24th October 1816: Major General Fane reports from Nottingham

Nottingham 24th October 1816

My Lord

In conformity to your instructions of the 24th of September, I do myself the honour to state, that since my return to my command I have personally visited Northampton, Leicester, Loughborough, and Nottingham; and have held communication with the Civil authorities of each of those places.

I have stated, as directed, my readiness to cooperate with them in any measures they may deem requisite for maintaining the peace of their respective districts: and I have endeavoured to learn from them their opinions as to the temper and disposition of the people within reach of their observation.

At Northampton, a number of Shoemakers are stated to be out of employ; chiefly owing to the stoppage of Government contracts: but they form but an inconsiderable portion of the inhabitants; and no disturbance appears to be apprehended.

At Leicester and Loughborough, altho a considerable number of people are in distress, employment is more plenty than it has been: and it does not appear that any good grounds exist for expecting any disorder.—Of the Society coming calling themselves the "Hampden Club", and their proceedings, Your Lordship has already been informed by the magistrates of Leicester: and I do not imagine it is necessary for me to say any thing on the subject.

In respect to Nottingham, and its vicinity, I have made all the enquiry I can: and especially relative to the recent outrages committed upon the Frames of manufacturers.

It appears that certain combinations exist, professing to have the object of regulating Trade, and the dealings between the master manufacturers and the Workmen.—That the persons so combining, have agreed upon a minimum of wages to be paid to certain descriptions of work: and that when a master manufacturer employs workmen at a less rate than this fixed minimum, his Frames immediately become in danger from the machinations of the aforesaid combinations. It is not a war against any particular description of Loom; but against all Looms, let for work below certain fixed rate of wages.—Therefore, It is to the power of dictation in respect to wages, to which these outrages are directed: and they are upon the same principle as those which have recently been detected in the Hat trade.

In respect to the temper and disposition of the people, I need not remind your Lordship that there are in this, and all large manufacturing Towns, abundance of Agitators and Demagogues always ready to lead the people astray: and that it is in times of distress, like the present, that they are most successful. That they are now actively employed in spreading as much as possible those lessons which are taught by certain assemblies in the Capital, I have no doubt: but that there is any particular feeling, amongst the great body of the people, hostile to the Government, beyond what severe distress is calculated to produce, I can see no symptom. To what extent this distress may in any particular case drive the unthinking, it is of course impossible to say.

I have not been called upon for aid from the military, in any part of the district under my command, since last I had the honour to address your Lordship.

I have [etc]
H. Fane
Maj General

[To] Rt Honble
Lord Sidmouth
&c &c

27th April 1816: Suffolk magistrates report on the disturbances to the Home Office

Cosford Hundred, Suffolk – April – 27 – 1816

We, whose names are subscribed, being Justices of the Peace, acting in the said Hundred, beg leave to inform your Grace, that previous to the receipt of your letter by Sir Robert Pocklington, we had fixed to meet this day in order to investigate the circumstances attending an alarming Fire which broke out yesterday morning about the hour of eight on the Premises of Mr Zachariah Scott of Kettlebaston Hall in the said Hundred, by which his two Barns containing a considerable quantity of threshed & unthreshed Corn, and Granary and other Outbuildings, and also two Stacks of Stover were totally consumed and which there were strong reasons to apprehend were maliciously set on fire.

After a long and careful Investigation of all the Parties implicated in this Transaction, we committed to Gaol one Labourer, for want of Sureties to keep the Peace towards Mr L. Scott [the] said Labourer having used threatening Language respecting the Stacks of Mr Scott, but we had no Evidence before us from which we could conclude that he was the Incendiary.

We also examined several persons respecting the alarming Reports which have been lately circulated in this Neighbourhood respecting the Discontents and threatening Combinations of the Poor in order to oblige their Masters to raise their Wages, and though we discovered that a Paper had been signed by many of them for this purpose, yet we could gain no Information of any nocturnal Meetings having been held; and we beg to assure your Grace, that we will use the utmost Diligence and Activity to prevent such Meetings, and to suppress such Combinations by every means which the existing Laws of the Land enable us to do.

