2nd September 1812: The lesser-known cases at Lancaster Summer Assizes

On Wednesday 2nd September 1812, sentencing took place at Lancaster Summer Assizes. A number of cases were decided there which do not usually feature in any of the histories of Luddism, but which nevertheless deserve to be recognised and/or highlighted.

Six prisoners were on trial for rioting at Middleton during the 2-day disturbances in April: they had all been tried for arson at the Lancaster Special Commission in May, but were acquitted, and then immediately charged with rioting to be tried at the next Assizes. Robert Ogden and James Taylor were imprisoned for 18 months, with Paul Greenwood, John Scholes, Abraham Ogden & John Kenyon being imprisoned for 2 years.

Six women who were arrested after the Lancaster Special Commission for taking part in rioting at Barton-upon-Irwell in April were also brought before the Court: whilst Elizabeth Birch, Mary Clare, Mary Dunn were acquitted, Mary Barlow, Elizabeth Benyon & Sarah Parkinson were found guilty and imprisoned for 1 month.

Solomon Low - someone taken up by Captain Francis Raynes during his stay in the area of Mottram - was convicted convicted of having stolen three loads of meal at Ashton-under-Lyne, during rioting in April and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment.

John Brown, the landlord of the Prince Regent's Arms in Manchester, taken up along with Humphrey Yarwood by John Lloyd in June, was not prosecuted for being present at the administration of an illegal oath.

Messrs Rowe & Duncough, the owners of factory at Westhoughton which was destroyed by Luddites in April, brought an action for recovery of their losses against the Hundred of Salford, no doubt because the military failed to act at the time, even though they were alerted. The verdict was given in their favour, and they received 'upwards' of £7000 in damages, and enormous sum of money.

Lastly Edmund Newton, one of the 'Manchester 38', who had been acquitted 5 days before was re-arrested at the end of the trial, charged with administering an illegal oath in Tintwistle and re-committed to Lancaster Castle to stand at the next Assizes.

1st June 1812: The convicted prisoners are sentenced at Lancaster Special Commission

On Monday 1st June 1812, following the last trial at the Lancaster Special Commission, the convicted prisoners received their sentences from the Senior Judge at the trials, Baron Thompson:

“John Hurst, Christopher Medcalfe, James Brierley, Henry Thwaite, Joseph Greenhalgh, Samuel Radliffe, Thomas Pickup, John Burney, James Knowles, John Fisher, and Thomas Holden.—The country has been engaged in a most serious enquiry into the causes and into the consequences of the most outrageous disturbances that have ever been observed, and the consequence of that enquiry has been the conviction of several who were concerned in them; some of you who now stand at the bar been found guilty in administering, or aiding and consenting thereto, and others of taking, unlawful oaths, not to discover or reveal certain persons who were engaged in such practices, and binding itself to be associates with them. It is but too probable that many of the offences which have disgraced this county have been committed in consequence of the administering of such oath. We have heard repeated a part of the terms used in it, and they are such as to make one shudder. You have been engaged deeply in these transactions, you have assembled with others in a large body, and have enrolled all those who were willing or desirous to join you. The greater part of you stand convicted of having administered the oath to an innocent person, not willing to take it, and whom you apprehended to be a spy; I mean those in the case of Holland Bowden. You had been attending that unlawful assembly upon the moor, and upon your road from it, it was the misfortune of this man to meet with you; under the threat and terror of being shot, you compelled him to take the oath. It is extremely probable, that at this time, on the 17th April you had planned the destruction of the West Houghton mill and warehouse, for it was in evidence upon your trial, that conversation about the mill had been held, the delegates were sent to see in what state it then was, and how it was guarded; it was also mentioned, in the course of that conversation, that a feint would be made, to endeavour to deceive the military; and too well did these intentions succeed, for upon the 24th that mill was destroyed, which appeared to have been the object of your lawless vengeance for some time. This is the nature of the crime which you, the seven first prisoners, and now at the bar. You, John Burney, are not charged with being present at that time, but with having been present and consenting to the administration of unlawful oath to one Isaac Clayton, who was a soldier in the militia, the purport of which was similar to the other. Though it was not actually administered by you, yet it was in your hearing, and with your consent; for so the Jury have very wisely determined, by their verdict. The effect intended by the administration of this oath was of the most alarming nature; no less than the overthrow of Government. You, John Fisher, James Knowles, and Thomas Holden, have been found guilty of taking the like unlawful oath. It was urged in your behalf that you went to this meeting merely out of curiosity, and to see what was to be done. But when you went, you could not but that it was met for an unlawful purpose; the watch-word was given, and it was hoped that none were there who did not know the object of the meeting; and after the full knowledge you had of it, you, the three prisoners, did actually, without hesitation, take the oath which was required of you. You, James Knowles, too well observed the nature and purport of the oath, for you were one of those present, when Holland Bowden was compelled to take it, and you were indicted for assisting in that act. The offence for which you and the other prisoners are now at the bar has been provided against by an Act passed eleven years ago, and unhappily there is now occasion free to be called into force. The wisdom of the Legislature has decreed, and the judgment of the Court is, that you be severally transported to some part beyond the seas for the term of seven years.

