2nd April 1817: The execution of Daniel Diggle, at Nottingham

The header from a broadsheet published to mark the occasion of Daniel Diggle's execution on 2nd April 1817 The full broadsheet can be seen here,

On Wednesday 2nd April 1817, Daniel Diggle was executed in front of the Shire Hall in Nottingham. The two local newspapers each gave a report.

The Nottingham Review of 4th April 1817:

EXECUTION

Of Daniel Diggle, for shooting at George Kerry. 

Wednesday being the day appointed for the execution of Daniel Diggle, who had been convicted at our last Assizes, of shooting at Kerry, he was brought forth from the county gaol to the front of the hall, about eight o'clock in the morning, where a temporary gallows had been erected; and, notwithstanding it was at so early a period, and no public information had been given of any alteration being made as to time or place, a vast concourse of people assembled to witness the tragic scene. Diggle, with considerable fortitude, addressed the multitude—acknowledged his crime, and deeply lamented his having slighted the salutary admonitions of his parents; and particularly deplored his having been associated with Luddites, which, he said, had him to this unhappy situation. While under sentence of death, he was visited by Dr. Wood, the Chaplain of the prison; also by several dissenting ministers, whose exhortations and prayers, as far as we can judge, were rendered very beneficial in preparing him for his awful end. 

The following document has been handed to us by a Clergyman, who occasionally visited Diggle, and may be depended on as genuine:—

The rest of the report contained Daniel Diggle's alleged confession of the day before his execution.

The Nottingham Journal (from the Leicester Journal of 11th April 1817):

EXECUTION OF D. DIGGLE.

On Wednesday morning, the 2d instant, Daniel Diggle suffered the awful sentence of the law, on a temporary gallows, erected in the front of the county gaol, at Nottingham, conformably to his sentence at the last assizes. This unfortunate man was a native of Basford, near Nottingham, and was convicted of shooting at George Kerry, in his dwelling house in the parish of Radford, (in company with two other persons, who are still at large), on the evening of Sunday the 22d of December last, with intent to kill and murder him—From the time the decision of the Judge was made known to him, his only anxiety appeared to be how he might best prepare himself for another world. He fully admitted his guilt; and his sorrow and contrition, not only on account of the crime for which he suffered, but the numerous other errors of his past life, was apparently deep and sincere. He conducted himself to the last moment with becoming resignation, and we trust, by the attentions  paid to him by the Reverend Chaplain, and another worthy divine, who had daily visited him, he left the world supported by rational hope of mercy, through the all sufficient merits of a crucified Redeemer. About 8 o'clock the culprit was brought forth through the County Hall door, in a light cart, along the platform raised on the steps, under the fatal tree. He appeared firm and collected, and addressing himself to the numerous spectators, said, it was "Ludding" that had brought him to that untimely end:—he expressed his regret that he had neglected the good advice given him by his parents, and that he had not abandoned his wicked courses in time to avert the dreadful fate that awaited him, and exhorted all present to take warning by his untimely end. After a few minutes spent in prayer, the cart was drawn off, and he was launched into eternity.—His last words were, "Lord have mercy upon my soul!"—After hanging the usual time, his body was cut down, and delivered to his friends for interment. He was a stout good looking man, but extremely illiterate, had just attained his 21st year, and had not long been married.

The particulars of the trial of Diggle have been already published; but since it may be gratifying to some persons to possess some short notice of his Prison Thoughts, a friend who visited him during the last week of his life, has furnished us with the following particulars:—

On his first interview with the prisoner, he appeared rather unconcerned, but a degree of mutual reserve seemed to account in some measure for the circumstance. In all my subsequent visits he conversed frankly on the events of his past life; and manifested a degree of contrition (especially in his devotions), which was very becoming his awful situation.—Whenever he adverted to his contempt of the advice of his parents, he was very deeply affected.

