18th May 1816: Brandon Magistrates request help from the Home Secretary

My Lord

Conformable to the instructions of the Duke of Grafton [Lord-Lieutenant] of the County of Suffolk—

We state to your Lordship the very riotous state of Brandon & its Vicinity & that the force civil & military are totally inadequate to suppress them.

We will refer your Lordship for particulars of what have passed to the Bearer – but We are decidedly of opinion that our efforts will be unavailing in restoring order, or keeping the Rioters from continuing their excesses unless we are immediately assisted by your Lordship with some of the London Police Officers to find out and & apprehend The Ringleaders, & a troop of Cavalry (at least) sent to Brandon from the nearest quarter without delay which may contain their Station there untill we have the happiness of informing your Lordship that Peace & Order are again restored to a district, containing a population of thirteen parishes in Norfolk—& several other large parishes in Suffolk

JR Burch J.P
Jn Moseley

Magistrates are the Counties of Norfolk & Suffolk

Brandon
18th May 16

To Ld Visct Sidmouth
Sec: of State for the Home department
&c &c &c

---

This letter can be found at HO 42/150.