James Smith, Thomas Kerfoot, Job Fletcher, Abraham Charlson, John Howarth, John Lee, Thomas Hoyle, and Hannah Smith.—The awful moment has now arrived in which you are to receive that sentence which the laws of your country and awarded against those atrocities of which you have been guilty, and for the which your lives are forfeited. The result of the investigation into the several charges against you is, that you have all been guilty of these acts of violence and outrage, riotously and tumultuously assembling together, and committing depredations against the property of those who have been the object of your unlicensed attacks. Four of you have been convicted of burning the mill at West Houghton, and destroying machinery the most useful. At that scene of despair you were seen conducting yourselves with circumstances productive of the utmost terror, and particularly active in forwarding its destruction; and you must atone for it with your lives. Three others of you have been convicted of breaking and entering the house and shop of a man, who was in it, together with his family, at the time, and of stealing bread, potatoes, and several other articles, in short, plundering him of nearly the whole contents of the shop. It was beset with great numbers, and became the object of your fury, because the owner had refused to accede to your exorbitant demands. It is highly necessary that this should be punished severely. You, Hannah Smith, have been found guilty of a robbery on the highway of a large quantity of butter, seizing the prosecutor’s cart, and assisting in carrying away nearly the whole of the contents, without him having been paid any price for it; you have also been convicted of stealing a quantity of potatoes. This circumstance seems to prove that you were one of the most determined enemies to good order, and it is fit to be understood, that sex is not entitled to any mitigation of punishment, when the crime is of such a nature as to deserve it. In the awful state in which you stand, who are now before me, and who must shortly leave this will for another, I feel it my bounden duty to exhort you to consider your situation, to make yourself sensible of your crimes, to confess your sins before God, and to implore his mercy; and may all within these walls, and without, wherever these tidings may reach, take warning from your example, and observe, that they cannot, with impunity, conspire to disturb the public tranquillity; for whatever they may think, though they may suppose themselves to be beyond the reach of the law, justice may overtake them; and though you may not have intended to go the lengths you have, yet who can say, “thus far will I go and no further?”—Suffer me to exhort you to set about the great work of repentance, that you may obtain that mercy hereafter, which cannot be shewn you here. It now only remains for me to pronounce that sentence which the law has adjudged. Hear that sentence. This Court does adjudge, that you, the several prisoners at the bar, be taken to the place from whence you came, and from thence to the place of execution, and there to be hung by the neck until you are dead; and may the Lord have mercy upon your souls!”

Of the foregoing eleven prisoners, sentenced to be transported, Holden, Knowles, and Fisher, were for taking an unlawful oath, at Bolton; and the remainder for aiding and assisting in the administering of all unlawful oaths, at Bolton.