We he mentioned Luddism, which was frequently the case, he severely reprobated a system, in which he had latterly been an active, though a subordinate agent; and he remarked with a feeling severity, upon the guilty guilt and cruelty of the secret promoters of that practice, whom he declared that he considered equally criminal with himself.

On the Monday before he suffered, he had formed the resolution of speaking freely on the subject of Luddism and his other crimes, from the scaffold; but fearing that his feelings might possibly prevent him, he desired that his sentiments might be written down, and published after his execution.

The following is the confession he earnestly desired might be published:—

...and the Journal also ended the article with Diggle's alleged confession.

The Nottingham Review of Friday 11th April gave a line to report Diggle's burial, which took place on the evening of the same day:

Diggle's body was removed from the County Hall, by his friends, to Basford; and on the same evening was interred in the church yard of that place, amidst an innumerable throng of spectators.

However, despite the report in the Nottingham Review, there doesn't appear to be any record of Diggle's burial in the Basford Parish Registers. It looks as if Diggle's burial was simply unrecorded and we may never know where his remains lie.

Diggle had married his wife, Catherine or Kitty Cockram in 1816 and their daughter, Sarah Ann, was christened at Basford on 10th August 1817.

I am indebted to the historian & genealogist Lesley Abernethy for researching Diggle's family history.

22nd November 1816: Informer's report about James Towle's funeral

22d Novr 1816

I was at Towle’s Funeral yesterday—A Schoolmaster I was told gave out the Hymns that were sung from his house to and at the Grave by Six young women.—Peter Green was there and joined in the singing—Many other men also sung—Badder was there with me—He said he felt uneasy because Barnes & Lawson were not come at before the body was put into the Grave—I and Badder went to Torr’s, The Shoulder of Mutton accompanied by Adam the Scotchman, Jos. Mitchell Chris and his Brother the man at whose house the Frames were last broke at Lambley, Glover who was tried at the last Assizes and Peter Green and many others who were at the supper at Scattergoods on the occasion of Badder and Slater’s acquittal whose names I dont know—Some of their wives were with them—I believe they were all Ludds or friends to them—There was a deal of muttering amongst them saying they would not give a penny for Barnes and Lawson's lives and that they must be done—Adam and Badder said they had slept at the Police Office for several nights and that they would be seen here no more and were going to London to be Police Officers where that damned Rogue Garton was but there would be a reckoning day there and they might be let on there—They said a deal about Garton being there for safety—Nothing was proposed to be done—Jos: Mitchell was chosen for a Bearer of Towle but he did not help to carry—I could only see two Bearers that I knew; Mellors of Dob Park Lane who keeps a Shop of Frames and Robinson who lives at this end of Basford—It was dusk when the Funeral was over—There was a great many men and women but most men, and a Soldier estimated them all together at 3000—Many men from Nottm, many of them I knew to be Ludds—I saw several from Arnold, Hucknall and many from Bulwell—There was a Star or Cross upon the Coffin lid which excited much conjecture what it could be for—Some said it was because he had died game, others because he had been hung, and some damned Dr. Wylde for not allowing the Funeral service to be read—Badder said the Parish Parson would have read the Service had not Dr. Wylde threatened to strip off his gown if he did it, but he said it did not signify to Jem for he wanted no Parson about him—We all came out of Torr’s together but Mitchell and Chris went to Towle’s mother’s and promised to overtake us before we got to Nottingham but they did not—On the way Badder said he wished we could meet Barnes and Lawson—Adam told him not to mind they would be met with tho’ they might go to London; as there had been meetings there of 40 or 50,000 and things were coming to a head and he should not mind being hung for shooting one of them but he should like to see a Revolution first and then he should die easy. I, Badder, Adam and the man of Lambley whose Frames were last broke, went by the Bowling Alley (Peter and the others left us on the Road and went by Radford) to Seymour’s and there we met Sam Slater—He said Jem had been damned ill used as he had sent a letter out of Prison to shoot Barnes that he might not give evidence against him and it would be a pity if he were not done now before he got to London and that Barnes would get £140 by the Job—Badder said they must lye still abit to which they acquiesced by silence.—

21st November 1816: James Towle is buried in Basford 'in the presence of thousands'

On Thursday 21st November 1816, James Towle was buried in Basford, with thousands of people being present.

