10th May 1816: Arson at Brockford, Suffolk

The Bury & Norwich Post of 15th May 186 carried a report about a case of arson that took place on Friday night 10th May 1816:

On Friday night two very large stacks of hay, and one of wheat, the property of Mr. Turner, of Brockford, were destroyed by fire.

9th May 1816; Threshing Machine attacked at Clare, Suffolk

On Thursday 9th May, a Threshing Machine was attacked at Clare in Suffolk. Accounts of what happened vary, and it worth quoting two articles which appeared in the press to illustrate the confusion.

From the Bury & Norwich Post of  15th May 1816:

Thursday last a thrashing-machine was taken into the Market-place at Clare, and burnt by the populace.

From the (later) Suffolk Chronicle of 25th May 1816:

The statement of a threshing machine having been burnt in the market-place, at Clare, we understand, was incorrect. A part of the machine only was destroyed, in a field some distance from the town.

The incident was reported to the Home Office by a General Elwes on 23rd May 1816, stating it was the 'destruction of a Threshing Machine by fire', although he says it took place on the 8th May.

7th May 1816: Riot narrowly avoided at a flour mill in Needham Market, Suffolk

The Suffolk Chronicle of 11th May 1816 reported on a near-riot at Needham Market, Suffolk, that took place on Tuesday 7th May 1816:

On Tuesday evening, about eight o'clock, a riotous assemblage of men, women, and children, abut 100 in number, broke the windows of Mr. Hayward's flour mill, at Needham-market, and then dispersed, without attempting any further mischief.

7th May 1816: Labourers demand higher wages in Swaffham Bulbeck & take action against blacklegs

On Tuesday 7th May 1816, 50 labourers assembled in the Cambridgeshire village of Swaffham Bulbeck. Their purpose was to demand an increase in wages, and although little is known about this episode, it is known that the group took action against blacklegs/scabs who refused to join them.

At least six men were later arrested and charged with riotous assembly and assault, and would stand trial at the next Quarter Session in July.

7th May 1816: 27 more people committed for taking part in the disturbance at Rattlesden

In the week preceding Tuesday 7th May 2016, 27 more people were committed for trial by the authorities in Bury St. Edmunds for taking part in the destruction of the mole plough at Rattlesden on 29th April.

7th May 1816: Major Marrie writes to the Home Office about more arson & the Rattlesden incident

Brettenham Park
(near) Bildeston
May 7th 1816

 My Lord,

since I had the Honor of addressing your Lordship last I have seen three fires the last two, were on Friday and Saturday nights. I have taken every pains in my power to obtain information, and to get at the names or designs of the partie’s concerned, but without success. 29 men have been committed to Bury Goal for the destruction of a draining Plough. They were most spiritedly attacked by the owner, altho’ near 200 of them of both sexes – you wrote over several of them and at last when they were a little dispersed he took down 30 names 29 of which his son informed me are now confirmed.

I hope my Lord that it may end here, and perhaps it may, as all the Farmers are now satisfied, that they must watch night and day, to protect their property. Should any thing come within my knowledge of any importance I shall take the earliest moment of acquainting your Lordship of it—

I have [etc]

[Major] Marrie

7th May 1816: Government reward notice for arson at Drinkstone, Suffolk

200£.—PARDON.

WHITEHALL, 7th May, 1816.

WHEREAS it hath been humbly represented to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that on the Night of the 3d instant A BARN, belonging to Mr. GRIGBY, of Drinkston, near Woolpit. In the county of Suffolk, was WILFULLY SET ON FIRE by some evil-disposed person or persons:—His Royal Highness, for the better apprehending and bringing to justice the persons concerned in the said Felony, is hereby pleased, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, to promise his Majesty’s most gracious Pardon to nay one of them (except the Person who actually set Fire to the said Barn) who shall discover his, her, or their accomplice or accomplices therein, so that he, she, or they, may be apprehended and convicted thereof.

SIDMOUTH

And, as a further encouragement, a Reward of TWO HUNDRED POUNDS is hereby offered by the said Mr. Grigby to any person (expect as is before excepted who shall discover his, her and their accomplice or accomplices therein, so that he, she, or they, may be apprehended and convicted thereof; or to any person or persons who shall apprehend and bring the said offenders, or any of them, to conviction, or cause them, or any of them, so to be apprehended and convicted as aforesaid.

