2nd July 1816: Government Reward Notice for the 'Loughborough Job'

Whitehall, July 2, 1816.

Whereas it hath been humbly represented unto His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that about 12 o'clock on the night of Friday last, the 28th ultimo, a number of persons armed, with their faces blacked, entered the factory of Messrs. Heathcoat and Boden, at Loughborough, in the county of Leicester, Lace-Manufacturers, and after firing at and wounding one of the servants (a guard) in the said premises, they demolished every frame in the building, and destroyed all the lace, and did other damage the amount of ten thousand pounds;

His Royal Highness, for the better apprehending and bringing to justice the persons concerned in the said atrocious outrage, is hereby pleased, in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty, to promise His Majesty's most gracious pardon to any one of them (except the person who actually fired at and wounded the guard belonging to the said premises) 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 FIVE HUNDRED GUINEAS is hereby offered to any person (except as is before excepted) who shall discover his, her, on 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; such reward to be paid by the said Messrs, Heathcoat and Boden.

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This reward notice was first published in the London Gazette of 2nd July 1816.