In the mean time, we beg to represent through your Grace to his Majestys Ministers that in consequence of the distresses of the Farmers, numbers of the labouring Poor are out of employ, others working at very reduced Wages, and that all the Women and Children in this Hundred are deprived of means of earning any Subsistence for their Support, through the total Failure of the Spinning of long Wool which used to afford Employment to so many thousand persons in this County,

We beg leave to subscribe ourselves
Your Grace’s Ob. H. Sts

Robt. Pocklington
J. Gee Smyth Clk
Chas. Cooke
[illegible] Harrison

2nd June 1815: Informer's report about Nottinghamshire Luddites

2d June 1815.

I was with Rand yesterday morning at the top of Sandy Lane, He then told he should like to seek revenge upon any one that should interrupt us, and he had done more for Nottingham than any Chap in Nottm.—He said they had all turned their backs on doing that Job at Broad Lane Paddock at Harvey’s and he went the first in.—He works with Gilbert at the top of Sandy Lane, and that he was backward at paying his Journeymen but he always paid him regularly because he was with him at the Job at Harvey’s.—I don't know Gilbert.—He told me if I wanted him for any thing particular I must enquire for John Simpson nearly the Old Spot Red Hill.—He said the man he had worked with at Arnold had had a Warrant against him about the Frame he worked in.—He said the man told him the Frame was stopped when he only wanted to put another hand in it,—and then he, Rand required a fortnight’s rent on notice, and the master paid him a fortnights rent but had a Warrant against him for threatening his master's life but it was made up without going before the Magistrates.—This was about 3 weeks ago.—For this he should like to be revenged – not to have his Frames broke but to have his Furniture all destroyed.—Yesterday in the afternoon I went to Cook’s house and talked with him about the Revolution.—He said he should like me to go, to see how they were going on in Yorkshire, and that Gravenor Henson had been but he did not know any body there and could not get to do anything.—Cook said he had paid [3 shillings] towards the expence of Henson's journey — Sherwood was present in the Shop when this discourse was had and said if I went he could get me Information where to find somebody as could tell me where to meet with the Committee.—Sherwood has been in Leicestershire and he says they are not right enough there, they want Nottm to turn out first and he would have me decline going till there was a fresh Committee chose in Nottingham as there was something in Agitation and when I went he would have me take a bit of Lace or something of that kind for a blind.—I went with Cooke to the Dog and Drake in Chandler's Lane, where he said there was a party met sometimes.—He said there was a Militia Serjeant there the night before who declared he would be pulled to the top of the House by a Rope round is next to join Sir Francis Burdett sooner that he would miss joining him if he were at their head and he knew many more would do the same Cook said chief of the Dissenters would join but there was one thing which kept them from opposing the Government & that was the hush money paid by the Government to the Preachers but many did not know of that.—He said he knew one man who was not fit to get into a Pulpit who received £4 not long since of this hush money.—He said Robinson of Cambridge gave it the name of hush money.—He talked a great deal about the Revolution and that if Lancashire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire would turn out they would stop all the trade of the nation.—A man who stands at the door of the Theatre and take’s cheques was present at part of this conversation and expressed himself very warmly in favor of the Revolution, but that it would not happen this 2 or 3 years.—I said I wished it to be between now and Nottingham Races Cooke said he thought it would not be so soon.—Cooke did not say any thing to me about any communications from any other place.—I [tried] Rand if he knew Greaves in Gaol for Burglary but he did not appear to know him.—

8th July 1812: The Committee of Secrecy give their report to the House of Commons about the Luddite disturbances

On Wednesday 8th July, nine days after it was appointed, the parliamentary committee of secrecy gave their report into the Luddite disturbances. The report was read out in the House of Commons:

REPORT.

The Committee of Secrecy, to whom the copies of the information which has been received, relative to certain violent proceedings which, in defiance of the laws, have taken place, and continue to be carried on, in several counties of England, (sealed up) were referred—have, pursuant to the Order of the House, examined the matters thereof, and have agreed to the following Report:—

“Your Committee having examined the papers and documents referred to them, are concerned to state, that from the several sources of information therein contained, it appears that some months past serious alarming disturbances, destructive to property, and highly dangerous to private safety and the public peace, have prevailed in a very extensive populous manufacturing district, comprising certain parts of Lancashire and of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and certain part of Cheshire bordering upon Lancashire.

