7th May 1816: Riot narrowly avoided at a flour mill in Needham Market, Suffolk

The Suffolk Chronicle of 11th May 1816 reported on a near-riot at Needham Market, Suffolk, that took place on Tuesday 7th May 1816:

On Tuesday evening, about eight o'clock, a riotous assemblage of men, women, and children, abut 100 in number, broke the windows of Mr. Hayward's flour mill, at Needham-market, and then dispersed, without attempting any further mischief.

10th July 1812: Cotton Mill at Earby, near Skipton, burns down - arson suspected

In the evening of Friday 10th July 1812, the cotton mill of a Mr Crook at Earby, near to Skipton - and part of the West Riding of Yorkshire at that time - was found to be on fire and was eventually burned down. The Leeds Mercury reported 8 days later that "from the nature of the circumstance, strong suspicions are harboured, that it was done by some incendiary". The Lancaster Gazette, published a day after the fire, reported that the insurance "will not near cover the loss".

29th January 1812: An accidental fire at Eccleshill?

Just prior to dawn on Wednesday 29th January 1812, the Scribbling Mill belonging to Messrs Greaves, Thornton & Co at Eccleshill, near Bradford was found to be on fire. The damage was limited to a heap of wool and the floor above it, the flame having been slowly smouldering for some time. It was later thought that the snuff from a lamp falling in the heap of wool had caused the fire.

25th January 1812: Reward notice for arson at Oatlands Mill

200 Guineas Reward.

WHEREAS some Villain or Villains did, on Sunday the 19th of January Instant. Wilfully and maliciously SET FIRE to the BUILDINGS of Messrs. OATES, WOOD and SMITHSON, situate at OATLANDS, nears Leeds, whereby the Property was materially injured.

NOTICE is hereby given,

That a Reward of ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS will be given to any Person or Persons who shall communicate such lnformation as will lead to the Conviction of the Incendiary or Incendiaries, or of any other Person or Persons who were engaged in a Conspiracy for destroying or injuring the Said Property, upon Conviction of the Offenders or any of them.

Any Accomplice or Accomplices (except the Person or Persons who actually set Fire to the Property,) may, by giving the necessary Information, receive the said Reward, and an Application will be made for his Majesty’s Pardon on Behalf of any such Accomplice or Accomplices.

Apply to Messrs. Oates, Wood and Smithson, or at the Town Clerk's Office, in Leeds.

A further Reward of ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS will be; given as above-stated, by Mr. T. H. Ridsdale, Agent for the Norwich Union Insurance-Office.

Leeds, Jan. 25th, 1812.

19th January 1812: Arson at Oatlands Mill, Leeds

On Sunday 19th January at 7 p.m., the mill belonging to Messrs Oates Wood & Smithson at Woodhouse-Carr, Leeds, was found on fire. The building, which contained gig mills, was badly damaged with half of the upper storey being destroyed in the inferno. The fire was eventually brought under control, but the damage to premises and stock was thought to be in the region of £500, although the owners were insured with Norwich Union.

Arson was suspected immediately, mainly because the Mill was closed that day, but also because it was found that combustible materials had been placed around the building, some of which had failed to take hold.

Oates Wood & Smithson wrote to the Home Office three days later on the 22nd January, making it clear that they were offering a reward of £100 for information, and also that they were requesting a Royal pardon for anyone who took part who wished to incriminate those involved.