30th March 1817: Hoveringham Framework-knitters appeal to Hosiers to raise their wages

AN ADDRESS

Of the FRAMEWORK-KNITTERS in HOVERINGHAM,

AND ITS VICINITY.

TO THE GENTLEMAN HOSIERS.

GENTLEMEN—To your humane Feelings we address ourselves, because the little ray of Hope we had left is somewhat revived, on hearing of a Demand for our Labour: we say our Hopes are revived, because you, Gentlemen, have often cheered us by promising an Advancement of Wages when there came a Demand. Then what shall we say, Gentlemen, to excite your Compassion; shall we picture the particular Circumstances of our Family Distresses, which you will find, buy a strict Investigation, to be without a Parallel! No! a Reflection on our present Miseries, would not only hurt your humanity, but give us increased sorrow. Gentleman, we beg leave to submit to your Consideration an average Statement of our scanty Earnings. You know, Gentlemen, we cannot average at the most more than Nine Shillings per Week, at the first Hand, and when the Deductions are taken off, such as Frame Rent, &c. there cannot remain more than Six Shillings and Sixpence, and when House Rent, Coals, Candles, &c. there cannot remain more than Two Shillings; and if we average the married Man's Family at Two Children, there remains only Sixpence per Head, for a Man, his Wife, and Two Children for the Week!

We feel no pleasure, Gentlemen, in drawing up such a Statement, only we remember with what pleasure you came forward on former Occasions, and advanced our Wages, when our Wants were not half so pressing, as they are at the present time. Gentlemen, we rely upon your goodness, and humbly hope you will lift us up (at least) one Step towards the Comforts of Life.

On the behalf of the Trade, and our Fellow (suffering) Workmen, we are, Gentlemen, sincerely and respectfully, your obedient and humble Servants,

JOSEPH HALLAM,
THOMAS KITCHIN,
WILLIAM FOSTER,
THOMAS DODD,
THOMAS PARKINS,
WILLIAM HALLEWAY,
THOMAS MARTIN.

Hoveringham, 30th March, 1817.

22nd July 1816: Public Meeting in Ely expresses alarm about the fate of transported prisoners

AT a MEETING of the INHABITANTS of the TOWN of ELY, held at the Club Inn, in Ely, on Monday the 22d day of July, 1816, (the Magistrates having refused the use of the Shire-hall upon the occasion)

JONATHAN PAGE, Esq. in the Chair:

The following Resolutions were unanimously entered into:

That this meeting cannot but observe the sincerest emotions of sympathy and regret, that Nine Persons who were capitally convicted at the Special Assizes lately held here, and who were reprieved under an expectation regularly notified to them, that their Punishment would be limited to Twelve Months Imprisonment, have suddenly been removed from Ely, to the Hulks at the Nore, and that the terms of their Reprieve, contrary to general usage, have been extended to Seven Years’ Transportation.

That this Meeting being apprehensive that His Majesty's Government may have been induced to suppose that the disturbed state of this Neighbourhood required such an additional example of Severity to be made, entertain confident hopes, that upon a faithful Representation being made to them of the present tranquil State of the Country, and of the orderly and peaceable demeanour of the lower Classes of Society, the commuted Punishment recommended by the learned Judges may be adhered to.

That a Letter be immediately addressed the Secretary of State for the Home Department, and signed by the Persons present at this Meeting, earnestly imploring his Intercession with the Prince Regent in Behalf of the said Convicts.

That a similar Application be made to the learned Judges who presided at the Assizes, and who have thrown such distinguished lustre upon their characters by their judicious conduct upon that occasion.

That these Resolutions be signed by the Chairman, and advertised in The Times, Courier, Cambridge, and Bury papers.

JONATHAN PAGE.

Resolved,—That the Thanks of this Meeting be given to the Chairman for his conduct in the Chair, and for his constant readiness to support the Privileges, and promote the Interests and Welfare of the Inhabitants of the Town.

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.

27th May 1816: Resolutions of a meeting of the Lord Lieutenant & Magistrates of Suffolk at Bury St Edmunds

SUFFOLK. 