“That the outrages in the above district, brought to the notice of your committee, commenced about the end of February last, and continued (though not without occasional variation and temporary abatement) to the latest period (the 23d of June) at which any information has been received. During this period, rioters in large numbers have assembled in the night time; some of them, disguised by blackened faces, some armed with guns and pistols, and others with the implements of their trade, to be used as offensive weapons, have broken into various houses, particularly those of manufacturers who made use of shearing frames, have destroyed machinery, sometimes plundered the inhabitants, and burnt their houses and factories, exciting and keeping a perpetual terror in the country, by threatening letters and other means of intimidation, occasionally executing a threat against proprietors and others, not only by the destruction of the property, but by firing into the houses. It appears also, that in some instances attempts have been made on the lives of those who had been actively employed in endeavouring to suppress the tumults; and the atrocious murder of Mr. Horsfall, a very respectable manufacturer in the neighbourhood of Huddersfield, in the month of April, by four men who fired at him with slugs in the public road, in broad day, together with the other acts of violence, caused a great and general consternation over all the district.

“It may be proper to add, that parties of the rioters assemble, have, in several instances, demanded and obtained money from individuals by threats and terror.

“Your committee do not think it necessary to describe the numerous acts of outrage that have been committed, conceiving it sufficient for the purposes of the report, to inform the house of the general state of the disturbed parts, without any particular detail of specific facts.

“The object of these lawless proceedings, at the commencement of them, appears to have been the destruction of machinery:—but very early in their progress another object, still more formidable to the public security, has been developed; large bodies of men having assembled in the night, breaking open houses, and demanding arms with threats and violence.—This practice has been actively persevered in; and though in some cases the plunder of property has accompanied both the destruction of machinery and the demanding of arms, yet it is material to observe, that in general these two objects seen exclusively to have been aimed at; and when these had been attained, every other species of property, though within their reach, has, in most instances, remained untouched. It is stated, that in the neighbourhood of Huddersfield, all the arms have been taken; and that in other parts the seizure of them has been considerable; and there is reason to apprehend, that the rioters have different sorts of arms concealed. It appears evident to your committee, that these outrages have not been committed from any sudden impulse of unconnected individuals, but have been the result of organized systems of unlawful violence; that language of the most mischievous nature has been used among the rioters, and a sort of military training and discipline has been established.

“In making attacks upon houses, they sometimes appear to have been under the control of their leaders, but have acted upon signals. Rolls have been called over, distinguishing every man, not by his name, but by number; rockets and blue lights have been seen at night, which are stated, by the persons making the communications, to have been signals made use of by the rioters. It is also represented, that there are establishment of committees, under the name of local committees, secret committees, and executive committees; that they use signs and countersigns, to guard them against the intrusion of informers; and that they carry on their proceedings with the greatest secrecy and caution.

“It appears also the delegates for various places have been appointed, and meetings of those delegates occasionally held; that there is a frequent communication between the several committees and towns, not through the ordinary conveyance of the post-office, but through the medium of delegates; and that the following Oath has been extensively administered:

“ ‘I A.B. of my own voluntary will, do declare and solemnly swear, that I will never reveal to any person or persons, in any place or places under the canopy of heaven, the names of the persons who compose the secret committee, either by word, deed, or sign; their proceedings, meeting place, abode, dress, features, marks, complexion, connections, or anything else that may lead to discovery of the same; on the penalty of being put out of the world by the first brother that shall meet me, my name and character blotted out of existence, and never be remembered but with contempt and abhorrence. I further swear, that I will use my best endeavours to punish by death any traitor or traitors, should any rise up amongst us, he or them; and though he should fly to the verge of nature, I will pursue him with unceasing vengeance. So help me God, to keep this Oath inviolable.’

“It appears that they who were sworn in, were to pay the weekly sum of twopence; that in the meetings of delegates at Manchester, from the neighbouring towns, discord has occasionally arisen from some of the delegates not bringing from their respective districts the contributions that were due. No evidence or information, that has been laid before your committee, justifies the supposition, that any sums of money have been distributed amongst the rioters.

“It appears also, that attempts have been made to create a persuasion amongst the persons engaged in the disturbances, that their proceedings are likely to be supported by similar combinations in London and in other parts of Great Britain, as well as in Ireland; and that they are countenanced by individuals of a higher class and description, who are to declare themselves at a future time. But no evidence has been laid before your committee sanction any such reports.

