16th May 1816: 200 Special Constables sworn in at Bury St Edmunds

Following a well-attended meeting organised by Alderman T. Foster at the Guildhall in Bury St Edmunds, 200 person were sworn-in as Special Constables in the town, and began nightly patrols. Thereafter, the town was quiet.

24th April 1815: Public meeting in Nottingham held in check by Magistrates, Military & Constables

The Sir John Borlase Warren public house (aka the Sir John Warren of 1815) at Canning Circus, Nottingham in 2010 (image copyright David Lally. Creative Commons License) (image has been cropped)

Being forewarned of what was planned for the day, on Monday 24th April 1815 several Nottingham constables had taken up positions around the town to observe and possibly intervene in anything that occurred amongst the unemployed demonstrators that were expected to gather 'on the forest'.

One Constable, James Lawson, was stationed at Nottingham Barracks from 2.30 p.m. At 5.00 p.m., he observed upwards of 100 men arrive at Nottingham Park nearby, near to the Sir John Warren public house, where they remained for 15-20 minutes, before leaving in the same direction they came from.

A Constable called Benjamin Barnes had spent some time on horseback, tracking the movements and assemblies of the men near the Sir John Warren. At one point, a stone was thrown which hit his horse in the hind legs. He considered that many of the men assembled there were not from the Town, but from the country areas around Nottingham.

Other Constables proceeded to the forest, the site of the proposed meeting, on horseback. One of them, Benjamin Hall, was later to depose that an individual by the name of Peter Green was present there, with about 40 men gathered around him. When Green saw the constables, Lawson said he called out "Damn you all, there are many constables on horse back but none of them can ride like you". Other groups of men were around the forest - Hall later estimated about 400 - and he spent his time confronting them and telling them to disperse, and they eventually complied. Benjamin Barnes deposed that he saw many men - 'several thousands' - coming and going from the forest that day.

Another constable, Samuel White, had seen similar large numbers of men 'on the forest'. He had enquired of them why they were gathered, and they had responded 'to petition the Prince Regent against the Corn Bill and against going to war with France'. Some of them had started a cricket match, and by 5.00 p.m. the magistrates ordered the game to be stopped and the men dispersed.

By 5.30 p.m. White observed a man he later identified as Peter Green with 40-50 men gathered about him. White said that Green ordered the men "be peaceable and quiet [and] march on", and when the body of men had progressed 30 yards, Green turned around and started to sing to the tune of La Marseillaise "march on, march on, all hands to Carlton and Gedling workhouse, there is room enough for us all" to shouting and laughter from the other men. Green continued "be peaceable and quiet, Carlton Round House yonder (pointing with his hand towards Carlton) is 2 miles off", adjourning the meeting to the new location. It was at this point that the Mayor of Nottingham ordered Green's arrest, and he was taken into custody.

According to the Constable John Griffin, the men who had been with Green still lingered for another 30 minutes, but dispersed when a heavy shower of rain came down.

The Nottingham Review of 28th April 1815 published an article about the meeting:

We understand another written bill was posted in several parts of the town, on Saturday night, calling upon the persons our of employment, to meet on Monday afternoon, on the race-ground: and it is stated to have held out a desire to the people, not to pay taxes until their grievances were redressed: in consequence of which, the magistrates issued a handbill in the morning, declaring their determination, to use every constitutional means in their power to prevent such proposed meeting from being held. They accordingly ordered the military, both horse and foot, to be under arms, and placed all the constables in a state of requisition, a number of whom were mounted on horseback. At the head of these the magistrates proceeded to the stand on the race-ground, where it was rumoured the meeting would be held, and where a party of the dragoons from the barracks were ready to act, if their services had been called for. About four o’clock persons from the town began to assemble, though not in any considerable number, not one of whom seemed to have any particular object in view, save that of idle curiosity. As many however as got together, several of the magistrates addressed in succession, expressing their sympathies for the suffering artisans and mechanics, and pledging themselves to assist them to the utmost of their power in every possible legal way; at the same time using every persuasive to induce them to retire peaceably to their respective homes, and declaring, however reluctantly they should perform the disagreeable duty, that every one attempting to disturb the public peace, should feel the displeasure of the law. One person, for making a shout, and treating the magistrates and their authority with disrespect, was taken into custody; and, with this exception, the people that came to the race-ground retired peaceably away.—Another person was taken up in the town during the evening, for opposing the constables in the exercise of their duty, and displaying other marks of disorderly conduct. A meeting, however, of at least two hundred persons was held in the park, where a paper was read, purporting to be string of resolutions, expressive of the multiplied suffering endured by the working class, in consequence of a want of trade, and the unexampled weight of taxes, under which the country groans, which evils were there stated to have arisen from a long and an unjust war carried on against the progress of opinion, and from the passing of the late obnoxious Corn Bill. The paper further expressed great abhorrence at the idea of this country’s being plunged into another war, on principles equally unjust and derogatory to the character of Englishmen with those on which the late hapless war was commenced and carried on; and concluded by proposing to remonstrate with the Regent on the subject. After the persons present had expressed their approbation of the contents of this paper, they quietly dispersed. The foot soldiers were continued on duty, and compelled to parade the streets during that night and the next day: notwithstanding which, some evil disposed persons, (bloods of the night, we suppose,) contrived to wrench several knockers from gentlemen’s doors, which was all the mischief we heard of being done.