Of the eight prisoners condemned, Hannah Smith, was for rioting and highway robbery, at Manchester; Charlson, Fletcher, Kerfoot, and Smith, for rioting and burning the mill, at West Houghton; and Howarth, Lee, and Hoyle, for rioting and breaking into a house, and stealing provisions, at Manchester.

NB: Although a Charles Clark appeared amongst the list of the prisoners in the 23rd May 1812 edition of the Lancaster Gazette, charged with setting fire to the Rope Walk at Bolton on  21st April 1812, neither an account of his trial nor a result appears in any subsequent editions.

27th May 1812: The trials of the Bolton oath givers at Lancaster Special Commission

At 9.00 a.m. on  Wednesday 27th May 1812, 12 men stood trial for aiding in the administering of an unlawful oath to Sergeant Holland Bowden of the Bolton Local Militia, at Great Bolton on the night of April 19th 1812.

The principal witnesses at the trial were the undercover members of the Bolton Local Militia, the 'blackfaces' that had appeared during the meeting on Dean Moor that evening. Although their names were left out of the newspaper reports of the trials, from notes of the trials in the Home Office documents we know the names of some of them. A couple are familiar - i.e. Colonel Fletcher's chief spy, John Stones, and his father Simon Stones. The others are: Corporal William Orrell, Corporal Lawrence Harwood. Private Abraham Kaye, John Wood & Peter Grundy.

The evidence they gave at the trial paints a vivid picture, but contrasts starkly in many respects from the evidence given 5 months later by others present at the meeting when they 'un-twisted' themselves before the authorities. Our account of the events of April 19th is drawn from these sources and not the trial account.

Fletcher's spies attested that they were sent to Dean Moor by their commanding officer, Adjutant Warr, to observe what happened and arrived at 11.00 p.m. to find 100 others there. Before they were allowed to join everyone, they were challenged by a man armed with a rudimentary pike for the password and offered the correct counter-sign.

The spies attested that John Hurst (37) was 'General Ludd' on the evening, and conducted the meeting. They said he had his face whitened and was armed with a pistol and a kind of Halberd. They said it was he who calmed the group down when there was an alarm that cavalry were approaching, and outlined the plans to go to Chowbent, first to meet with others and then to proceed to Westhoughton.

The trial was largely concerned with the oath being forcibly administered later to the Bolton Militia Sergeant, Holland Bowden, when the group came across him at Hulton Lane Ends. The spies attested that Joseph Greenhalgh (22) had said of Bowden "He's nothing but a spy, he's a sergeant in the Bolton Local Militia; damn him, I know him, either twist him or puff him (i.e. shoot him)". The spies also said that a hatchet was held over Bowden's head whilst the oath was administered to him.

The others accused at the trial were: Christopher Medcalfe (41), James Brierley (30), Henry Thwaite (24), Thomas Pickup (51), Samuel Radcliffe (35 - who had been acquitted of being involved in the Westhoughton incident at the trial the day before),  Joseph Clement, William Gifford, John Hays, Peter Topping, and James Knowles.

With Bowden being unable to identify any of the prisoners as to having been present that night, the identification of the accused was left Stones and his men. That they centralised the role of the accused and minimised their own role and involvement was to be expected. After the trial concluded at 7.00 p.m., the jury took just 30 minutes to find Medcalfe, Brierley, Thwaite, Pickup, Hurst, Radcliffe and Greenhalgh guilty. The other men were acquitted.

26th May 1812: The trial of the Westhoughton Luddites at Lancaster Special Commission

At 8.00 a.m. on Tuesday 26th May 1812, the prisoners accused of the taking part in the destruction of Westhoughton Mill stood trial at the Lancaster Special Commission.

