in 3 divisions, one of which was to assail my House, the second to burn Mr. Thos Ainsworths house and Warehouse and the 3d to do the same by Mr Hewitts; and the disaffected from Chowbent, with the aid of a Delegate from hence, were at the same Time to burn down a Weaving Factory in Westhoughton about 5 miles from this Place on the Wigan Road. I apprized the several Persons thus intended to be injured and furnished Guards of our Local, under the direction of our Adjutant James Warr, introduced into the several Places are secretly as possible. I requested Captain Bullen of the Greys & he promptly consented to attend us every assistance.

It was necessary that these Horse, in order to be at Westhoughton, should muster & leave Bolton soon after 10 to enable them to reach at the expected Hour (11). This matter of the Cavalry alarmed the seditious Leaders and deterred them from attempting the Execution of the whole of their plans.—Some 30 or 40 mustered in the said field who were soon however ordered to repair to Dean Moor (another Situation 2 Miles distant) where the General caused them to pass in Review (about 11 o'Clock) by their several Companies of tens (altogether short of 100) he holding a Pistol in one Hand and a Pike in the other, and asking the several persons as they passed, if they had any [such], to shew them (meaning the Pistol). Some had Pistols and shewed them – others who had not said they had none. The General ordered the Captain to muster their several men after the Business should be over to see their Punctuality. They then were moved off the Parade Ground towards Chowbent a Village 5 Miles from hence on the Warrington Road—and as they went – they met with a Serjeant of the Local under my Command, of the Name of Bowden whom they compelled to be twisted or sworn before they would let him go. (This circumstance, notwithstanding the Disguise will probably enable us to bring Conviction home to many of them, as we had several Confidents present, some of whom will I doubt now be able to identify, both the Person who administered the oath & also many of those who were present and aiding therein.)—Only two persons joined before they arrived at Chowbent—though the General had expected 300 who when joined together were to have undertaken the destruction of the Westhoughton Factory aforesaid; but finding themselves disappointed it was proposed by someone of the Company to break the Church Windows – which however was declined – and after giving 3 Cheers and firing off 3 Pistols they were ordered to disperse. Several of them had their Faces blacked.

A Part in returning passed the House of the Revd James Hampson (a magistrate) alarming him & his family by firing off 3 pistols near his door at about 2 oClock A:M of Monday—making use of threatening Words at the same time—but doing no other mischief. In the Interval I had taken a party of 36 Local towards Westhoughton – to intercept any Stragglers – but they having passed along Byeways eluded us.

Cavalry & Infantry returned to Town about 5 AM, or 8 AM. Crowds assembled & intimidated several Farmers to sell their articles at reduced Prices, but this continued but a short time as the military were ordered out & assembled to protect the market—and it being necessary that the Greys should have some respite from duty – it was deemed proper to request the Yeomanry Cavalry under Major Pilkington to assemble, which they immediately did.

About 7 oClock PM – considerable Crowds collected on the sides of the Streets, and it being apprehended that some Violence would be attempted were they suffered to remain—I read the Riot Act, and ordered the Military to disperse the People, and the Civil Officers to clear the Public Houses – both which was done in about 20 Minutes – and the Town appeared to be quiet until Ten PM—when an alarm of Fire was given and the Greys were again mustered.—Some Incendiaries, or persons unknown, and set Fire to an Hay Rick, the property of Mr Joseph Ridgway, Half of which was saved by the Exertions of the military & others.

Yesterday the 21st instant a few Hundred assembled about 8 AM—who disturbed the Town by their Shouts but did not however venture on any further mischief at this time—at midnight another Alarm of Fire was given and the civil officers (a Part of whom have constantly been on duty for several days past) proceeded to the Spot, which proved to be a Shed on Rope Walk.—Our Confidential Men have assured me that it was set on Fire by the Seditious—and that their settled Plan is – by Firing in Secret to distract the Peace of the Country.

A person of the Name of Clarke was seen to carry Implements of the Rope Manufactory & throw them into the Fire and as his account of himself before the Magistrates is so inconsistent & contradictory—and we entertaining no doubt of his being concerned in the Firing of said Shed – we have committed him to Lancaster & bound over the Witnesses to appear against him.

From all these threatening appearances in this [diversion] and the actual Bloodshed in Middleton near Manchester (of which you will doubtless have received an account from other magistrates)—and from the plundering in various places within 6 or 8 miles, it has been deemed proper by the 3 magistrates here assembled this day to strengthen the military Force, (without calling upon Government for more regulars) by ordering out 132 men of the Local Regiment under my Command (which 132 are now actually assembled on duty) being 10 Private & one Corporal per Company), which added to the permanent Staff of said Regiment about 20, and to 50 men of the different recruiting parties in this Town who have been furnished with spare Local arms – will make our Infantry Force about 200, & which together with Captain Bullens Greys (60) & Major Pilkingtons Yeomanry (40) – will, I trust, under providence be sufficient to resist any attempt of the Revolutionists in respect to open Force.