AT a Meeting of the LORD LIEUTENANT and the MAGISTRATES of the said County, held at the Shire-Hall, in Bury St. Edmund's, on Monday the 27th day of May, 1816, for the purpose of taking into Consideration the late Outrages and Disturbances which have taken place within this County,

PRESENT
His Grace the DUKE of GRAFTON, Lord Lieutenant, in the Chair;
The Hon. and Rev. HENRY I.ESLIE
Sir WILLIAM PARKER, Bart.
Sir H. EDWARD BUNBURY, K. B.
Rev. Dr. ORD
JOHN GODBOLD, Esq.
JOHN GIBSON, Esq.
MILESON EDGAR, Esq.
JOHN TIMMS HERVEY ELWES, Esq.
JOHN BENJAFIELD, Esq.
JAMES SINGLETON, Esq.
ROBERT MAPLETOFT, Esq,
JOHN EDGAR RUST, Esq.
JOHN MEADOWS THEOBALD, Esq.
ROBERT EAGLE. Esq.
JOSEPH RANDYLL BURCH, Esq.
RICHARD CARTWRIGHT, Esq,
ROGER KEDDINGTON, Esq.
Rev. GEORGE. STONE
Rev. HENRY PATTESON
Rev. HENRY HILL
Rev. ROBERT DAVERS
Rev. EDWARD WILSON
Rev. JOHN PLAMPIN
Rev. JAMES THOMAS HAND
Rev. JAMES BUCKE
Rev. PETER. LATHBURY

IT WAS RESOLVED,

That this Meeting have observed with the greatest concern the tumultuous proceedings which have taken place in some parts of this and the adjoining Counties. 

That it is the opinion of the Meeting that the most patient and careful attention should be given, with a view of tracing the causes of these disorders, and of relieving, as far as circumstances will permit, the present distresses of the Labouring Poor;—but that it is the decided opinion of this Meeting, that no Concessions should be made, nor any Agreement entered into with bodies of people assembled in a riotous or threatening manner; and that the utmost exertions will he used to put down all tumults, and to bring to punishment all persons who may be concerned in such riotous proceedings. 

That the above Resolutions be inserted in the County Papers. 

GRAFTON.

Resolved.—That the Thanks of this Meeting he given to the Lord Lieutenant, for his uniform attention to the interests of the County, and for his presence at this Meeting, 

By Order,
JAS. HORTON, Clerk of the Peace.

25th May 1816: Government Proclamation on the East Anglian disturbances

PROCLAMATION

Whitehall, 25 May 1816. 

WHEREAS it has been humbly represented to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that a great Number of Persons, for some Time past, unlawfully assembled themselves together in divers Parts of the Counties of NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, HUNTINGDONSHIRE and CAMBRIDGE, and have circulated Threatening Letters and Incendiary Handbills; held Nightly Meetings; and set fire to several Dwelling Houses, Barns, Outbuildings, and Stacks of Corn; and have destroyed Cattle, Corn, Threshing Machines, and Other Instruments of Husbandry:

His Royal Highness seeing the mischievous Consequences which must inevitably ensue, as well to the Peace of the Kingdom, as to the lives and Property of His Majesty's: Subjects, from such illegal and dangerous Proceedings, if not speedily suppressed; and being firmly resolved to cause the Laws to be put in Execution for the Punishment of such as offend against them, is hereby pleased, in the Name and on the Behalf of His Majesty, to promise and declare, that any Person or Persons who shall discover and apprehend or cause to be discovered and apprehended, the Authors, Abbettors, or Perpetrators of any of the Felonies or Outrages above-mentioned, so that they or any of them may be duly convicted thereof, shall be entitled to the Sum of

ONE HUNDRED POUNDS

For each and every Person who shall be convicted of any of the aforesaid Felonies.

And His Royal Highness is further pleased, in the Name and on the Behalf of His Majesty, to promise His most gracious Pardon to any Person or Persons concerned in the violent and illegal Pro¬ceedings in question, upon making such Discovery as aforesaid, except any Person who shall have been a Principal in the Commission of any of the Felonious Offences above-mentioned.

The said Reward of One Hundred Pounds to be paid by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury.

SIDMOUTH.

23rd May 1816: Ely magistrates agree concessions and offer amnesty for offences to date

Hundred of Ely,

In the Isle of Ely.

The MAGISTRATES agree, and do Order, that the OVERSEERS shall pay to each poor Family Two SHILLINGS per Head per Week, when FLOUR is Half-a-Crown a Stone, such Allowance be raised in Proportion when the Price of Flour is higher, and that the Price of Labour shall be Two Shillings per Day, whether Married or Single, and that the Labourer shall be paid his full Wages by the Farmer who Hires him.

No Person to be prosecuted for any thing that has been done to the present Time; provided that every MAN immediately returns peaceably to his Home.