19th April 1815: Meeting of the unemployed in Nottingham turns into a riot

By Wednesday 19th April 1815, discontent was stirring in Nottingham, but unlike Luddism, it was far from covert and seemed to be percolating more generally among the unemployed.

A number of Constables were later to depose what they observed taking place that day in the town.

At noon, John Rainbow had spotted the following handbill or notice posted on the wall of the Leather Bottle Inn, in an area facing the Meadow Platts:

That is particularly requested that all persons out of Employment will meet on a vacant piece of Ground called Burton Lease in order that it may be ascertained what numbers are out of employ and to consult on the best means to relieve their distresses to meet this Evening Wednesday at six oClock

April 19th 1815       God save the People

Rainbow also deposed that he had seen a similar notice posted at the west end of Narrow Marsh at 1.00 p.m.

Estimates varied amongst the constables as to how many attended the meeting that evening. Rainbow merely stated that 'a great number of people' were assembled. Another Constable, Benjamin Hall, estimated '200 or 300', whilst another, Benjamin Barnes saw the number swell from 100 to an eventual 1000. All agreed the crowd was being addressed by a speaker, although Barnes stated that the mass present were gathered in a circular fashion around 6 central characters, who were conversing with each other.

Barnes' highly detailed account of the meeting continued with the meeting breaking up when a crowd of men and boys appeared at the top of nearby Charlotte Street and gave out a shout. Most of those present then left to join them, making off in the direction of St Mary's workhouse, before 3 more shouts were given, and most of the crowd made for the marketplace. He went on to say that some of the crowd lingered at Burton Leys, formed a circle and quickly agreed to meet the following Monday 'upon the forest'.

By this time, most of the crowd had ventured up Pelham Street. The crowd then set about breaking the windows of numerous bakers around the town, and that two boys were taken into custody following this.

It is interesting to contrast the accounts in the depositions with how the events were reported in the press on the following Friday.

The Nottingham Review of 21st April 1815 gave a highly partial account of a meeting and the riot that followed in Nottingham on Wednesday 19th April 1815:

On Wednesday morning, it was discovered that several written papers had been stuck on the walls, in the most populous parts of this town, which called upon all persons out of employment to meet on a plot of waste ground, called Burton Leys, near Milton-street, at six o'clock that evening, for the pretended purpose of consulting on the best means to be adopted for the obtainment of relief under their disagreeable circumstances. It was clear to the more reflecting part of the inhabitants, that the writer of these papers is either a blockhead, or one of those designing knaves who wish to make use of the indiscretion of the thoughtless to furnish a pretence for letting loose military vengeance upon the inhabitants at large, because the greater part of them steadily and peacefully pursue a course of opposition to those measures of state policy, which they think inimical to the general interests of the country. Whatever might be the motive of the writer (and it could not be a good one) it was evident that that principle of curiosity, which is so natural to man, would draw a considerable number of persons together, notwithstanding efforts had been made by several discrete persons, in the course of the day, to prevent such a measure from taking place; the Magistrates had therefore directed the Constables to be on duty, and the soldiers were also ordered to be in readiness, if their aid should unhappily be wanted. We attended in the course of the evening to see what was going forward, and, was glad to find, with the exception of spectators like ourselves, that the company consisted chiefly of boys, and a few men half-intoxicated; and, when night set in, there was good reason to hope, that it would be passed without trouble or commotion; because the good sense of several workmen was exercised with apparent effect to prevail on the group thus assembled to disperse. The hopes, however, of the peaceful, were in some degree, disappointed, and those of the foolish, or malignant contrivers of the meeting, partly gratified: for, during the course of the evening, parties of mischievous boys got together, and broke the windows of several bakers and floursellers in various parts of the town. The civil and military power was called into action, and the public peace was shortly restored. What infatuation could induce even these thoughtless boys to break the baker’s windows, we are at a loss to guess, except that when once assembled they could not disperse without doing mischief of some kind; for most assuredly it is not to that class of tradesmen that the country owes her misfortunes. Before closing this article we will most sincerely express our hopes, that the good sense of the people will not suffer themselves to be led astray by anyone, either blockhead or knave again, to disturb the public peace. Two boys were taken up during the confusion, and are now in custody.