The Local having assembled on several occasions previously to the legal order of this day, I presume, if their Services cannot be charged, in the regular pay of the Regiment, yet then I may be permitted to remunerate them from some other Source.

Our Quarter wishes me to request to know how he must draw for the subsistence of the men ordered out for the by the magistrates as aforesaid.

The Execution of the Watch & Ward Act, (as you will have been informed), has been determined upon within the Hundred of Salford, containing nearly one Half of the Population of this County. It meets the general approbation of all loyal persons of Property, and although the Tumults that have occasioned its Enactment have much to be lamented, yet by exciting the Indolent to Exertion, Good may eventually result to the Country from it.

B: is got into a Confidential Situation. He acquaints me that Intimidation is the principal Trust of the Revolutionisis anonymous threatening Letters &c &c and he is induced to think that there are some so desperate as to undertake private assassination &c

You will excuse this long Epistle—I have missed the Mail – & this will be a day later than its date imports. I have the Honor to be

Sir
Your most Obed Servant

Ra: Fletcher

[To] John Beckett Esq

19th April 1812: Secret weavers meeting on Deane Moor, near Bolton

The last secret meeting of Bolton weavers that we know about took place on Sunday 19th April 1812.

Joseph Lomax, who later gave a long & detailed account of the meeting he had attended 5 days before at the Rope Walk, knew about the meeting, although at that point the plan was to meet at Haulgh Hall Cricket Fields. A Richard Taylor had told him that he must attend this meeting and "be prepared to face a mad dog" & be disguised. Lomax took this to mean that he should come armed with a weapon, and understood the intent would be to kill Colonel Ralph Fletcher. He did not attend the meeting and had to persuade his wife not to divulge the information he had told her to Fletcher himself.

At 10 p.m. that night, a weaver from Bolton-le-Moors called John Heys was returning from a trip to the countryside in an effort to find work, and was now making his way along Deane Moor. At one point he could see two figures in front of him and, coming closer, he realised he could not make out their faces. As he drew even nearer to them, it was clear that they had blackened faces. They told him there was a meeting taking place on the moor, and wanted him to attend. Heys was tired and a little frightened - he did his best to excuse himself, but the men said that soldiers were on patrol, and that now he had seen them, they could not risk him giving information away should be run into the militia.

Shortly afterwards, 2 other men - not in disguise - approached, and brought Heys over the Moor to the site of the meeting. 20 people were present, and it was clear that they were all waiting for more people to attend. A general discussion was taking place, with complaints about the time it took to obtain poor relief from the poor law overseers, the disastrous effect of the Orders in Council, the price of provisions and how bad trade was. Some reminded the meeting that an old law of Queen Elizabeth gave magistrates the power to raise wages to the price of provisions, and wondered why this was not being used to relieve their plight.

More people arrived in dribs and drabs and at around 11.00 p.m., a large group of 10 to 12 arrived. All of them were in disguise: their faces were either blackened or covered in masks or cloth. One of them took the lead, and beckoned that all present should form themselves into a circle. By then, up to 60 people were in the field. The man in charge explained the ground rules - that all could speak freely, but one at a time.

An undisguised man then gave a lengthy talk that touched upon some of the issues raised in the earlier discussion. He ended by suggesting that the meeting should make an application to Lord Ellenborough to compel the magistrates to act.

Then a disguised man spoke: he said it was "damned nonsense" to talk of using the law - that this had been tried for years to no avail and had depleted the funds the weavers had subscribed to. He suggested they should draw inspiration from the events that had taken place in the previous week in Stockport and Yorkshire, and over the last few months in Nottingham. That they should look to themselves for a similar solution.

The mood of the meeting was now fearful. Many expressed a desire to go home, but the disguised man informed them that it was too dangerous - the military were out and would arrest those trying to get back to Bolton. Richard Eckersley was present and told the group that he had heard that cavalry were out patrolling. The disguised man said that 200 people in nearby Chowbent (nowadays called Atherton) were ready to join the group, and that if they made their way there, by the time they came back, the military would be dismissed, and they would have a clear run to proceed to Westhoughton to destroy the factory there. The others in disguise voiced their agreement. A disguised man said that 2 men had been sent to scout out the Westhoughton factory - if it was not guarded, they would remain there and not join them at Chowbent. The meeting relunctantly agreed to go to Chowbent. Some were more reluctant than others: Richard Eckersley was ready to leave, but later claimed that one of the disguised men confronted him with a pistol and said "by God I'll blow your brains out if you attempt to go back." Eckersley later found out this was John Stones.