Fourteen prisoners stood trial for arson: 10 men, 2 boys of 15 & 16, one 15 year-old girl & one 19 year-old woman. All of the accused were identified by those who worked at the Mill.

Job Fletcher (aged 34) was seen amongst the group that had marched from Chowbent to Westhoughton - it was alleged by a witness that he said to them about Westhoughton Mill "take notice, that yonder devil is not on fire before three hours are over". James Smith (aged 31), walking on crutches, was seen heading up the mob. Later, Smith was said to be active in inciting those gathered to destroy the mill, and was also seen throwing stones at the windows.

Abraham Charlson, (aged 16), was said to be armed with a scythe, which he used to attack the window frames. He was also accused of fetching straw from a nearby public house which was used to eventually set light to the Mill.

Another boy, 15 year-old John Bromilow, was participating in the destruction of the Mill, but was pulled away by his mother.

Thomas Kerfoot (aged 26) was said to be amongst the mob, shouting and breaking windows - it was alleged that it was he that first cried out "set fire to it".

Two sisters, Lydia & Mary Molyneux, 15 & 19 respectively, were said to be extremely active, one using a muck hook and another a coal pick to break the windows. They were alleged to have cursed the souls of those who worked at the factory, with Mary crying out "set fire to it". When the rioters gained entry, both of them were observed clapping encouragement and shouting "now lads!".

The defence argued that the indictment was flawed: they suggested that the description of the building as a mill was in error, since that description should apply to a place where corn or similar was ground. Similar arguments were advanced about the other description offered - warehouse and loom shop - but the Judges over-ruled the objection.

Alibis were offered for several prisoners, alongside attestations as to good character. The trial lasted 12 hours.

The Jury deliberated for an hour before returning their verdict at 9.00 p.m.: Thomas Kerfoot, Job Fletcher, Abraham Charlson & James Smith were found guilty. John Bromilow, William Kay, Bold Haworth, John Shuttleworth, John Charlson, Mary Molyneux, Lydia Molyneux, Samuel Radcliffe, Robert Woodward and Adam Bullough were acquitted.

6th May 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher writes to the Home Office with the latest news about prisoners

Bolton 6 May 1812

Dear Sir

An apology is due for not having more fully answered your letter of the 2d instant respecting the Testimony of private Informants—but the incessant call upon my time both in my civil & military Capacity must be my excuse.

I am happy to be able to acquaint you that all the Witnesses whose Names are subscribed to the Depositions Copies of which have been sent from hence may be called upon to give their Testimony. Our main Informants have been hitherto kept in the Back Ground—and our promises not to bring them forwards, has hitherto been faithfully kept—For fear however of exposing our most confidential Informants we have been under the necessity of admitting several persons concerned to Bail—the Names of these are Oliver Nicholson—Robert Waddington–John Dewhurst and Richard Charlton—the first of these was Treasurer – but when it would have been difficult to commit – as he had left the meeting to go to the Factory in Westhoughton on the Night of the 19th ultimo to reconnoitre;—and was not therefore under the Observation of those of our Confidants who attended at that meeting―the 3 others – by the Evidence of S – might have been committed – but we thought it better to admit all four to Bail — rather than betray S — which I trust will meet your approbation.

Yesterday I was sent for by Lieutenant General Maitland to Manchester – who wished for my Information as to the State of the Country – which is far as regarded military objects was given to him.

There have been no Riots or Tumults for the several days past — and the spirit of the Disaffected appear to be very flat since the apprehendings which have lately taken place;—but I lament the continuous advance of the Price of Provisions which in the two articles of Oatmeal & Potatoes is nearly double what is usual. This is the most melancholy part of the Subject — and the Distresses consequent upon it are & must be very great until it shall please Heaven by a plentiful Harvest – to relieve them.

If you shall wait for any further particulars as to what the Witnesses can provide Messrs Stoner & Ravald (Clerk the Magistrates here and who prepared & sent you the Copies,) will reexamine them – and either they or I can transmit what may further appear upon such reexamination, for your Information.