ELY, May 23, 1816.

18th May 1816: Arson at Dickleburgh, Norfolk

The Norfolk Chronicle of 25th May 1816 carried a brief report and reward notice regarding a case of apparent arson that occurred in the evening of Saturday 18th May 1816:

Saturday night last, a wheat-stack belonging to Robert Dover, Esq. of Dickleburgh, was wilfully set on fire and consumed—A reward of 100l. is offered on the conviction of the offender.—See Advt.

The reward notice is below:

ONE HUNDRED POUNDS. 

A Reward of ONE HUNDRED POUNDS will be given to any persons who shall discover and apprehend, or cause to be discovered and apprehended, the person or persons who set Fire to a Stack of Wheat, upon the premises of Robert Dover, Esq. in Dickleburgh, in the night of the 18th of May, 1816. 

This Reward to be paid upon conviction of the offender or offenders, by 

ROBERT DOVER

18th May 1816: Norfolk magistrates issue Proclamation about rioting

A Proclamation.—The Magistrates being determined to make use of every means which the Law allows them to preserve the peace of the City, hereby give notice, that if any number of persons shall hereafter unlawfully assemble themselves in any part of the City, they will cause them to be immediately dispersed. And they give this public notice of such their intention, that no attempt may again be made to repeat the late outrages. And should any person of persons, in wanton riots and illegal proceedings, after this solemn warning, receive any hurt or damage, or be apprehended and committed for trial, they must take the blame wholly on themselves.—The Magistrates also strictly charge and command the peaceable inhabitants to keep their families, and particularly their boys, apprentices, and servants, at home, as much as possible, in evenings.—They thanks those who have already joined them in their exertions to preserve the peace, and they request their further assistance; but they strictly warn all other persons of every description, not to wander in the streets or markets, from curiosity or any other motive; because, when necessity requires that the civil and military powers make use of force in suppressing of tumults, it is not possible to distinguish the innocent from the guilty; and, therefore, all present, let their motives be what they may, will be in danger of receiving injury, and of being committed to Gaol, to answer according to Law, for being even found amongst or near rioters.

Guildhall, May 18th, 1816

17th May 1816: Norwich magistrates post handbills warning against rioting

NORWICH.

AT a COURT of MAYORALTY, held the Seventeenth Day of May, 1816.

THE misguided People, who were guilty of the Riot and Tumults last night, are hereby apprised by the Magistrates of the City, that in case of any Repetition of the same, the Magistrates will feel themselves bound, in the discharge of their Duty, immediately to order the RIOT ACT to be read, after which, if such Persons should continue in the Execution of their riotous Proceedings, they will forthwith become guilty of the Capital Felony, and liable to the penalty of DEATH.

The Magistrates further do hereby require, that on any Appearance of an Intention to repeat the same Riotous Proceedings, by the above-mentioned misguided People, that the respectable Inhabitants of the City do immediately meet at the Hall, in the Market to take such prompt measures to preserve the Peace and Security of the City as the Magistrates may deem necessary.

By the COURT,

DE HAGUE.

7th May 1816: Government reward notice for arson at Drinkstone, Suffolk

200£.—PARDON.

WHITEHALL, 7th May, 1816.

WHEREAS it hath been humbly represented to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that on the Night of the 3d instant A BARN, belonging to Mr. GRIGBY, of Drinkston, near Woolpit. In the county of Suffolk, was WILFULLY SET ON FIRE by some evil-disposed person or persons:—His Royal Highness, for the better apprehending and bringing to justice the persons concerned in the said Felony, is hereby pleased, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, to promise his Majesty’s most gracious Pardon to nay one of them (except the Person who actually set Fire to the said Barn) 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 TWO HUNDRED POUNDS is hereby offered by the said Mr. Grigby to any person (expect as is before excepted who shall discover his, her and 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.

[From the London Gazette of May 7, 1816.]

SPRING GUNS are set on the Premises of Mr. Grigby, in Drinkston and Hesset.

3rd May 1816: Arson at Drinkstone, Suffolk

The Bury & Norwich Post of 8th May 1816 carried a report and a reward advert about a case of arson that occurred on Friday 3rd May 1816:

On Friday night a barn at Drinkstone, the property of Joshua Grigby, Esq. was wilfully set on fire, and consumed.—A reward of 200l. is offered for the discovery of the incendiaries. See advt.

The advert read as follows:

TWO HUNDRED POUNDS REWARD. 