Robert Waddington was present and recognised Stones, despite his disguise. He also knew others present, like Samuel Ratcliffe, Thomas Pickup and John Hurst. He asked Stones if he had a pistol, and Stones offered him one, which he then gave to his brother Thomas, who was also present. Stones posted Waddington as a sentry to keep watch.

They made their way to Chowbent. Michael Bentley and some others were lagging behind on purpose - they wanted to go home. But as they dragged their feet, they found some of the disguised men bringing up the rear who made it clear they would shoot them if they didn't proceed on to Chowbent.

By the time Heys had reached the Four Lane Ends at Over Hulton, there were only 3 other men with him, as they seemed to have proceeded faster than others present. Nearing the bridge at Chowbent, they decided to wait for the others to catch up.

Behind Heys' group, Robert Waddington was with a group of 40 at the Four Lane Ends.
Nearby, they met a man out on his own and not part of their group. He was confronted, with one of the group saying that he recognised him as a Sergeant in the Bolton Local Militia, called Holland Bowden. Bowden wanted to leave, but the group would not let him, and insisted on twisting him in. Afterwards, someone shook Bowden's hand and told him to go home, which he did, and then straight on to the High Sheriff of Lancashire, William Hulton who lived just over a mile away.

Eckersley had by then evaded the group and had gone home, as had some of the others who were originally present.

Proceeding further, they all stopped at the cross in the Marketplace at Chowbent. It was cleat that the expected numbers that the disguised leader had promised on Dean Moor had not materialised. One man raised a pistol into the air and fired it, and another shot followed. They were then all told to disperse, and to use a different route than the one they came by. Waddington went home with a group via Tyldesley that included John Hurst, where they passed the home of the Reverend William Hampson. In a final act of defiance that night, someone fired a pistol.

The weavers weren't to know, but the disguised men who had arrived on Deane Moor together at 11.00 p.m., led by the spy John Stones, were all members of the Bolton Local Militia, many of them instructed directly by Colonel Ralph Fletcher's Adjutant, James Warr, to attend. They included Stones' father, Simon. They left Chowbent together and on the way home were detained by members of the Bolton Local Militia. They were taken to the Pilkington's Arms in Bolton and held there until they could convince their comrades they were acting under orders: they finally proved it by showing them their military foraging caps, and were later discharged.

17th April 1812: Secret weavers meeting held at Dawes Field, Bolton

On Friday 17th April 1812, weavers in Bolton held another secret meeting in 'Dawes Field', a field belonging to a local brewer called Matthew Corr Dawes.

Up to 42 weavers were present that night. One weaver who was present, called William Winterbottom, recognised 4 others that he knew - Samuel Ratcliffe, John Hirst, Hugh Brown and John Garrett.

Colonel Fletcher's spy, John Stones, was there again. He conducted the meeting, and formed everyone into a circle. They were assigned numbers and the roll was called around the circle from the right of each man present.

It's not clear whether or not Stones was happy with the numbers present, but he told everyone present that they should attend another meeting in 2 days time, and that they be disguised so that "the devil himself would not know you."

Stones stated intent would be that this meeting would be to culminate in the destruction of Westhoughton Mill.

11th April 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher updates the Home Office on the work of his spies

Bolton le Moors—11 April 1812

Sir/

Since my last of the 7th instant when I informed you that the Executive Committee of Manchester had countermanded the commencement of the projected Firing of Factories on account of the still unprepared State of the Capital, nocturnal meetings in the open air have daily taken place—at which since Wednesday a more military organisation began to be practised. The Chief at that and the subsequent meetings was habited in a sort of mask with a Beard flowing down his Breast—& his words of command passing through this medium—were disguised so as to prevent the speaker from being known —He bore a long staff in his Hand—and assumed & was accosted with the Title of General—He exercised his men at their Toings & marchings—and directed the Heads of Tens—to drill their respective divisions—and each man to attend armed in the best manner he could;—and in order to try their courage, he suddenly ordered them to disperse saying the Horse were approaching—which they did in such a Trepidation that several got immersed in a Pool of Water near the Place of meeting in the Darkness of the Night. On their meeting again the Evening after—the General (a different person, but habited as before) reproach them with their want of Firmness—and they mutually engaged with each other—not to be so cowardly in future. Their numbers were from 60 to 70 persons, including 8 who were introduced that Evening for the first time & sworn in (or twisted).