Even less partial was the Tory Nottingham Gazette of the same date:

RIOT IN NOTTINGHAM.

This town appears doomed to be a scene of disgraceful outrage of every description. On Wednesday placards were posted in two or three different parts of the town, inviting all persons who were out of employment to meet that evening at six o'clock, at a piece of open ground, called Burton Leys, at the top of Boot Lane, in order to ascertain their numbers, and devise means for the alleviation of their distresses. The Address ended with the words "GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE!!!" A considerable assemblage of course took place, at first chiefly of young lads and women, who, instead of discussing the subject of their meeting, indulged for two or three hours in tumultuous amusements, till, their number having increased, and favoured by the darkness, they proceeded in a riotous manner through the streets, breaking the windows of several bakers, and demanding bread. The tradesmen who complied with this requisition, by giving up a loaf or two to the mob, had their windows spared; and the bread thus obtained was kicked and knocked about the streets, till it was generally rendered unfit for human consumption. By the timely exertions of the magistrates, who deemed it prudent to call out the military, the infatuated populace were dispersed without any serious mischief having occurred, and we trust a repetition of this disgraceful scene will not be attempted. To say nothing of the impossibility that any good consequence can arise from such proceedings, we conjure these deluded people to reflect on the danger to which they wantonly and uselessly expose themselves. The law is now established, by the trials which ensued on the late riots in London, that every individual is justifiable in firing upon a mob, not only if they attack the property of himself, but if they are found attacking that of others; and it is therefore impossible to foresee the mischief that may in an instant arise from these unlawful practices.

We have a sensible letter from a Correspondent, on the subject, which, however, we beg leave to decline inserting, as we think some of his censures, if not undeserved, least premature. He estimates the number of rioters at two thousand; and supposing that to be double their number, he very judiciously observes, that it is clear an immense majority could not be in want of employment, and that they were too probably called together for other puposes, and acted with other views than those of obtaining work. Certainly an attack on the property of an industrious class of men, the bakers, who cannot be blamed for the scarcity of work, or the dearness of bread, was by no means likely to procure employment any where but in the house of correction. Several of the rioters, we understand, are in custody. Should it be found that they had employment, we hope that aggravation of their offence probably not be forgotten in inflicting on them a due degree of punishment. Those who have been betrayed into excesses by personal privations or difficulties, are entitled to pity for their misfortunes, while they are punished, as punished they must be, for their misconduct. Those who have had no motive but that of wanton wickedness and contempt of the laws deserve neither lenity nor compassion. Another meeting was agreed to be held, but we trust it will be abandoned. For obvious reasons, we consider it prudent to state neither the time nor the place of assembly.

24th October 1812: Attack on watchmen at Lindley, near Huddersfield

Between 11.00 p.m. & 12.00 p.m. on Saturday 24th October 1812, a party of watchmen at Lindley, near Huddersfield came under attack from at least 6 men.

A party of three, led by a Special Constable John Cockshut, was attacked with stones and a brawl ensued. One of the men, John Jagger a cropper, seems to have been singled out for the worst treatment and was knocked unconscious by a blow to the head from a stone, although he later recovered.

The following day, the three men (which including a John Wilkinson) gave statements to Joseph Radcliffe, and named the following men as being the attackers: James Smithies (labourer); James Broom (cropper); David Dyson, Thomas Dyson, James Wood and Jonas Wood (all Masons). All three mentioned Smithies.

Radcliffe wanted to take the case to the next York Assizes, and sought assurances that the government would underwrite the costs, but in their response the Attorney General Thomas Plumer and the Solicitor General William Garrow wanted more details about what had happened and why before agreeing to Radcliffe's suggestion. The case did not subsequently appear at the following York Assizes.