A BARN at DRINKSTONE, the Property of Mr. GRIGBY, was WILFULLY SET ON FIRE about Nine o'clock in the Night of the 3d of this Month. 

Mr. Grigby thinks he cannot so well perform his duty to the Public; or express his Thanks to his Neighbours for their kind assistance; as by using his utmost endeavours to detect the Incendiaries. 

He also promises a Reward of TWO HUNDRED POUNDS to the Person through whose means they shall be convicted.—May 4, 1816.

29th April 1816: Bury St Edmunds Magistrates issue warning against assemblies

SUFFOLK.

BURY QUARTER SESSIONS.

APRIL 29, 1816.

WHEREAS disorderly Assemblages of Persons have taken place, and Outrages have been committed in some parts of the Division of Bury St. Edmund's: The Magistrates present at the above Sessions do hereby signify their determination to take prompt and effectual measures to put a stop to such assemblages, and to bring to justice all persons who are found offending against the Peace.

And the Magistrates will, in their respective districts, take such measures for strengthening the hands of the civil power, as shall seem necessary to preserve the peace therein.

By ORDER.

15th April 1816: Resolutions of Leicester Framework-knitters meeting

DISTRESS OF TRADE.

At a Meeting of the FRAME-WORK KNITTERS of the Town and County of LEICESTER, held at the Bowling Green, Leicester, on Monday, April 15, 1816.

JOHN WOOD, in the Chair.

The following Resolutions were unanimously agreed to:—

1st. That this Meeting has heard, with the greatest surprise and astonishment, the report made from the Throne at the commencement of the present Session of Parliament, namely, "that Trade and Commerce were in a flourishing state."

2nd. That we as Framework Knitters, feel, that the return of Peace has failed in producing those effects which has been so often held out as a consequence of preserving in the late protracted war, namely, "Commercial prosperity."

3rd. That the Manufacturer and Framework Knitter never experienced such a want of trade, during the last thirty years, as is felt at the present moment, when the former is obliged to discharge his workmen, who are reluctantly compelled to seek parochial relief to prevent them from starving.

4th. That nothing can be more distressing to an honest industrious man, than to know that he cannot, by his trade, procure that sustenance for his family which nature requires.

5th. That we consider ourselves no longer worthy of the British name, if we remain any longer silent on this important occasion.

6th. That it is the opinion of this Meeting, that if a spurious article which has been manufactured for many years past into piece-work, and then cut into hose, half hose, caps, mits, gloves, sleeves, sandals, and socks, be suffered to continue, it will ultimately prove destructive of the remaining part of our Trade.

7th. That a Petition, containing the substance of the foregoing Resolutions, be presented to the Honourable the House of the Commons, praying the Honourable House to take into its most serious consideration the distressed state of our Manufactory.

8th. That a Subscription be immediately entered into, for the purpose of carrying the same into effect.

9th. That Samuel Smith and Thomas Babington, Esqrs. the Members for this Borough, be requested to present the same.

10th. That the Members of both Town and County be solicited to support the same.

11th. That the foregoing Resolutions be inserted into the Leicester Papers.

16th December 1815: Mansfield Magistrates issue handbills saying attack on Mary Stainsby is unconnected with Luddism

NOTICE.

Mrs. Stainsby.

The Public are informed it is most clearly ascertained, that Mrs. Stainsby was NOT SHOT AT MALICIOUSLY, or from any motives connected with LUDDISM.

By Order of the Magistrates,
Wm. Lang.

MANSFIELD, Dec. 16, 1815.

25th April 1815: Nottingham County Magistrates warn against future demonstrations

TO THE INHABITANTS

OF THE COUNTY

COUNTY NOTTINGHAM.

AN ADDRESS was on Saturday the 22d of April instant posted up in the Town and Neighbourhood of Nottingham, inviting the Inhabitants of Nottingham and its Vicinity to RESIST ALL DEMANDS MADE BY GOVERNMENT until certain Acts were done, and to attend a Meeting to be held on the Forest, on the Monday next, at Five o'clock.

The Magistrates for the Town have taken very active and formidable measures, by calling out the Peace Officers and the Military, and by other proper means, to counteract the mischief which might arise from any numerous Assembly, called together for such illegal purposes. The High Sheriff and Magistrates for the County concurred with the Magistrates for the Town, in the measures taken for preserving the peace, and the intended Meeting was prevented.