The funeral was covered in several regional newspapers, with the Nottingham Review of 22nd November including the conditions Towle's relatives had to adhere to to take possession of the corpse & conduct the burial:

After hanging the usual time, his body was demanded by his cousin Josiah Towle, who before he could obtain it, was required to put his hand to the following document:— 

"The corpse of James Towle having been delivered to me on behalf of his mother, who is desirous of interring it at Basford, I hereby undertake that the same shall be buried there before sunset to-morrow, with all possible privacy, and I hereby make myself responsible that there shall be no public exhibition, either previously to, or at the funeral, and particularly that the corpse shall not be detained in the town of Nottingham, but that the same shall be conveyed, as privately as possible, throughout that town, and in case of any disturbance taking place, in consequence of the conveyance or burial of the said corpse, I consent this paper may be produced in evidence against me.

“Dated this 20th of Nov. 1816. 

            HIS 

“JOSIAH + TOWLE”

          MARK

"I further engage that the corpse shall not be halted or detained at any other place between Leicester and Basford, than the following:—

“To bail for one hour at Rothley House.
“To put up for the night or bail at Costock.
“To bail for one hour at Bradmore and from thence to Basford without stopping." 

The body was conveyed through Nottingham during the course of Wednesday night, and on Thursday afternoon, was committed to the earth in Basford church yard, by the side of his father, in the presence of thousands of spectators; every thing being conducted in the most peaceable and orderly manner.

Also present at the funeral was the Secret Agent employed by the Nottingham 'Secret Committee' of bureacrats and employers, and the Town Clerk would receive a report from him the following day.

29th June 1816: The executed rioters are buried in Ely

The memorial plaque, on the south wall of the tower of St Mary's Church, Ely, to the five executed Ely and Littleport rioters, executed on 28 June 1816 & buried the following day (Photo: John McCullough, cc license)

In the evening of Saturday 29th June 1816, the five Ely rioters who had been executed the preceding day, were buried in the churchyard of St Mary's Church at Ely. The Bury & Norwich Post of 10th July 1816 carried a brief report of the funeral:

The bodies of the five unhappy sufferers for the late Riots (whose execution was noticed in our last) were committed to the care of the Chief Constable, who, at the express wish of their relations, provided a house to deposit them in, where they were decently and respectfully laid in their coffins, attended by four constables until the funeral took place on Saturday evening, when they were carried to church in the following order:—A company of singers from Littleport walked before, singing the 104th Psalm through the streets to Church: next the Chief Constable and Mr. Barlow, keeper of the prison, with their staves of office, covered with black, and themselves also dressed in black; then followed the corpse of Beamiss, he being the elder; next his relations; the other four were carried two abreast, with their respective relations following each corpse.—From the great concourse of spectators, it was thought necessary to have the attendance of several constables.—The bodies were all deposited in one grave, by the side of each other, in the church yard of Ely St. Mary's, in the most decent and respectful manner.—The reports circulated of disturbances on this occasion, and the further mischief committed in the Isle, are all unfounded.

2nd January 1815: The funeral of Joanna Southcott

Joanna Southcott's (new) gravestone at St John's Wood burial ground, London. Photo by David Bingham (cc license). See below for more details about this headstone.

An account of Joanna Southcott's funeral appears in many newspapers, but the version below is from the Manchester Mercury of Tuesday 17th January 1815, as it contains some details the others omit. It is important to note the date of the funeral as being Monday 2nd January 1815, as it is often incorrectly stated as taking place on 1st January (even by some scholars).