[From the London Gazette of May 7, 1816.]

SPRING GUNS are set on the Premises of Mr. Grigby, in Drinkston and Hesset.

6th May 1816: Food riot in Bridport, Dorset

The Royal Cornwall Gazette of 18th May 1816 carried reports of rioting that took place in Bridport on Monday 6th May 1816:

Monday morning, in consequence of the advance in the price of bread, several groups of the manufacturing poor assembled at different parts of Bridport, complaining of the grievance, added to their want of employ from the present stagnation of trade. Their numbers increasing, one of the most active bore a quartern loaf through the streets on a pole: This drew together a great number of men, women, and children, who soon proceeded to acts of violence, demolishing the windows of the principal millers and bakers, and taking from the brewery of Messrs. Gundry three hogsheads of beer, which they drew in triumph to the centre of the town. The Riot Act was then read, but several hundred more having joined the mob, it was evident that nothing but the most prompt measures could prevent the dangerous consequences, likely to follow, and which were happily prevented by the exertions of some of the principal inhabitants, who rushed among the mob, destroyed the beer, seized the ringleaders, and in a very short time dispersed upwards of 2000, committing the rioters to prison.

6th May 1816: The historian, John Gage, informs the Home Office of the 'uneasiness' of the Gentlemen of Suffolk

My Lord.

I feel it my duty to acquaint yr. lordship that I have this morning received a letter from my brother Sir Thomas Gage of Hengrave Suffolk, acquainting me that his neighbourhood is under Very Serious apprehensions from the riotous disposition of incendiaries—on Saturday Evening they burnt a Valuable barn the property of Mr. George [Rockward] in the parish of Stanningfield on premises occupied by Mr. George Rollinson. And two other farms in the same district suffered that evening. I trust yr. lordship will excuse this intrusion, but the formidable Spirit of the people has given so much uneasiness to Sir Thos. Gage & other Gentlemen in the neighbourhood that I lose no time in making this Communication.

I have the honour to be
Yr. lordships
Very Obedt. Humb Servt.

John Gage

Lincoln's Inn
May 6th 1816

6th May 1816: Stack fired at Hartest, Suffolk

The Bury & Norwich Post of 15th May 1816 carried a brief report about a case of arson in Hartest, Suffolk, that took place on Monday 6th May 1816:

Monday se'nnight a haulm stack, belonging to Mr. Harvey, Hartest, was consumed by fire.

5th May 1816: Anonymous letter warns of plots to 'destroy Manchester' and 'all its wealthy inhabitants'

Manchester 5th May 18 16

Mr James Ackers

Dear Sir

On the 23rd April 1812 I informed you by letter of the most horible conspiracy that was going on in Manchester and other places wch was a certain fact, And if the Soldiers had not reach the Town in time at that very period, their intention was to destroy it, and likewise all its wealthy Inhabitants in order to enrich themselves, Sir I have some suspicion that they are going on the same way at present,

For Gods sake – yourself and the Town’s safety, Send for two regiments at least as soon as possible for there is no other way to keep these wicked wretches quiet,

please to destroy this letter as soon as coppied and let not one person see it because the greatest secrecy is required

kind Sir I remain your most obt and
Hble Servt
A Friend

4th May 1816: Arson at Henham, Essex

The Bury & Norwich Post of 15th May 1816 reported a case of arson that took place in the evening of Saturday 4th May 1816:

Saturday se'nnight the outbuildings upon a farm in the parish of Henham, Essex, occupied by Mr. Thomas Nottidge, were discovered to be on fire; and notwithstanding the most prompt exertions, all the buildings, with other property to a considerable amount, were totally destroyed.

4th May 1816: Arson at Stanningfield & Wickhambrook, both in Suffolk

The Bury & Norwich Post of 8th May 1816 carried reports about 2 cases of arson in Suffolk, both of which occurred in the evening of Saturday 4th May 1816:

On Saturday night a large barn in the occupation of Mr. Rollinson, of Stanningfield, was destroyed by fire.—Same night a fire was discovered on the premises of Mr. John Pryke, of Wickhambrook, when a barn and other outbuildings, with a stack of wheat, and one of beans, fell a prey to the devouring element.