“It appears to your committee, that even in the cases in which the outrages have been most clearly ascertained, it has been found extremely difficult, and in some instances impossible, to obtain evidence as to the persons by whom they were committed.

“Of the numbers associated in the different parts of the disturbed district, your committee have not any information that can be satisfactorily relied upon; but that it is considerable, the papers laid before them give sufficient ground to think. Neither can they presume to state, what is the ultimate object the persons thus associated, have in view, nor for what precise purpose it is, that these extensive combinations have been formed. But whatever may be the object, or whoever may be the secret movers, whether these combinations are confined to purposes relating exclusively to trade, or whether advantage has been taken of the distresses of the times to draw together, under that pretence, all discontented persons, with views hereafter to be developed; yet the secrecy and method apparent in the whole arrangement, the system of terror so industriously enforced by threats, assassination, and attempts at assassination, the oath administered, the eagerness and activity in procuring arms, and the training, before mentioned, are all circumstances which have not failed to impress upon the minds of your committee, a strong sense of the danger arising from such combinations, to the peace and security of the country.”

July 8, 1812.

9th February 1812: Nathaniel Conant and Robert Baker to Home Office

Nottingham
Feby. 9 1812

Sir,

Our men with 3 or 4 Soldiers were concealed throughout the last night in the two manufactories that were expected to be entered by the frame breakers but no attempts were made at either place.

Mr. Coldham went this morning to town — and just as he set off he sent us word that not being able to finish the material for the statement till the moment the post was going, he had to save time directed it by the post to you.

By this means after so much delay we are not able to judge whether it contains all that was requisite; but if you yet find any deficiency in the information you wished we will supply it the moment we hear.

We heard first of a letter rec’d yesterday from Mr. Smith the member to one of the Corporation in which he says — ‘he thinks the attack upon Government in the instance of the Nottm. Riots very unfair as he does not see in what respect Government could have done more on their part than what they have done‘. One frame was broken on Saturday night at Attenborough near the Derby Road 7 miles off. We have received your favour of the 8th Feby. and annex to this Letter the general heads of the Mischiefs done which added to Coldham’s account we hope may be satisfactory.

We are [etc.]

N. Conant
Bob Baker

Monday mg —

No account of any outrages last night have reached Nottingham — This town itself is in Perfect tranquillity. The Bucks Militia are going this morning to Country Stations in small divisions.

---

Nottingham Framebreaking — 1811 - 1812

The Framebreaking first began in Feby 1811

Continued till the End of April & then ceased during the whole Summer

In the Month of November broke out again & have continued till the end of January since which time only one or two frames have been broken & those with no circumstances terror.

No damage has been done in the Town of Nottingham to some weeks past. Many of the most respectable inhabitants having formed themselves int been sworn in Special Constables, and the Town being divided into districts one of them with 3 or 4 Soldiers patrol the district & are relieved at proper times throughout the night

The whole number of frames broken does not exceed 1000 – about 100 of them silk frames — Lace frames, very few indeed.

The damage has been said to be 10,000£ but that estimate is generally understood to be too high; perhaps 6000£ is the juster estimate. A common frame new cost somewhat less than 20£, but most of those broken are old. The general price of second hand frames is from 5£ to 12£ One fifth of the frames have been lately out of work in the Cotton work, which also much lessing the value, many of those frames out of work being upon sale no purchasers.

The silk frames are somewhat dearer; they cost new a little more than 20£

The Lace frames are worth from 40 & 5o to 150£ but there are not many in the whole trade & very few have been destroyed —

A great part of the workmen live in small Cottages with one frame in which they hire of the Hosier they work for, in good times at 2s a week, but latterly at 1/6d — 1s.

In some instances one man hires 4 or 5 frames & employs others to work them or apprentices

And in other cases, a man gets two or three frames of his own & takes others at hire from the Hosier — if such man works at under prices all his frames would be broken. But if his hired frames belong to an obnoxious Hosier, & no blame is imputable to the Workman, the Hosiers frames are broken & those that belong to the Workman himself are spared. Which gives much ground for suspicion that they are broken by connivance of the man in possession — indeed there is too much reason to think it is universally so.

If a Hosier intimates a design to remove his frames, they have been often broken in the interim & this too is supposed to be done at the instigation of the Possession, & that it is done by his neighbours by agreement.