Your Communication respecting Mr Charles Chaddock came to Hand by this Post. I am anxious for the Names of the murderers that are said to reside in this Town – not doubting but that they will turn out to be some of those implicated in the late Outrages— and who have planned future Assassinations.

In Consequence of an Information sworn to at Manchester yesterday—by one Clayton a private in the Cumberland militia – purporting his having been sworn in to become a Luddite by one William Burney of Bolton presence of John Burney – we gave direction to the Local to arrest both William & John. John only is taken, William fled as early as the 26 Ultimo—We are now sending John a Prisoner to the New Bayley – to be examined there as Clayton the Witness is at the New Bayley. The Revd Mr Hay will examine the witnesses & from him you will hear what may be done in that Business―

I remain
Dear Sir
Yours very sincerely
Ra: Fletcher

[To] John Beckett Esqr

3rd May 1812: Colonel Fletcher informs the Home Office about more Bolton prisoners and his use of John Stones

Bolton 3d May 1812

dr Sir/

Since my letter of the 30th ultimo inclosing (in a hasty Scrawl) the Informations relating to Persons charged with being present at the administering of illegal Oaths—Mr Hulton & Self sat yesterday to re-examine several persons who had been remanded before—send of whom we again committed for to Lancaster (2 for administering, or being present at the administering, of illegal oaths, and 2 for being concerned in the Firing of the Westhoughton Factory) one of the first two is Hurst who acted as General on the 19th Ultimo and on previous occasions—and one of the latter two is Radcliffe who according to our secret Informant was the person who administered the Oath to Serjeant Holland Bowden on the night of the 19th ultimo but he could not be identified by as such by any of our confidential Witnesses - and whom thereafter we despaired of being able to bring to justice but who was afterwards identified by one of the Westhoughton Witnesses to have been present at & active in Firing of the said Factory - and is therefore committed for that offence. A person of the Name of Lyon (as mentioned in our joint Note of yesterday) is remanded - until we receive the Instructions of Government – you will perceive by their Depositions - that he is not identified as present at the Transaction of the 19th & 20th Ultimo,—but as being present and [acting] rather a conspicuous part on the Night of the 8th Ultimo. Whether his Conduct on that occasion will amount to Treason or only a Misdemeanour in being present at such an unlawful Assembly – will be for Counsel to decide—if we could bring our main Informant forwards—we could implicate him in almost all the late nefarious Transactions—but I incline to recommend keeping him (the Informant) in the Back Ground – and to the extent, in Lyons case, to prosecute him for such offences as it shall be deemed that the other Evidence (without calling forward the secret Informant) will suffice to convict him of and in relation to the other Prisoners remanded (unless fresh Proofs can be brought forwards tomorrow) to release them on Bail.—The four remanded are Nicholson Waddington Dewhurst & Stones—, in the first of whose Houses was found – a ruled sheet on which were the Names of several suspected persons—but as it was not prefaced with any Preamble or Purpose—we cannot make it instrumental to any Conviction. He was called (as our Secret Informant says) the Treasurer—Waddington & Dewhurst were both present on the 19th – but cannot be identified without bringing forwards the last – whom we have in Custody pro forma & whom we intend to dismiss tomorrow on Bail. That no detention being made he may pass as a faithful Jacobin.

It appears to the magistrate here proper to continue to arrest all suspected persons suspected of being concerned in these Proceedings – as most likely to dampen the Spirits of the disaffected―Several have fled and I doubt not more will follow—and probably it may be best as in military affairs, to make a Bridge for a flying Enemy—our drum beats for parade which I must attend―the Lieutenancy called out 4 Companies of 400 men of my Regiment for 28 days—

I remain in Haste
Dear Sir
Yours very faithfully
Ra. Fletcher

Messrs Stoner & Ravald just now acquaint me that they have forwarded the Depositions of the 4 Persons committed yesterday—

2nd May 1812: Bolton Magistrates inform the Home Office about more prisoners

Bolton 2d May 1812.