Burial of the wicked Joanna.

After the dissection on Saturday se’nnight, the body was put in a plain coffin by the Undertaker’s men, in the presence of three Gentlemen. From the putrefaction which had taken place, the smell was most intolerable. In consequence, when the lid was screwed down, pitch was applied to the edges and rim, to confine and prevent the egress of the misserata. While this was performing, the strictest injunctions of secrecy were given to all present. At twelve o'clock on the same night, the crowd having retired from the street, the coffin was carried by four men to Mr. Moore’s, the undertaker, corner of Rathbone place, Oxford-street. Here it remained during Sunday. On Monday afternoon, about two o'clock, it was put into a hearse, drawn by two horses, without the usual ornament of feathers, to favour the belief, had it been recognized, that it did not contain a corpse, but was only going to receive and convey one. The hearse, followed by three gentleman in a coach and pair, then proceeded to Marylebone Upper Burying-ground, near Kilburn, where it was interred; and the usual Church service repeated by the Clergyman. The few people whom curiosity attracted round the grave had not the slightest suspicion that the coffin which was lowering down contained the remains of Joanna Southcott. In fact such precautions were taken, that it was impossible that the secret could prematurely transpire.—It was known to none of her followers, and scarcely to any of her late confidants. The three Gentleman who followed the corpse to the grave were muffled up more than is customary even to mourners: they wore great coats, which were buttoned up to the chin, black cloaks standing high in the collar, handkerchiefs tied round the lower part of the face, and their hats pulled over their eyes. So completely had they succeeded in disguising themselves, that not a feature was visible: they abstained from all conversation, so that the writer of this communication could not recognize their persons. On their road to the place of interment, they were joined by a fourth person, equally well disguised as themselves, and who did not separate from them. This last is conjectured to have been Tozer.

The Morning Post of 16th January 1815 recorded an 'altercation' between the officiating Clergyman at the funeral and William Tozer, one of Southcott's disciplines, having taken place:

Tozer complained the the regular Church Service had not been gone through; the Clergyman replied that the customary prayer for the dead had been read. Tozer said this was not sufficient for so holy a woman and a prophetess! to which the Clergyman replied, that he trusted it would never again be his lot to officiate at the funeral of one who had lived by practising imposture and fraud, uttering blasphemes, and died unrepentant. This severe remark but just silenced Tozer.

The grave at St John's Wood burial ground in London features both an old and new headstone. The old burial stone is recumbent and covers the grave, but is damaged, with most of the original inscription obscured. The stone doesn't seem to have been erected immediately, with newspapers first commenting upon it in May 1815 (in particular the Morning Chronicle of 29th May 1815 which I consulted), nearly 5 months after the funeral. Photos of this stone can be seen here and here.

A much finer tablet was erected in 1828, along the wall of the cemetery directly in front of the old burial stone. Contemporary newspaper articles (the Sheffield Independent of 27th December & York Herald of 18th October 1828) remark that it was made from black marble, edged in white, with gold lettering and stars in silver next to the word 'Sacred' at the top. This headstone was damaged (allegedly by an explosion on a nearby barge carrying gunpowder in 1874), and replaced by the latest one - pictured above - in 1965 by the Panacea Society.

24th January 1813: Lieutenant Cooper informs General Acland about a Luddite funeral and another wanting to take the oath of allegiance

Elland 24th January [1813.]

Sir.

I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 22d Instant and shall take care to follow your directions as they regard the diminution of the Detachment. I have already followed your directions as to patroling, which I received from you when at Wakefield.

I shall take pains to impress on the minds of the people of Elland and it’s neighbourhood the necessity of protecting themselves by their personal exertions Mr Dyson of Mr Cartledge have always been aware of it but though their exertions have been great they have not been generally supported.

The only Funeral in the neighbourhood of Elland was that of John Hill and no disturbance occurred but what was the consequence of the Methodist Parson refusing to read the service over the body, which was not of sufficient importance to notice.