You will doubtless have been made acquainted with the result of a Public meeting called at Manchester on the 8th instant—and you will have been furnished with the inflammatory Hand Bill circulated previously in all the neighbouring Towns & even Counties.—It is said that Mr Ottiwell Wood a Dissenter of the Unitarian school, had used much mischievous Industry to raise an opposition to the laudable Intentions of the Promoters of the meeting—whereby & by means of the said inflammatory Hand Bill (of Cowdroy’s) a mob was collected in some Instances from Towns 8 or 10 Miles distant—the result of which has been that the Exchange Rooms have been gutted of their Institution to the Damage of 800 or 1000£—this although an apparent Evil, may be productive of ultimate good— a tendency to alarm the well disposed into Exertion—who are to apt to repose in Indolence and to turn a deaf Ear to the reports of danger – until it approaches the Threshold of their own Dwellings.

(B informs me that an Irish delegates of the Name of Thomas O'Brien, was in manchester on the 8th instant & saw the mob—He rejoiced greatly as the circumstance and acquainted B. that he left Dublin five weeks ago—and had been in London and had been there introduced to the Executive Committee—that there were two other Irish Delegates present in the Committee — one of whom was to return by the Way of Glasgow the other by the Way of Milford—and he himself by the Way of Liverpool. He says Bonaparte has engaged to furnish 30000 Stand of Arms & 10000 men—and that the Irish are determined to sever themselves from England—He stands about 5f—6i high – is of a reddy Complexion— was well draped in Black—and appeared from the fluency of his Speech to be a Person of good Education.)

Notwithstanding the continual Increasing Industry of the disaffected - I treat that with the Exertions of the well disposed men of Property (if they can be aroused) the Peace of the Country may be preserved from the meditated Firings—In a Communication with the manchester magistrates yesterday – it was recommended that personal Sacrifices of Time must be made by those whose Property is so much expens & indeed by all who have Property of any Kind at Stake—that something of the Nature of Watch and Ward should be established in which respectable Persons should personally take an active part—and that the military should not be too often called upon to do what the civil power (with proper Exertion) might be able to prevent.—as in case of the projected universal Firing [obscured] [illegible] some night—it would be impossible to provide a military Force sufficient to counteract it.

If the low wages of Weavers (although they have been a little advanced) could be encreased so as to meet the present high price of provisions;—it would doubtless tend to alleviate the distresses & to lessen the Complaints of the Poor; but how to accomplish so desirable a measure, in regard to provisions, is perhaps beyond the Competence of Government; with respect to Weavers wages—though it be very delicate to start from—yet as it is acknowledged by almost all the master manufacturers, that an advance of 5 per cent on the Value of the Goods, when sold would not operate to lessen the demand it would seem to follow, that, if they could agree to advance the Weavers Wages 15 per cent (equal to about 5 per cent on the article) it would tend to the Benefit of the Weaver without injury to his Employer. But this they cannot agree to do amongst themselves to the Extent desired. There is however a Statute 1 Jas 1—which authorises magistrates at their Easter Quarter Sessions to rate Wages not only of Labourers but of all others—and lately in the Term Reports–July 1810 or 1811 the case came before the King's Bench in an appeal from the Paper manufacturers of Kent—the result of which was that the power of the magistrates to rate Wages was recognised – and that they had a right to exercise discretion therein.

It has been mentioned amongst the magistrates and will be further agitated next Week (though perhaps not formally) whether it will be prudent to provoke an application from the Weavers to this effect—Your opinion as to the Propriety of such Step would be very agreeable to me who has the Honor to be

Sir

Your most Obedient Servant

Ra: Fletcher


To John Beckett Esq

8th April 1812: Secret weavers meeting at the Brick Kiln, near Bolton

In the evening of Wednesday 8th April, weavers from Bolton held a secret meeting at the site of a Brick Kiln, near the Lord Nelson public house in Bolton.

Peter Gaskell, a weaver from Bolton-le-Moors, had met John Stones earlier in the daytime. Stones had collected dues of 2 pence from him, and told him to attend at 12 midnight. Stones hinted that the purpose of the meeting would be something beyond a gathering. Gaskell protested that he had no weapons of any kind, but Stones made clear his intent telling him that "those who did not attend would be in greater danger than those who did attend" - those found to be shirking "would be torn out of their beds." Another local weaver, William Rothwell, was also told by Stones to attend, and that the meeting would give orders to proceed to the mill at Westhoughton.

Later on, Gaskell got word that the meeting had been brought forward to 8 p.m.

William Rothwell knew the tenor of this gathering was different. Though he had been at meetings before, this was the first time he had seen anyone in disguise, albeit only one person out of the 30 that he estimated were there. Another veteran of meetings, Oliver Nicholson, was there. He observed that Stones and two other men - someone called Hardman and William Orrel, were directing much of the business on the night.