Sir,

We send you Copies of Informations against Charles Clarke who has been committed to Lancaster Castle by us for being active in burning Mr. Rothwell’s Rope walk.

We also send Copies of Informations we have this day taken against James Lyon an active person in the nocturnal Assemblies that have been lately held, we have remanded this prisoner having doubts what offence he should be charged with, as if his offence does not amount to Treason, he will perhaps be entitled to Bail we should feel happy in receiving your directions on this Case before we either commit or admit to Bail the prisoner.

We have this day also Committed to Lancaster Castle four other Prisoners—viz. John Hurst and Peter Topping for been present at administering the Oath to Holland Bowden and Samuel Radcliffe and Robt. Woodward for being active in the Mob at the burning of the Westhoughton Factory. The Copies of the Informations against these last mentioned prisoners we cannot get ready for this Evening's Post but they shall be forwarded as early as possible.

We have [etc]
Ra: Fletcher
Wm. Hulton

[To] Richard Ryder
[Home Secretary]

26th April 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher updates the Home Office about affairs in Bolton

Bolton 26 April 1812

Dear Sir/

Being absent on the 23rd & until the Evening of the 24th instant—and on the 25 being engaged in the Business of the unfortunate disturbances that have agitated & do still agitate this Neighbourhood – I have had no opportunity to investigate properly the important subject contained in the Letter addressed to the Right Hon’ble Secretary of State – from Charles Gregory & James Nisbet— the President & Secretary of a Committee said to be formed in this place to represent the Weavers of this Neighbourhood.

That the Wages of the Weavers are much lower than formerly, cannot be doubted – and I, for one, very much lament that they are so—but at the same time the [pattern] drawn with said Letter appears to me to be overcharged—my Observations on the subject I beg Leave to postpone until a further Opportunity – when I will endeavour to transmit such Information as shall appear to me the best founded both in relation to Wages & Price of Provisions at the time (11 April) when the said Letter was dated —

My letter of the 22d (but sent off 23d) you will have received. That brought down the Account of disturbances to that date— Two advertised meetings of an Inclosure obliged me to attend on the 23d & 24 on private business — on the latter of which days a mob assembled at Chowbent about 5 miles from here & threatened Westhoughton Factory – before alluded to — the manager of that work being apprized of the Intention – sent to Bolton for military Aid—the Greys under Captain Bullen set off & on their arrival found no assembly there of any Consequence to be regarded—the Captain conceiving the Intelligence to be a Hoax left the place – declaring that he would not move again but on the order of Mr Hulton – a magistrate of the Neighbourhood. The Seditious had their Spies who on seeing the militia march off – (as it since appears) – returned to the mob (concealed at about a mile distance behind Hedges &c) & in about Two Hours afterwards—the multitude assembled round the Factory – & from breaking the Windows at last set fire to and consumed the Premises to the damage of 6000£—The manager had previously set off himself — (not without great personal danger) to apprize the Officer of the Greys of the Mob being reassembled—but it was too late to save the Property — the whole Mischief being done before the second Arrival of the Greys.

The above is a short account of the Transactions during my absence.—On returning Home – & on the Return of the Greys – it was thought that Chowbent being the place from which most of the Incendiaries were supposed to come from—I dispatched 80 of the Local (under my Command) under the direction of Adjutant James Warr — to Chowbent with a View to arrest such of the Rioters—as from secret & open information he could procure any account of—

[From] this place Bolton the detachment set off at nine P.M. — and returned before Six AM on the 25th – with 22 Prisoners – arrested at different places within an Extent of Country of 3 miles square—on the arrival of such a Number both Mr Hampson & Mr Hulton were requested to meet me—and at noon we [entered] on the Examination—By yesterdays post—we apprized you of those we had committed—and from Intelligence this day received I think several of the others who were remanded—will be fully committed to Lancaster to take their Trials.—but of this you shall be informed on the Event.—