4th May 1816: A meeting of nearly 1000 framework-knitters is dispersed by Cavalry in Derby

The Leicester Chronicle of Saturday 4th May 1816 carried a story about a meeting of framework-knitters in Derby that had occurred at some point over the last week (the local newspaper, the Derby Mercury, had chosen to not give any report whatsoever about the meeting):

Last week, nearly one thousand Framework knitters assembled in a field near Derby, to consult upon the propriety of petitioning the Legislature on the distressed state of their trade; but before they had time to come to any determination on the subject, they were assailed by two troops of cavalry, and compelled to separate immediately; in consequence of this singular proceeding a deputation waited upon the Mayor and explained the object of the meeting, upon which he expressed himself perfectly satisfied, and regretted that the Military had been called in on the occasion; another meeting was then agreed upon, and the Mayor offered the use of the Town hall for that purpose.

3rd May 1816: Arson at Drinkstone, Suffolk

The Bury & Norwich Post of 8th May 1816 carried a report and a reward advert about a case of arson that occurred on Friday 3rd May 1816:

On Friday night a barn at Drinkstone, the property of Joshua Grigby, Esq. was wilfully set on fire, and consumed.—A reward of 200l. is offered for the discovery of the incendiaries. See advt.

The advert read as follows:

TWO HUNDRED POUNDS REWARD. 

A BARN at DRINKSTONE, the Property of Mr. GRIGBY, was WILFULLY SET ON FIRE about Nine o'clock in the Night of the 3d of this Month. 

Mr. Grigby thinks he cannot so well perform his duty to the Public; or express his Thanks to his Neighbours for their kind assistance; as by using his utmost endeavours to detect the Incendiaries. 

He also promises a Reward of TWO HUNDRED POUNDS to the Person through whose means they shall be convicted.—May 4, 1816.

May 1816: Overseers of the Poor in Hinckley express concerns about unemployment amongst Framework-knitters to the government

[May 1816]

My Lord,

In consequence of the present indifferent and alarming state of the Stocking Manufactory there are many loose hands discharg’d by their employers which the parishes find it very difficult to employ.—As their appears no prospect of any immediate improvement in the trade, we think it is our duty as Magistrates to enquire of your Lordship whether there would be any disposition on the part of Government to advance some money to find employment for the poor ‘till a favorable change takes place. The Rates in the Town of Hinckley and the Neighbourhood are getting very high and will be collect’d with difficulty.—Should your Lordship be of opinion that any Assistance can be render’d in the way suggest’d or in any other manner, we shall be happy to cooperate with his Majesty's Government, and to do all in our power to alleviate those evils which seem rather to increase than diminish—

We are, your Lordship’s
Obedient humble Servants

G: Mittam
J. Blythe

From Hinckley

[To] The Right Honble
Lord Sidmouth–

May 1816: A panicked letter sent to the Home Office about the situation in Suffolk

My Lord

From the remote situation of this part of the Country from the metropolis I am confident you are not aware of the great disorder that prevails & the spirit of insurrection that hourly shews  itself—apparently without any immediate remedy—as the evil  increases—& the mob is daily added unto—every night, we have the horror of observing a fire from some part of the County—& we have  no rest in our Beds but are kept watching till Break of Day the Servants & Labourers are with ourselves quite exhausted—nothing will quell this tumult but some regiments being sent into this district,—& if possible some officers of police for we cannot depend upon one of our own people—even the constables chosen by parishes which I dwell are suspicious persons—& would head the mob rather than disperse them—these villains meet at a public house in Hitcham the Sign of the [Buckie] Lions—the names of them are White, Deacon, two the name of Baker, one Wilding,  [illegible] Brett—&c—but an officer of police from London would very soon detect some of these ring leaders which from being unknown he might do better than any other way—& a troop being stationed in the environs of Bildeston would soon disperse these wretches! pardon my Lord my daring to hint the means of checking this rise of misadventure but I am certain if you will condescend to attend to my proposals it will prevent much harm—to the Country. God knows only if not stopped what will be the event, to Town & Country—they threatened to burn the Clergy in their Beds—the Clergy are all magistrates—& they have gained from some quarter an idea that the high Tythes are the cause of their low wages—in the Parish of Kettlebaston which is the worst in England for  civilization, there is neither magistrate nor Parson—the Rector having another living never visits the Parish—but on an hour on a Sunday, so they are left to their own wicked devices, & all look like Savages—in the next parish viz. Hitcham the magistrate is a Clergyman now absent for two months so that the poor labourer in that village are all in a State of rebellion & threatening to burn every Stack & Barn—then the mills we shall then say they be all equal.