The air was alive with tension. And then someone called out that Constables were on their way: panic ensued, almost everyone ran, most of them through a clay pit which had a pool of water some 2 feet deep at the bottom of it. As they ran, they at least one of them stumbled and went full-length into it.

Rothwell was running with a group that included Stones. Stones was cursing them all and their 'soft souls'. He pulled a pistol from his coat and vowed "I'd shoot the first man who offered to take me." Rothwell had had enough, telling Stones this was his last meeting, to which Stones said "you're damned soft."

Stones left the group later. He'd noticed his father was absent and thought he might have fallen in the water in the clay pit.

7th April 1812: Colonel Fletcher gives more details to the Home Office about the plans for Westhoughton Mill

Bolton le Moors 7 April 1812
Seven in the Evening

Sir

Since yesterday another meeting had taken place last night at Bolton—the result of which was a determination to proceed against the Westhoughton Factory on Thursday night—and I received a report from B at Manchester to the same Effect viz that a partial firing should be commenced that night (next Thursday) in each Town from which Delegates had been sent to & had attended at Manchester—And measures had been prepared by the Permanent Local under my Command (without knowing the Object) to be ready to act (out of uniform). But a fresh Dispatch from B this afternoon informs me that the Firing is postponed as from the report of a Delegate lately returned from London it is ascertained that the associates are not so forward there as in the Country—and messengers have from Manchester been dispatched to Bolton &c to inform them of the determination [in that respect] of the Manchester Executive Committee (for that is the name assumed by it)—I shall hear tomorrow morning how this message will be acted upon by the Bolton Committee—but I entertain little Doubt but that the Westhoughton Burning will be delayed in Consequence—The Manchester Committee have directed that each Head a Leader of Ten shall collect from his Division 2d pr week towards Expenses Delegations &c—and I rather think that many of the blustering Leaders & Exhorters to Violence in others—will long delay the Conflagration if they can receive the Fruits of the Contributions of their deluded Followers.

I enclose you /S/ & B reports by which you will perceive better than I can express the objects of these Incendiaries—I have not written to the Neighbouring Towns as yet—for the reasons you will conjecture—viz fear of betraying the Sources of Information—but shall take Care (God Willing) to apprize the Magistrates of each Place before any Firing shall take place & Time enough to prevent it—

I have the Honor to be
Sir
your most Obt Servant

Ra: Fletcher

I have been requested by the adjutant & Quarter Master of the Regiment of Local Militia under my Command to enquire whether in Case of that Species of Force should be wholly dissolved, or in case they or either of them should become incapable of executing the duties of their respective situations—they would by the existing Laws relating to the Local Militia, be entitled to any allowance or in case of their death, their Widows after them.—By the Instructions of the Inspecting Officers the adjutant is restrained from following any Business, being occupied solely in his military duties.

[To] John Beckett Esq

7th April 1812: Colonel Fletcher receives a report from the spy John Stones about plans for Westhoughton Mill

Tuesday April 7th 1812

/S/has been with Waddington this Morng and told /S/that their was a Meeting last Night of the Secret Committee at Eight o'Clock which lasted until one this Morning. And that they had been twice for him /S/. /S/ have attended it - but he was at Bolton. In future he was to Attend at their Private Meetings—

It was Unanimously Agreed to fire the Factory only Westhoughton the first night (on Thursday next). A delegate is gone to Chowbent this Morng to give them Instructions how to proceed in Firing it—There is betwixt 30 & 40 in Chowbent & Tilesley which is thought Sufficient with 2 going with them from Bolton to instruct them — they wish /S/ to be one of two — There will be a Gen’ Meeting of the whole Neighbourhood on Thursday Morng at one O'Clock – Countersign Dublin. In Kiles Feild Opposite Stone Pitt Pike When every one that is swore in and not Attending — Are to be Forced out of Bed & his Pike put out — A Certain number is to go first to the Master of the Factory or to the Overlooker & Knock at the door when they are to tell him he his wanted upon Particular Business — then they are to demand the Keys & if he refuses to deliver them they are to Place a Pistol on either side of him & keep him secure untill the Business is done —/S/is to go to his Fathers for him to Attend the Gen’ Meeting – and if his Men be not properly Arranged—they will Instruct him in matters relating there to—/S/hath been round to Collect the 2d but only got 10d which he gave to Ratcliff. Waddingtons Brother told /S/that they where sufficiently provided with Powder for their Intended job—Every Man is to be Provided with something to defend themselves with—Some is getting Edging Bills & Long Stick with Pikes at the End –and some Pistols –&c. Waddington showed /S/one that he was taking to be repaired

Capt Bullen is at home

Should you want me before you go I will either come over or meet you wherever you may Appoint

Yours Sincerely
J Warr

6th April 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher informs the Home Office about plans to fire Westhoughton Mill

Bolton le moors 6 April 1812

Sir

Since my last, affairs of daily become more serious, but as the Post is every moment expected—I defer the detail until a further opportunity.