Very dangerous is the State of the mind of the lower orders from the High Price of Provisions & the incessant Endeavours of the disaffected—as you will see from Mr Chippendale's letter (adjutant of the Oldham Local) and also from B’s communication.—I need not draw your attention to the Arms of which B says the disaffected about Stockport are possessed of—After the Exhibition at Middleton we can scarcely doubt the Information—Will it not be proper to authorise the Peace Officers (or even military) to search for & seize arms that are in possession of suspected persons?

You will [perceive] that the 4 May is a period fixed on. I entertain no doubt of some early attempt being made throughout the manufacturing parts & even the Capital of the United Kingdom – but it may be deferred from time to time until those who lead shall give the Signal.

It certainly is not for me to form a complete Judgement on so important a Subject—but I venture to mention that it appears to me in the present Conjunction of affairs – not improper for his Majesty's Government—to move for a Suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act. You will excuse the Liberty I take in such suggestion—and I have the Honor to be

Dr Sir
Your most Obt Servant
Ra. Fletcher

The Watch & Ward act I trust will be immediately put in execution we have 400 Constables in the Town to be sworn in tomorrow—I fear not any open force but secret attempts in this particular Neighbourhood

Would not a Special Commission to try these & other Rioters within this County be a proper measure?

To John Beckett Esq

25th April 1812: Bolton Magistrates give list of those arrested for Westhoughton Riot to Home Office

Bolton 25th. April 1812.

Sir,

We have this day Committed to his Majestys Gaol the Castle of Lancaster Thomas Kerfoot James Smith. John Charlson – Mary Molyneux and Lydia Molyneux charged with wilfully and maliciously & unlawfully setting Fire to and burning the Weaving Mill, Warehouses and Loop Shop of Messrs Rowe and Duncough at Westhoughton with intent to injure the said Messrs Rowe & Duncough in the Riot of yesterday. The offence with which they are charged comes under the statute of 43d. Geo: 3d. Cap: 58—

We have the honor to be, Sir,

Your mt. Obt hble Servts

Ra: Fletcher
Wm. Hulton
Wm. Hampson

24th April 1812: Westhoughton aftermath - the Bolton Local Militia run amok in the town

When Colonel Fletcher, the commanding officer of the Bolton Local Militia, wrote to the Home Office 2 days after the attack on Westhoughton mill, he gave an account of how his force proceeded to Chowbent at 9 p.m. to make arrests afterwards. What he did not give an account of was what the same Militia did in Westhoughton itself after the attack.

James Hall was planting potatoes in his garden when he was confronted by 10 members of the Bolton Local Militia. They demanded to know who was in his house - Hall explained that his wife was away and no one else was present, when one of the militiamen struck him across the arm with his sword and called him a "damned liar", the other soldiers hurling insults: one of them said "he's a damned liar, run him through". Another grabbed his spade and smashed a window in the house, along with the frame. The soldiers gained entry and ransacked his home. Hall was terrified for his life throughout. Afterwards, he was unable to work for a month, and his wound had still healed 2 months later.

William Gregory had just attended a funeral when he was confronted with a Bolton Militia member who made a lunge at his head with a sword, which almost split his hat in two. Gregory only just managed to avoid another swipe of the militiaman's sword.

Ten Militiamen caught up with Margaret Hodgkinson at a row of 12 cottages a mile and quarter distant from the mill at Westhoughton that she and her husband owned. They proceeded to break windows and earthenware along the row. Hodgkinson asked them to stop, and told them she would let them in if they wanted to go inside. The militiamen threatened to stab her and proceeded to break and enter the houses and ransack them.