for God’s sake my Lord think of some expedient immediately if not, I predict it will gather Strength—we are all so tired with watching & want of Sleep that we must give up the contest—otherwise the ground can not be tilled—& then a famine inevitably will ensue—send some Troops directly  & some police Officers to the Villages of Kettlebaston Hitcham & Bildestone this will Strike [terror] in the rest—I was in Town when the mob rose on the Corn Bill—I saw the good effect that the Soldiers had immediately in quelling riots.

we are without magistrates & without Rectors & [more/none] that are resident—are in danger from the exorbitant Tithe demanded.—

I am
your Lordships
Ob.nt Servant
J Nicholson

[Undated - May 1816]

1st May 1816: The Rev WR Hay expresses concerns about discontent in Manchester to the Home Secretary

New Bailey Court House, Manchester. 1 May 1816

My Lord,

It becomes my duty, in obedience to the directions the Magistrates who met this morning in Quarter Sessions to state your Lordship that on Monday Information was received by the Boroughreeve and Constables of Manchester that from conversations which had been overheard, & other circumstances, there was reason to believe that it was not improbable that some disturbance might shew itself in this neighbourhood. It appears that the Weavers, & some other branches of the Manufacturers are for the most part out of employ; and those who are so, talk boldly, and in conversations which have been overheard, they seem to lay great stress on the small number of men in the barracks, which they represent to be only one hundred. I cannot help saying that on coming into Manchester I particularly remarked that parties were assembled in groupes, in the same manner as I have observed in former times of disturbance, in each of which some one seemed to be talking to the crowd around him. The Boroughreeve & Constables early on Tuesday informed me of what they had heard, and I lost no time in communicating with Mr. Evans the Magistrate here, in their company I instantly, as was then settled, wrote in Mr. Evans's name and my own to General Barlow, who we understand to command at Liverpool, informing him generally of the circumstances, & requesting to know, in case of necessity, what force could be brought to bear on this neighbourhood.

The opening of the Sessions I laid the subject before the Magistrates in sessions, where it was of course resolved that these particulars should be laid before your Lordship – It so happened that Major Brice who has the command at Liverpool was today in Manchester. In the name of the Court I communicated with him and with Col Holmes of the 3d (or Princes) Regiment of Dragoon Guards, part of which Regiment is now in the Barracks here. We learn from them that the forces of Cavalry in Manchester Barracks is Rank & file 151 – horses 95 – in Liverpool 261; horses 227 – The infantry under Major Brice does not amount to 500. These particulars I am also directed to lay before your Lordship. How far discontent may spread, and whether it will assume a more serious shape, we cannot judge. But I am desired to state, that in the opinion of the Magistrates, should any commotion take place in this manufacturing district, the force at present here would be found inadequate to the public service.

The Sessions here, from the weight of business, are likely to continue far into next week. Any communication, with which your Lordship may honour the Magistrates will probably arrive during our sitting. At any rate Mr. Evans will be authorized, should the Sessions have finished, to open any letter from your Lordship on the subject.

I have [etc]
William Robert Hay.

To The Rt Honble Lord Viscount Sidmouth
One of H.M’s principal Secretaries of State &c &c

1st May 1816: Francis Raynes writes again to the Chief Secretary of the Treasury

No. 4, Dorset-Place, Clapham-Road,

SIR, May 1st, 1816.

When you did me the honor to say I might expect to hear from you by Friday, 26th ult. I did  flatter myself I should not be disappointed. I cannot for a moment, Sire, suppose, from having made to you a disclosure of the recent losses my family have sustained, that the circumstance should influence you to my prejudice; but must attribute your silence to the extreme pressure of public duty, or that your interview with Lords Liverpool and Sidmouth, on my behalf, was not favorable.

On Saturday, I called at the Treasury, in the hope that I should have the honor of seeing you, with an intention to solicit the favour of you, Sir, to entreat His Majesty’s Government would be pleased to honor me with their decision; for greatly should I be relieved to be informed, even if that decision was to my disadvantage; for who can near a continued state of suspense and anxiety? Believe me, Sir, that my applications do not result from a fretful impatience, or a doubt of your disposition to forward my views, but from most urgent motives.