I am happy to inform you that a man, of the name of Mitchell, who lives at Sowerby and whose son I had a Warrant against but was prevented serving by his leaving the Country, came to me this morning to ask me whether his son could be allowed to take the benifit of the Prince Regent's Proclamation for he was willing to go to Mr Radcliffe to take the Oath of Allegiance. I desired him to come to me again on tuesday I hope to hear from you under what circumstances such an indulgence may be granted. I had no information of his being concerned in any crimes beyond stealing Arms at the time I applied for the warrant, but I have reason to apprehend, from subsequent information, that he has been engaged in depredations when money or other property was stolen.

I have [etc]
Alf. Cooper Lieut.
West Suffolk Militia

[To] Major General Acland
&c &c &c
Wakefield.

18th January 1813: Major Bruce reports that the corpses of two Luddites have arrived at Halifax

Halifax 18th January 1813—

Sir

I have the honour to acquaint you that the Bodies of two of the Convicts came here this morning by the carrier and will lodged in a Warehouse about 11 o'Clock they were taken off in Carts by their friends, one to Sowerby and the other to Elland, both parties were accompanied by or five people very much affected

I ordered a person on whom I could depend to follow the party to Sowerby and to be present at the Interment, he inform’d me he saw the Body taken into a house at Sowerby and that he understood the Funeral would not take place to day.—everything went off very quietly—

I did not think it necessary to watch the party going to Elland

I have [etc]
A. Bruce Major
Stirling Militia

[To] M. General Acland
&c &c &c
Wakefield

18th January 1813: Lt Colonel Lang reports the arrival of the bodies of Luddites in Huddersfield

Huddersfield Jany 18th
1813

Sir

I have the honor to acquaint you the Bodies of the Culprits arrived here last evening half past six oclock were attended by considerable number of people but perfectly quiet & orderly — their Bodies were taken to the Homes of their friends at Lockwood Longroid Bridge and in this Town after which the persons attending them went quietly about their business in the most satisfactory manner — the Bodies are not yet Interred —

Enclosed is an application for leave of absence for Lieut [illegible] of the North Devon—

I have [etc]
R Lang Lt Col
South Devon Regt

[To] Major General Acland
&c &c &c

The number of Subalterns present with the Regt - 8 — two absent with leave whom I expect to gain by the 24th Instant

17th January 1813: Francis Raynes informs General Acland about Luddite confessions & preparations for funerals

Mills Bridge 17th Jany
[1813]

Sir,

I have the Honor to inform you, by a Letter Mr. Cartwright has this day received from York, it appears James Hay made confession, that he and Carter the evidence were two of the perpetrators of the robbery at the Balm Mill. Mr Cartwright likewise says he has the strongest reasons for believing John Hill, executed for Stealing Arms was their accomplice

Three Carts & a Hearse with the Bodies of the unfortunate men that suffer’d yesterday are arrived at Birstal, the people are assembling in considerable numbers, but at present no disposition to riot appears, I shall take care to send persons to observe everything that passes on the road, and during the interment—

I have [etc]
Francis Raynes Captn
Stirling &c militia

To
Major General Acland
&c &c &c

Where were the West Yorkshire Luddite martyrs buried - and how many were buried at all?

Memorial placards for the 17 executed Luddites, left at the execution site on 19th January 2013 (image copyright Richard Holland)

The subsequent burial of the Luddites executed on 16th January 1813 still remains largely mysterious. The funerals that did take place went unreported in the local press. Sources in the Home Office records refer to only to one burial by name, but other than that do refer to some numbers and locations. The parish records are somewhat better, yielding three burials we know took place for certain.

Among the definites are John Ogden, a 23 year-old cropper from Cowcliffe. He was buried on 18th January 1813, in the Huddersfield St Peter's Parish, with a John Coates officiating. In the margin of his burial record is written "This man was hung as a Luddite, innocent, but knowing his brother was guilty but would not inform".