15th June 1812: Attempted assassination of a Special Constable, William Milnes, at Lockwood

William Milnes was a Special Constable for the Huddersfield area, and lived in Lockwood, near the town. Between 11.00 p.m. and 12.00 a.m. on Monday 15th June 1812, his house came under attack.

Three shots of musket balls were first fired through the windows of his home, and this was followed by the breaking in of the windows by individuals with sticks. The attackers made off without being apprehended or identified. The Leeds Mercury of 20th June 1812 noted that Milnes "had incurred the displeasure of the Luddites by the vigilant discharge of his duty as a Constable".

30th May 1812: Special Constables take arms from the public in Horbury

On Saturday 30th May 1812, the Chief Constable of the Horbury District ordered Special Constables to collect arms from members of the public who were prepared to surrender them, following a series of arms raids by Luddites in the area. The authorities were greatly alarmed, as reports were being received that every article made from lead that could be carried - principally pumps and water-spouts, were disappearing from the area, and there were rumours that someone was employed in melting them down and casting bullets.

The Constables were apparently openly mocked, 'hooted and abused' according to the Leeds Mercury, whilst they went about the task, with one man taking musket balls from his pocket and throwing them into the air, remarking "here are hailstones for you."

8th May 1812: Lieutenant-General Maitland writes to the Magistrates, Boroughreeve & Constables of Manchester

Head Quarters
Manchester
8th May 1812

Gentlemen

On considering the subject of the short Conversation I had the pleasure to hold with you on Tuesday last, I shall not for a day or two, within which period I shall probably have the honor of hearing from His Majesty’s Secretary of State upon the Subject, enter into any general discussion of the Measures I conceive ought to be adopted, all over this part of the Country by every Individual possessed of Property for his own Protection, but limit, the few observations I now have the honor to submit to you, to the narrow View of giving an incipient degree of Organization to a large Body of Respectable Persons, who have been sworn in Special Constables of the Watch & Ward Bill.

At present and that indeed in any Situation such a Body must be of considerable utility is not to be denied, but it appears to me equally incontrovertible that its Service will be great or small exactly in proportion to its assuming a Degree of Organization rendering it more or less manageable and easy to be guided to give effective Aid.

With a view to obtaining then this Object I would propose for your consideration that the Special Constables already sworn in, be with the earliest Convenience classed in Divisions as may suit Situation and circumstance, of 100 or of 50 each.—I conceive that it would be of material Benefit should each Division select from its own Body, one person as its Head, that some Mark fixed & settled should be established, such as a Ribbon of a certain Colour round the Arm by which each Division might be distinguished.―That to each Division a Place of Assembly should be fixed, in the event of apprehension of any Tumult and that a Signal should be established by Ringing of Bells, Firing a Gun or Beating of Drums upon which the different Divisions were forthwith to assemble at their different Places of general Rendezvous, till they were called for to act by the Magistracy as might be necessary.—I do not mention the State of Armament they ought to be in tho’ I am sure this point will not escape your attention and consideration.—

In submitting the short Memorandum, I have limited myself to the Narrowest View of the Subject and I should not have taken the liberty of suggesting it had I not been convinced that it may be carried into effect without interfering with the Comforts or Convenience of Individuals, & that it must in all results have a tendency to give additional Security to this Great & Opulent City. —

Being upon this Subject I must beg leave however further to submit to your Consideration the Propriety of the Special Constables for a time at least Patroling round the Neighbourhood with the utmost Vigilance. This I do not mention as conceiving it necessary the general Protection so much as being the only means of effectually getting at stopping the new attempt, which I am happy to say has only appeared here in one solitary Instance to have recourse to what never before existed in our Country the atrocity of Assassination.—

With this View to I cannot help calling your notice to the Propriety of at least for a time employing a great number of Officers of Police than are at present kept on that Establishment.—

Were it possible by any exertion of the Military that these Attempts could be suppressed I certainly would not have urged these two last points but it appears to me perfectly clear the only Security we can have against this unfortunate Disposition is by enlarging the Police Establishment and by the vigilance of the People themselves―

I have [etc]

(Signed) Ths Maitland
Lieut-Genl

To the
Magistrates
Borough Reve
Constables &
Committee
Manchester

27th April 1812: Arson at the stables of a Special Constable in Huddersfield

On Monday 27th April 1812, stables belonging to Allen Edwards, a Special Constable in Huddersfield were found to be on fire, and it was later suspected that he had been the subject of an arson attack because of his status as a Constable.