By the Inclosures which I have just now received you will perceive the dangerous Extent of the Treasonable Plans indicated, and that Revolution and not Regulation is sought after.—It appears that Waddington the Bolton delegate is one of the Bolton secret Committee with whom our Confident had the address to make himself acquainted; and by that means got introduced to the delegates after the meeting was over, and came at the Information.

The Question is now how to prevent the horrid Consequences that would result from a full Execution of their diabolical Plans.—I have apprised my Brother magistrate Mr Hampson and intend was as little alarm as may be to apprise the Revd Mr Prescott of Stockport and some of the magistrates and Heads of the Police at Manchester—and at Blackburn, but have not yet digested the best mode of making the Communication.—I concur that it will be proper to suffer the Traitors to proceed as far as may be without actual mischief—in order the more effectually by the apprehension of a greater Number of the actors to come at a Knowledge of the first movers. —It would be desirable to have an order to examine Letters at our Post office in order the more effectually to discover the Persons in other Places with whom they correspond.—Can you give me any Authority for such a Purpose?

It is, as you will observe in Contemplation on the Part of the Bolton Traitors. to set fire on Thursday night to one Factory, only, situated in Westhoughton about 4 miles from this Town – but as there will be a meeting on Wednesday night it may possibly be determined to proceed to further Extremities.

In Haste

I have the Honor to be
Sir
your most Obt Servant

Ra: Fletcher

5th April 1812: Delegates from many North West towns meet at the Kings Arms in Salford

The Kings Arms, Salford in the 1970s. Image copyright Salford Pubs of the 70s on Flickr.

At 6 p.m. on Sunday 5th April, an important meeting was held at the Kings Arms (previously the Good Samaritan) on what was then Oldfield Lane in Salford. Evidence from one participant exists in the Home Office archive - that of one of Colonel Ralph Fletcher's spies, John Stones, mediated through his handler, James Warr of the Bolton Local Militia. The weaver Humphrey Yarwood also mentions the meeting, although he was not present, as did a weaver from Stockport, Thomas Whittaker, in a statement later taken when he was in prison.

The delegates present came from a number of different towns in the North West. According to John Stones, there were 10 present, including 1 from Stockport, 3 from Manchester, 1 from Eccles, 1 from Blackburn and 1 from Bolton. Stones also tells us that the Bolton delegate was a man called Waddington (probably Robert Waddington), who had introduced him to the meeting. Yarwood tells us that a member of the newly-formed Manchester Secret Committee - John Buckley Booth - was there, and that delegates were also present from Saddleworth, Ashton-under-Lyne and Oldham, with a delegate from Failsworth no doubt being counted by Stones as being from Manchester. Thomas Whittaker names the Stockport delegate as Thomas Miller.

Stones reported that the delegates all stated their Towns were 'ready', and that were now waiting on Bolton. Delegates gave numbers for those 'twisted in' in the townships: 823 in Stockport, of whom 250 had arms or other weapons; 2000 in Manchester, which as well as workers included Manufacturers, Publicans and Shopkeepers; even Eccles - which had only been recruiting for a fortnight - had managed to raise 183 and had access to 200 stand of arms because a Local Militia sergeant had been twisted in. According to Stones, all were clear that their aims were no longer limited to an advance of wages - they wanted to 'put the great men down that had trampled them under for so long'.

According to Stones, the meeting set a date for the 'Firing of Factories' to take place in each of the Towns that had sent delegates - the evening of Monday 13th April between 12 midnight and 1 a.m. Waddington said that Bolton was not ready, but the other delegates said that something had to happen in that area and soon - it was suggested that the steam loom factory at Westhoughton should be included in the factories to be attacked, unless another arrangement was made at a meeting due to take place on Wednesday 8th April. Yarwood states that the towns were given autonomy to 'choose what mischief they thought proper' for the 13th, but that the Manchester districts had to agree to it.

Whittaker stated that Thomas Miller had reported that a Bolton delegate (either Waddington or Stones) had brought a scale model of a pike along to the meeting. He describes how Waddington placed the constituent parts of the model pike on a table, with everyone puzzled as to what this was and what he was doing. Waddington then assembled the parts to demonstrate that what looked inoffensive could be made into a deadly weapon. Given that Stones was a member of the Bolton Local Militia, and that Waddington knew this, it would seem to be likely that Stones was the man with the pike, even though he doesn't mention it in his report.

Yarwood tells us that the next meeting was due in a fortnight, 19th April.