I have withheld from the notice of the Generals under whom I served, many mortifying and trying circumstances, and those who are acquainted with my case, do not hesitate to pronounce me an injured man; and I hope I shall be spared the pain of ever detailing them for the information of His Majesty’s Government, or the eye of others; but humbly trust His Majesty’s Government will suffer me to return to my family, with that reward their wisdom may think proper to bestow for my past services.

I have now, Sir, only to apologize for trespassing on your valuable time, and have the honor to subscribe myself,

With great respect,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
FRANCIS RAYNES.

[To] The Right Hon. Charles Arbuthnot.

May 1816: Handbill poem titled “The Death of Calico Jack"

The Death of Calico Jack; or the

WEAVERS DOWNFALL.

Bad markets....Several tradesmen threatened with arrest, Oh! the effects of high living. Curse upon lewd women, and fie upon the foreign Company, they under sell us. For what reason? They have their goods made from good wool, we have ours from waste. They have their yarn spun for little or nothing, so have we. The merchants enjoy the juice of the grape, but we will be content with a little malt liquour. Oh! St. David’s Day, be thou like the days of job....let no sun shine upon it....and let it be blotted out from the other days of the year, and let every spinner and weaver of cotton tremble at the remembrance thereof, and let love and friendship be united and dated from this day, and handed down to the latest posterity. But find us the man whose foundation is not shaken at such unprecedented proceedings Quere, is this the way they mean to go to heaven? if so, God enlighten their dark understandings.

Sunday. The prayer of the congregation are desired for the cotton trade and let all the people say, Amen.

Tuesday. Dissected and examined by numbers of Anathamptists, and the Cotton Trade found to be wilfully murdered by persons well known, viz. absolutely choaked with waste.

Wednesday. The town in general disordered. The right honourable and most ignoble Lord Strut, chief president of the company of starve beggars, seduced by some means his fellow creatures to shut up their warehouses, workshops, &c. till such times trade mends or work for whatever they please to give them. Agreed nem con.

Thursday. The spinners and weavers agreed to weather out the storm, and support themselves by other means.

Saturday. Wages paid, shops shut, & a general fast & mouring proclaimed.

Sunday. The spinners and weavers agreed, let us eat and drink to-day, for tomorrow we die; and like the widow of Zarepah, die with a full stomach, flattering themselves they will not be the worse received in Heaven.

Monday. The Military arrived, some say to quell a riot, sed fulsum est, take nothing from nothing, and nothing remains: and every day since, the town has been rigidly strict in abserving Mourning and fasting, (particularly the poor distressed Spinners and weavers) and will for a long time.

Go to, ye great men, mourn and weep, for the time cometh when you must balance not only with your Merchants, but with one who will not take light gold, bad bills, nor blank securities—'tis hard for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle—when you die, which you certainly think you never must—you will not be asked how much money you possessed here.

The Funeral will be solemnized; the Trade interred in Oliver Cromwell’s Grave, near Lancashire Bridge, on Saturday by ten o’Clock

The Procession as follows: Evil to him who thinks on Evil, doodle doodle doo.

To be extended full length upon the bottom of a Coach or Chariot of some exalted Weaver or Barber covered with a plaid Paul to be 8 bearers

Major General Short Tongue

The Right Honorable Admiral Shifter,

Colonel Black Sam, and Captain Stewmug,

The Honorable Colonel Plowshare,

Captain Snuff,

And Brigadiers Shuffle and Cut, Esqrs.

To be drawn by thirty broken Tradesmen, in Second Mourning,

The distressed Spinners with scarfs and cockados of Waste Cotton, two and two.

Badgers, Butchers, Shopkeepers, Hucksters, and Ale-sellers, in full mourning, two and two.

Carding Engine, Jenny makers, and Loom makers, Spinners and Weavers, Wives and Children, two and two in ragged be-gowns, and old Shoes on. The Perpetrators of this Murder to be tarr’d and feathered.

A Funeral Sermon will be preached at the Tabernacle, from Isaiah xxiv. 10. 11. “The City of Confusion is broke down, Every House is shut up, that no Man come in. There is a cry for Wine in the Streets, All joy is darkened, and the mirth of the land is gone.”