An extract from the Parish record showing the burials of John Ogden & James Haigh.

Buried the following day in the same parish was the Dalton cropper James Haigh, aged 28. Again, John Coates officiated.

On the 20th, William Hartley, a 41 year-old tailor from Warley was buried in St Mary Parish, Luddenden. Thomas Sutcliffe officiated.

Moving past the parish records, one contemporary letter in the Home Office correspondence confirms another name. In a letter to General Acland, Lieutenant Cooper at Elland confirmed on 24th January that John Hill, a 36 year-old cotton spinner from Greetland, had been buried locally within the past few days. Cooper also confirmed that, in common with the burial of the Luddite Samuel Hartley at Halifax months before, the Methodist preacher refused to read service over the body, and although there was no disturbance arising from this, Cooper intimates there was much unhappiness.

The only other information in the Home Office records is about the number and/or location of bodies at different points. On the 18th January, Lieutenant-Colonel Lang at Huddersfield revealed that 'bodies' had arrived there at 6.30 p.m. on the 17th, only to be taken to Lockwood and Longroyd Bridge. We know that Thomas Brook, a 32 year-old cropper was from Lockwood and John Walker, a 31 year-old cropper, was from Longroyd Bridge.

Major Bruce at Halifax reported on the 18th January that 2 bodies had arrived there that morning and had been held in a warehouse before being taken away by their friends on carts at 11.00 a.m. - one headed to Sowerby, one to Elland. The latter was presumably John Hill, whilst the body headed for Sowerby could have been Joseph Crowther, a 31 year-old cotton spinner of that place.

On the 19th January, Lieutenant Colonel Lang reported that 3 'quiet and orderly' burials had taken place in the Huddersfield area by then.

And that is where my research leads me to at this point.

In a recent article on the Guardian's website, local historian Paul Furness states that only 7 bodies were claimed by friends or relatives, and that the rest were dissected. Whilst Hall & Kipling (1984, p.50) agree that seven bodies were claimed, the latter statement is new information, although it's not clear what the sources are that support it (NB, both these accounts would appear to be wrong - see the foot of this blog post for updated information). There could be some truth in this - in a letter of 16th January, the Huddersfield solicitor John Allison wrote to General Acland that:

"I do not expect that any of the friends of the unfortunate Men (save one or two), can afford to bring the bodies to Hudd and I conceive the Croppers will not subscribe for the purpose for they all here appear ashamed of themselves"

However, despite what Allison stated, we know from the information above that two croppers were buried for definite, with a third alluded to Lang, and that the bodies of two others were taken to Lockwood and Longroyd Bridge upon their arrival in Huddersfield. So it does look like the local Luddites could afford to take care of their dead after all.

Until further information comes to light though, it's not absolutely certain that the following Luddites were buried at all:

John Batley of Thornhill
Thomas Brook of Lockwood
Joseph Crowther of Sowerby
Jonathan Dean of Huddersfield
Joseph Fisher of Briestwhistle
James Hey of Skircoat
Job Hey of Greetland
Nathan Hoyle of Skircoat
John Swallow of Briestwhistle
John Walker of Longroyd Bridge 

NB  - since writing this article, new research has yielded more definite information about what happened to the bodies of those executed. William Knipe's 'Criminal Chronology of York Castle' (1867, pp.153-154) tells us that the bodies of all the Luddites were claimed by family/friends except those of Joseph Crowther and Nathan Hoyle, whose bodies were 'interred in the hoppet at the back of the Castle'.

16th January 1813: Lt Colonel Lang informs General Acland about preparations for the funerals of Luddite at Huddersfield

Huddersfield Jany 16th 1813

Sir

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Confidential letter of this morning and to acquaint you that I have ordered the Dragoon [illegible] to be doubled, to patrole a certain distance from the town of Huddersfield on the Leeds road during the night and to report accordingly. I have also persons in disguise ready to attend the bodies from hence to the place of interment.