Stones left the meeting with Waddington to return to Bolton, presumably on foot because Stones relates how they met a man in Swinton and engaged in conversation, persuading him to join their cause. They were ready to twist him in there and then, but they did not have a copy of the oath on them, and directed the man to get the Eccles delegate to arrange this. The Swinton man estimated he could get 100 other local men involved.

On their journey home, Waddington told Stones that he believed figures such as Lord Cochrane, Sir Francis Burdett and Samuel Whitbread would join them when the country was ready. There was an intention to seize the arms and ammunition belonging to Bolton Local Militia, and he had invited Stones because he trusted him, having heard how he and his father were so active. Waddington told Stones that the secret committee at Bolton had arranged to procure 6 artillery pieces, under the direction of a man called Ratcliff who had used them in the military. They also knew where to get hold of Pikes.

23rd March 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher writes to the Home Office about the findings of his spy, and encloses an oath

Lancaster 23d March 1812

Sir

On my return from Town (where I had the Honor of a Conversation with the Right Honorable Secretary and yourself) I found that disaffection had made further progress than I had expected, and had assumed a more alarming aspect.

Delegates from the Neighbourhood of Nottingham have been in Bolton and succeeded to make some Converts to whom they have administered Oaths (Copy of which I enclose). The Adjutant of the Local. under my Command has procured a confidential Person to join, apparently, in the Schemes of these People, and from him has been derived the Information contained in the Letter herewith inclosed, which has been sent to me at this Place where I am attending the Assizes.

What will be the best mode of checking the dangerous spirit, will be for the consideration of Government. If I were even to apprehend all the Persons that may be assembled at some future nocturnal meeting, will it be proper in order to bring them to Justice to prove the administering of illegal Oaths – and thereby discover & consequently cut off the Sources of future information?!—Will it not be better to watch a while, in Silence, their further proceedings, until we can discover the yet concealed first movers of this machine breaking System?—Our Confidant will, I trust, get at still more important Information, but there may be Danger from a sudden commencement of the Execution of their Plots.

We have a Troop of the Scotch Greys—and a small Yeomanry Troop of Volunteer Horse—together with from 60 to 70 of the Local—part of which last Force are now and most of them have formally been in the Permanent Establishment & may be depended upon and have had arms delivered to them up their several Residences and the Pretence of Practicing previously to the Assembly of the Regiment.—By means of this Force, I [trust] we can defeat the Intentions of the Incendiaries, should they attempt to carry them into Execution, as far as regards Bolton and its Neighbourhood—and that without discovering the Persons who give us secret Information.

The Instructions of Government are requested on these matters – and in the meantime we shall endeavour to find out the concealed moves, of the Incendiary Plot.—Please to address to me at Bolton as I expect to leave this Place in 3 Days.

I have the Honor to be
Very respectfully
Sir
Your most Obedt Servant
Ra: Fletcher

N.B. The non delivery of the Letter to me at this Place for 2 Posts has so long delayed the Information


[To] John Beckett Esq

I A B — on my own voluntary Will and accord, do declare an solemnly swear, that I will never reveal to any Person or Persons, in any Place or Places, under the Canopy of Heaven, the Name or Names of any Persons who compose this secret Committee, their Secret Proceedings, Meeting Place, Abode, Dress, Features, Connections, or any thing else, that may lead to a discovery of the same, either by Word Deed or Sign, under the Penalty of being sent out of the World, by the first Brother who shall meet me, my Name & Character blotted out of Existence, and never to be remembered but with Contempt and Abhorrence. And I furthermore do swear, that I will use my best Endeavours to punish by Death, any Traitor or Traitors should any rise up amongst us, wherever I can find him or them, and though he should fly to the Verge of Nature, I will pursue him with unceasing Vengeance, — So help me God, — and assist me to keep this my Oath, inviolable

amen, So be it.

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.

22nd March 1812: Secret weavers meeting near the Workhouse, Bolton

The next secret meeting of weavers in Bolton we know about took place on Sunday 22nd March. In John Stones' report of the 21st March, he states that "There will be a Meeting next Sunday Eveng at 8 o'clock next Field to the New Poor house".The 'New Poor house' was the workhouse in Bolton, built around 1810, and standing ironically on Fletcher Street (named in honour of Colonel Ralph Fletcher).

Peter Gaskell, a weaver from Bolton, had "heard of shoutings and night meetings" and was curious enough to "try to find them and know what they meant". As he approached the workhouse, he met John Stones who challenged him as to his purpose. Gaskell explained what he was looking for, and Stones took him back to his house to wait for others to arrive and they then headed back to a field near to the workhouse.

