On Monday 27th April a local farmer, Thomas Pearson, was almost ready for bed at his home on Crosland Hill. Just before 11.00 p.m. he heard a knock at his door. He cautiously approached it and asked who was there.
A voice said "I am Tom Atkinson. I am a Special Constable with a warrant to search your house - if you don't open the door, I'll break it open!".
Pearson was confused and frightened - what would a constable want with him at this hour, and why the threat to use force? He opened the door to find 3 men who barged in. They left not long later with 2 guns owned by him.
This is based upon the deposition of Thomas Pearson which can be found at HO 42/122. This is the first recorded arms raid in the West Riding.
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