As the dispatch was brought to Huddersfield by a return orderly & as you directed to be informed if he saw any unusual number of people on his way further I have thought right to send a Dragoon from hence to report that he did not observe more persons than usual in the road

I have [etc]
R Lang Lt Col
South Devon Militia

[To] Major General Acland
&c &c &c
Wakefield

16th January 1813: Lieutenant Cooper informs General Acland of the preparation for the funerals of Luddites near Elland

Elland 16th January [1813]

Sir

I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of this day containing your Orders for circumspection at the Funerals of the Culprits executed this Morning and shall take great care to perform the duty enjoined me to your satisfaction.

The two Men who lived in North Deane, (Job Hay and John Hill) should their Bodies be brought home, will probably be buried at Elland. Two of them (James Hey and Nathan Hoyle) who lived at Skircoate Green, within a Mile of Halifax, will I should think be buried at the latter place, and the other two William Hartley and Joseph Crowther of Sowerby, where there is or was a Detachment of the Stirling, will be buried there, and the two latter places being so near Halifax could have Troops in case of emergency more suddenly from that place I could attend myself, I shall however, unless I receive orders from you to the contrary, have Agents to attend each funeral that I may Report to you the sensations and conduct of the people attending.

If it meets Your approbation I will send a Copy of your Instructions to me, concerning the Funerals, to Major Bruce.

I have had many of the principle Inhabitants of Elland with me this morning who are greatly alarmed at the prospect of the Soldiers leaving them, they have call’d a Meeting and I will have the Honor of reporting fully to morrow according to the directions I received from you on Thursday last.

The Orderly reports all is quiet on his Road hither

I have [etc]
Alf. Cooper Lieut.
West Suffolk Militia

[To] Major General Acland,
&c. &c. &c.
Wakefield.

16th January 1813: The Huddersfield solicitor, John Allison, writes to General Acland about the mood in the town

Huddersfield 16th January ‘13

General

Mr. Lloyd has left me & will only return to make up the Accounts—In answer to your polite note I beg to say that the feelings of the people here in consequence of the late Trials appear to have subsided into a dead calm, & I conceive that all will be perfectly tranquil unless it should be a few boisterous & ill tempered old Women who may perhaps vow a little vengeance for a short time, but that will soon abate—. As I was returning from Mr. Radcliffe’s, where I was when your favor arrived, I heard a few Croppers & an old Woman weighing the Justice of the late Judgments, the old Woman declared she wondered the whole of the Judges & Court, & particularly your humble Servant, were not afraid that the [Devil] would come & fly away with them all – just at that instant I came in sight, & nothing more passed, but all were mute—This was the case in two or three instances both as I went & returned, for I purposely went past the Dwellings of many of the Culprits. It is possible that some Irritation will prevail for some time, but it will soon be over, & I am confident that the disturbances will not be repeated.

I do not expect that any of the friends of the unfortunate Men (save one or two), can afford to bring the bodies to Hudd and I conceive the Croppers will not subscribe for the purpose for they all here appear ashamed of themselves – We will be on the look out at the Funerals should be take place here.

My professional Adversary, Blackburn, reports it that we have not yet got the Murderers — & that some of the Rawfolds Men were Innocent! I can account for this kind of unbecoming language in no other way than as coming from a Man (certainly not a Gentleman) whose every attempt has been completely failed, & has been turned to his own disappointment and exposure! Even his own Counsel at York seemed ashamed of the paltry Defences which Duty had imposed upon them to make—.

I have [etc]
Jno Allison

[To] M. General Acland &c. &c.

15th January 1813: General Maitland tells General Acland that the burials of the condemned Luddites should be watched closely

York 15th Jany
1813.