The Law was pointed out the relief for poverty and distress, for which no remedy can be derived from tumultuous Meetings; such Meetings are designed to give an opportunity to the [conspirators] and the abettors of mischief, to seduce and deceive the many, who are not aware of the pernicious and dangerous consequences of their proceedings; and also to create general confusion, and the subversion of all order and government.

It is proper for the Magistrates for the County, as Conservators of the public peace, to state the consequences which may arise to every Individual, who shall constitute a part of any Assemblies, held for the purposes expressed in the late invitation for a Public Meeting, that no persons may ignorantly incur the danger: and that those who shall meet for any such purposes may be hereafter without excuse.

To assemble for the purpose of devising means to resist the Law, and to proceed to any Act of such resistance in consequence, is Rebellion against the State, and every Person so acting is guilty of High Treason.

The Magistrates and therefore to express their earnest wish, that all persons who have any regard for the public Peace, for their own personal safety, and to their duty to their King and Country, will abstain from forming a part of, being present at, any such illegal meeting; and they wish it to be well understood, that notwithstanding any specious legal pretences for which any numerous meeting of Persons may now be held, such meetings will be viewed with the greatest suspicion, and those who administer the Law will not permit it to be evaded.

By Order of the Magistrates for the County
of Nottingham,

WILLIAM SCULTHORPE.

County Hall, Nottingham, April 25, 1815.

24th April 1815: George Coldham issues a Handbill restricting freedom of assembly in Nottingham

TOWN OF NOTTINGHAM.

THE MAGISTRATES of this TOWN have observed with extreme concern the disposition to Violence and Tumult which manifested itself on Wednesday evening last, and which has given fresh evidence of its continued existence, by a secret invitation to a further Assemblage of the People this Afternoon upon the Forest, with the avowed purpose, under various SPECIOUS PRETENCES of deluding the honest, the peaceable, and the well disposed, INTO A RESISTANCE TO THE CONSTITUTED AUTHORITIES OF THE COUNTRY.

Under such circumstances the Magistrates have thought it their duty to make the most effectual arrangements for the maintenance of the public tranquillity, and are fully prepared to act upon them. Previous, however, to any Appeal to the power of the Law, they are anxious to declare that it is their full purpose and resolution that no Meeting shall be held by any Person or Persons whatsoever, for the purpose stated in the written Placard posted upon the Walls of this Town, on Saturday last; and that if any such Meeting be attempted to be held on the Forest, or any other place within their Jurisdiction, they will, after this Notice, consider it as an illegal assembly, and proceed accordingly.

Whilst the magistrates, from an imperious sense of public duty, feel themselves compelled to act with Vigour and Descision, they are anxious it should be known that they are fully aware the present state of the Manufactory has occasioned and is daily occasioning scenes of the deepest Misery and Distress amongst the Labouring Artizans. In these Distresses and Privations they most sincerely sympathize, and are ready to do any thing is in their power, consistently with their duty to themselves, and to the Government and Laws under which they live, to relieve the Distresses of their Fellow-Townsmen by all the means which the Constitution has entrusted to their power. In the mean time let those Individuals, upon whom the Distresses of the Times may press hard, reflect that the inflammation of the Public mind may aggravate, but cannot alleviate their sufferings; let them consult their cooler judgment, and they must be convinced that every voice and every hand that is raised in clamour against the Farmer, the Miller, and the Flourseller, is actively employed in holding up the Price of Corn, Flour, and Bread, in the Market; and that any act of Fraud or Force carried on in violation of the Public Peace, can only tend to aggravate the very Evils it insidiously professes to alleviate.

Nottingham, Monday,
24th April, 1815.

By Order of the Magistrates,
GEO COLDHAM,
TOWN CLERK.

22nd April 1815: Handbills announcing public meeting 'upon the Forest' posted in Nottingham

To the Inhabitants of Nottingham And its Vicinity:—

Gentleman and Brother Townsmen It is with the heart felt greef that we behold the Distress of our fellow workmen and our we anticipate that which will soon overtake them if something Determined and efective is not enter’d upon but let us remember that Desperate means will not answer our purpose therefore let us proseid peacable and united and resist all Demands that shall be made upon us by Government till they have restor’d to us a free trade all over Europe taken of the Duty which is upon Silk and Cotten and quite put away all Restrictions which is upon the Importation of Grain and Flower for as similar threats as been held out by Westminster, Sheffield and other places let us be the first to put them into Execution for we are well Convinced that the Inhabitants of this Town feels the effects of the above as much as any machine in this Country and a meeting will be held upon the Forest on Monday next at 5 oclock to form Resolutions accordingly―

22nd October 1814: Government reward notice for the attack on Thomas Garton

Whitehall, October 22, 1814.

