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.
Peacock (1965, pp.76-77) provides the date using the Cambridge Sessions Order Book, whilst the case wasa reported in the Cambridge Chronicle of 26th July 1816.
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