Dear General

As the Bodies of the Culprits who are to be executed to morrow morning, will be delivered over to their friends after execution, it is advisable, that their Burial should be observed, and that proper Persons should be sent to watch their Proceedings.

This Caution had better be communicated to Huddersfield in particular, and to Rayne, Cooper, through Campbell to Leeds, and generally wherever these Men are Buried.

The Object of this, is not to prohibit their fair and decent Burial; but to ascertain as far as may be, the temper of the Country upon the Subject.

No military exertion can be made use of upon the occasion; but it is of eminent necessity, the People should understand we have a Watchful Eye, over all their Proceedings, & if any uncommon or unexpected Number, may be collected on any of these occasions, it is fitting, that they should not only know, we are watching their Motions, but that such undue Ceremony should be attended with a Patrole of Cavalry, to see that they immediately go quietly to their Homes—

I am
Dear General
T Maitland

[To] Major Genl. Acland
&c &c &c

2nd May 1812: Burial of William Horsfall in Huddersfield

In the early morning of Saturday, 2nd May, William Horsfall was buried at Huddersfield Parish Church. The brief report in the Leeds Mercury made it clear that the matter was not made into a public occasion and was conducted early in the morning, presumably to avoid hostile crowds and the possibility of disorder - "few people knew till the funeral was over."

16th April 1812: The funeral of John Booth in Huddersfield

The funeral of John Booth had been planned for approximately midday on Thursday 16th April, four days after his death. On the preceding evening in the countryside around Leeds, Colonel Campbell had observed the 'concourse' of hundreds of people assembling to travel to Huddersfield. Campbell returned to his Headquarters to find reports from people alarmed "by the numbers of the lower orders traversing the country."

He had also observed himself the slogan "vengeance for the blood of innocent" written on many doors in town.

In this atmosphere of high emotion and tension, the authorities in Huddersfield had decided that a funeral even on the scale of Hartley's in Halifax was too risky. Therefore, Booth was hastily buried at Huddersfield church at 6.00 a.m. that morning. Despite this, both the Leeds newspapers commented on the numbers present.

15th April 1812: The funeral of Samuel Hartley in Halifax

Jabez Bunting in the 1840s

On Wednesday 15th April, two days after his death, the body of Samuel Hartley was transported to his native Halifax for burial.

The funeral drew hundreds of mourners, many of them wearing silk aprons edged with black. Like many of the West Riding Luddites, Hartley was a Methodist, but the local minister, Jabez Bunting, refused to officiate. Bunting was from then on the subject of much hostility to those who sympathised with the Luddites. He apparently had death threats made against him and had to accompanied on his country appointments for some time.

At the funeral, there were angry scenes, but a deputy was eventually found, apparently at the insistence of local Luddites. The crowd gathered were still evidently unhappy at the end of the service, and the preacher had to make "an abrupt exit" at the end of service.

A memorial service was to be held for Hartley at Halifax Methodist Chapel the following Sunday.

14th November 1811: The funeral of the Luddite John Westley

In the afternoon of Thursday the 14th November, an almost palpable air of tension existed in the village of Arnold. Up to 1000 people had gathered for the funeral of John Westley, the Luddite shot dead in the early hours of the previous Monday morning.

The funeral cortege was preceded by former colleagues of Westley "bearing black wands, decked with knots of crape"¹ and a band played solemn music. The authorities had turned out for the occasion: the High Sheriff, the Under Sheriff and six of the County Magistrates no less. They were joined by Special Constables as well as 30 Mounted Dragoons. At one stage, the Riot Act was read, and the crowd was given an hour to disperse. To make matters worse, the hour elapsed when Westley's body was being lowered into the grave and the crowd was then ordered to disperse immediately by the High Sheriff, Thomas Wright, the same man who had acted as Coroner at the Inquest into Westley's death. Two who refused were taken into custody (but later released) and at this point the tension dissipated and the crowd dispersed quietly.