Wednesday 1 June 2016

1st June 1816: A London stationer expresses alarm at graffiti proposing a march on Parliament from Spa Fields

239 High Holborn
1st June 1816

My Lord

I think it may not be improper to acquaint your Lordship that yesterday Morning as I was coming to town from Kentish Town, I perceived, at the end of the Houses in Tavistock Square, facing the New Road, on a long wall, in Very large Chalked Letters, words nearly in the following terms.—"100,000 Britons (to proceed, or will proceed, I forget which) on the 4th June to the House of Commons, from the Spa Fields."—The latter place is situated near Islington.—

I will not presume, My Lord, to say that any such matter is in actual contemplation, perhaps it may be done thro’ wantonness, by some giddy person, but as I remember the Riots in 1780 originated in nearly a similar manner, I thought it my duty to communicate it to your lordship.—

I am [etc]
Howe Green

Stationer No. 239 High Holborn
and Kentish Town

This letter can be found at HO 42/151.

No comments:

Post a Comment