There they met others, including John Fielding and Joseph Edge (who left before the end of the meeting) and the whole group constituted about 20 other people. According to Gaskell, they talked about being organised and newcomers were asked if they were "twisted in" (meaning had they received an illegal oath). Gaskell was asked this by Stones, but lied that he was. Each in the group was given a number and also divided into 'classes' headed by certain members of the group. Stones decided to admit Gaskell to his class, and John Fielding later remembered that Stones had dubbed himself 'Colonel Wardle'.

At the end of the meeting, a countersign was agreed for the next meeting the following night - this was to be 'Nottingham'.

Gaskell left with Stones and went back to his house. Stones gave him 2 pieces of paper with numbers on - for Gaskell the number 5, and for another man called James Becket the number 6.

19th March 1812: Secret weavers meeting at Dawes Field, Bolton

At 9 p.m. on Thursday 19th March 1812, about 20 weavers from Bolton gathered in a field ('Dawes Field') belonging to Matthew Corr Dawes, a local brewer, for the purpose of a secret meeting.

For both William Rothwell & Noah France, two local weavers, it was their first visit to any such meeting. Upon arriving, they would have been hailed by 3 or 4 men at a distance from the main group, whose job it was to ask for a countersign or password. Having been invited along that night, Rothwell & France would have known the countersign was 'Bolton'.

The men were not to know at that time, but amongst them was a spy, a man called John Stones (aka Stones or /S/ in the reports provided to Colonel Ralph Fletcher), a member of the Bolton Local Militia. His role at this and subsequent meetings and what later occurred in the Bolton area in the Spring of 1812 is still the subject of much debate amongst historians. Indeed, there are at least 3 reports of what took place at this meeting, and all the accounts differ.

The most detailed account is the report provided by Stones himself  and taken down by Adjutant James Warr, another member of the Bolton Local Militia reporting back to Colonel Ralph Fletcher.

According to Stones, plans were laid out for the destruction of 4 factories in Little Bolton by arson. They were being targeted because of the presence of Steam Looms, although one of them had yet to have any installed. Nevertheless, the fact that the establishment planned to do so meant the factory was condemned to burn by those present. It was made clear that anyone who had cold feet would be killed (a violent threat that has, as we shall see later, the hallmark of Stones himself all over it). It was estimated that 26 men would be sufficient to complete the task, but the plans did not stop there. It was made clear that delegates had been in town the previous week from Manchester & Stockport and were to travel to Preston, in an effort to get the four areas to make simultaneous attacks on factories on the same evening at some point in future. The attacks would then culminate with the groups amalgamating to burn down the Mill at nearby Westhoughton.

According to Stones, 2 delegates from the meeting were to be sent to Manchester the following Sunday evening for 'instructions'. Each town had 6 people chosen to administer illegal oaths, and they each were given tickets to admit entry to meetings. Stones had been chosen to have such a ticket.

The planned date for the attacks on factories was to be kept secret until the night prior to the attack, but the night in question would most likely be one with a 'dark moon' and prior to the evenings becoming too short. The next 'new moon' was due on 18th April 1812.

The meeting was read a letter from a Mr Croney, who was travelling and administering illegal oaths. He had written from Nottingham in the last week and brought news that things were 'going on bravely' and that none of the Luddites had been caught (obviously not true).

The meeting agreed a resolution - that any Magistrate who apprehended anyone involved in attacking the factories would be killed by those sworn in and their house would be set alight.

Finally, Stones gave information on some of those present, confirming the names of a handful that he presumably had been introduced to or knew already. These men were:

Noah Gerard of Pilkington Houses
Mr Dewhurst of Pilkington Houses
Noah France of Dumar Street
Mr Rothwell of Slater Field
John Burkitt of Slater Field
Hugh Brown of Pilkington Houses
An un-named person that lived at 'Corner house'

Although Stones named only 7 people, and started his report saying 20 were present, it's not clear why there is this anomaly, unless others drifted away before the end. This would seem unlikely given the subject matter. But in his deposition given 7 months later, William Rothwell stated that 8 people in total were present, and corroborated the presence of Hugh Brown and John Burkitt (transcribed as 'Becket' in his deposition) as well of John Stones. Indeed, Becket/Burkitt had brought Rothwell to the meeting, having administered an illegal oath to him a few nights before.

But here the accounts of the meeting given by Noah France and William Rothwell diverge from Stones' report. France stated the topic of conversation was 'the badness of trade' and the 'mischief which steam looms did'. Rothwell states that Stones had a copy of a illegal oath with him at the meeting, and reported that he had a contact in Leyland whom he planned to pass this onto and who had related that the people there were 'ready for anything'.

Neither Rothwell nor France say anything about the plans to attack factories, or delegates from other towns, or the resolution passed according to Stones, and this may have been because their depositions were taken months later, and they didn't wish to incriminate themselves. This is understandable, but it doesn't help us to determine exactly what went on that night.