Whereas it has been humbly represented to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that on the evening of Friday the 14th day of this instant October, the house of Thomas Garton, situated at New Basford, in the county of Nottingham, was broken into by a number of armed men in disguise, for the purpose of murdering the said Thomas Garton; and whereas it hath been further represented to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that the armed men in question, after forcing their way into the said Thomas Garton’s house, fired upon the constable and other persons therein assembled, by which firing John Kilby, of New Basford aforesaid, was killed, and ______ Garton, brother to the said Thomas Garton, and one of his men were wounded;

His Royal Highness, for the better apprehending and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this atrocious outrage and murder, is hereby pleased, in the name and on behalf of His Majesty, to promise His Majesty’s most gracious pardon to any one of them (except the person or persons who actually fired as aforesaid), who shall discover his 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 TWO HUNDRED POUNDS is hereby offered to ay person (except as is before excepted) who shall discover his, her, or 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 of two hundred pounds to be paid by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury.

16th June 1814: George Coldham issues handbill backing Hosiers hit by strike action

Nottingham, 16th June, 1814.

IT having been unanimously determined at a large and respectable Meeting of Hosiers, held in London, on the 21st day of April last, convened to take into consideration the propriety of a proposal then made for advancing the price of manufacturing Plain Silk Hose, that such advance should be resisted by the Trade at large; and that in consequence of the recent renewal of the practice of breaking frames, a Society should be formed for the purpose of prosecuting Framebreakers and other purposes connected therewith: and such determination having been sanctioned by the approbation of a subsequent very numerous and highly respectable Meeting of the Hosiers and Lace Manufacturers resident in this Town, held in Nottingham, on the 18th day of May last for the same purposes; at which last Meeting a Committee, Secretary, and Solicitor, were appointed for the conduct and management of the general business of the Society then instituted. And it appearing to that Committee, that in consequence of the adherence of the House of G. and I. Ray to the general determination of the Trade not to give the advance price, that the Plain Silk Workmen of that House since the 26th day of April last,—and that subsequently part of the Plain Silk Hands of Beardmores and Parker, have combined together and ceased to work, with a view to compel those Houses to give the advance. The Committee appointed by the Meeting held in Nottingham on the 18th day of May last, being fully aware that the Houses of Messrs G. and I. Ray, the Beardmores and Parker, have suffered inconvenience—been rendered unpopular and much harassed by the combination, in consequence of acting in conformity with the unanimous opinion of the Meetings of the persons engaged in the Manufactory; have felt it their duty to declare that it is still the full purpose and resolution of the Trade in general, in conjunction with the aforesaid Houses, to resist the advance of price—to decline every appearance of a compromise or settlement thereof—and to pursue all legal means to break up a combination so fatal to the true interests of Hosiers and Framework-knitters.—

The Committee for themselves and the great body of the Plain Silk Hose Manufacturers feel bound to refuse employment to any Workman who shall appear to have struck for an advance of wages, and who are otherwise engaged in this illegal combination; and to give every assistance and support to the Houses of G. and I. Ray, and Beardmores and Parker, by every accommodation in their power with respect to the conduct of their Trade, so long as they shall be the object of attack by the present combination.

By Order of the Committee,

GEO. COLDHAM, Secretary.

5th May 1814: Leicester Mayor & Magistrates issue warnings to gatherings of Framework-knitters in the town

Leicester, May 5, 1814

The Mayor and Magistrates have received information, that large bodies of men, supposed to be Stockingmakers, are parading this town in a tumultuous and unlawful manner, having for their object to raise the price of wages by means of intimidation and threats.

The Mayor and Magistrates hereby require all such bodies of men to disperse themselves and depart to their lawful occupations, and it, after this notice, any such assemblies of men shall be found together, the Magistrates will apprehend the Ringleaders and commit them to prison, in order that they should be brought to justice.

The Magistrates hope that the present proceedings have arisen from want of reflection, and that after this notice the well disposed will withdraw themselves from such illegal parties, but if it should be found that this cautioa should not produce the desired effect, the persons who may be apprehended can only be considered in the light of wilful offenders.

Whatever may be their object, whether legal or illegal, the Magistrates will not suffer such assemblies of men to parade this town in a manner so contrary to law.

William Walker, Mayor.
W. Firmadge.
D. Harris
John Stevenson.
John Fox.