Henry Platt had been to Wigan to on an errand, and between 5 and 6 p.m., he had returned and was drinking in the Red Lion Inn. One of the Bolton Militia came alongside a window and struck it with his sword. Despite this, Platt left to head home and was then confronted by another member of the militia on horseback, who said to him "God damn your blood, where are you going?" - Platt explained he was heading home and then the soldier struck him with his sword, ordering him to move on. Platt continued on, but the militiaman returned, repeatedly hitting him with the sword. Platt eventually fell under the horse but managed to get up and make it home. His back was covered with minor wounds.

24th April 1812: Westhoughton Mill attacked and destroyed by fire

The Mill at Westhoughton in Lancashire was huge concern locally. It held nearly 200 Looms, powered by a steam engine, and had been operating in this fashion for about 4 years, after being leased to Thomas Rowe & James Duncough.

The Mill had been guarded by the military since the riots in nearby Bolton on 20th April, but the unit stationed there left on the 22nd April. Although the military had left 12 muskets behind for the workforce to use to guard the Mill, on Friday 24th April, they themselves had become so alarmed that something might happen that they left the Mill early. The superintendent stopped the steam engine and sent for help to Bolton.

Responding to this alarm, a party of Scots Greys under Captain Bullen stationed at Bolton arrived at the mill at noon. But all being quiet in the vicinity, Bullen decided it was a hoax. He made it clear, that he would not return without the instructions of the magistrate and Lord Lieutenant, William Hulton, and the party of cavalry returned to Bolton.

Between 3 and 4 p.m., a group of up to 50 people were seen passing through nearby Chowbent (now called Atherton). They were carrying all kinds of basic weapons: pitchforks, bill-hooks, scythes and even sticks.

By 4 p.m., the Mill manager had himself grown so alarmed by the prospect of something happening that he decided to head to Bolton to retrieve the military to guard the Mill. Having locked the doors and mounted his horse, he saw a large crowd of people converging on the Mill. With angry shouts and cries directed at him, he decided to ride away as fast as he could. The crowd lingered until at 5 p.m., when the group from Chowbent joined them.

The destruction at Westhoughton then began in earnest. Stones and bricks were thrown by the crowd, breaking many of the windows. Two very young women were particularly active, breaking the remaining windows with picks and other implements they had brought. A young boy was armed with a scythe and used it to break some of the windows. Many were calling for the mill to be set on fire.

The doors to the mill were eventually broken open, and a light obtained from a nearby house - straw from a barn nearby was brought to use as kindling to start a fire properly, to which was added cloth from the looms. Before long, the fire had taken hold and was out of control.

The Scotch Greys eventually arrived back at the Mill, but not until 45 minutes after the destruction was complete and the roof had collapsed in. The value of the damage varied, but in a letter written just 2 days after the attack, Colonel Ralph Fletcher put it at £6000.

Afterwards, the owners quit the town for good and Power Looms didn't return to Westhoughton for 30 years.

22nd April 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher updates the Home Office on the situation in Bolton

Bolton le moors April 22. 1812

Sir

On monday night 20th instant I just gave you an hasty minute of the proceedings of the Seditious (the mail not allowing time for any detailed account.)

On Saturday 18th instant I received Information of intended assembly to take place at 10 o’Clock PM in a Field near my own House, at which were expected to attend from 200 to 300 Persons, who were to march from thence in 3 divisions, one of which was to assail my House, the second to burn Mr. Thos Ainsworths house and Warehouse and the 3d to do the same by Mr Hewitts; and the disaffected from Chowbent, with the aid of a Delegate from hence, were at the same Time to burn down a Weaving Factory in Westhoughton about 5 miles from this Place on the Wigan Road. I apprized the several Persons thus intended to be injured and furnished Guards of our Local, under the direction of our Adjutant James Warr, introduced into the several Places are secretly as possible. I requested Captain Bullen of the Greys & he promptly consented to attend us every assistance.

It was necessary that these Horse, in order to be at Westhoughton, should muster & leave Bolton soon after 10 to enable them to reach at the expected Hour (11). This matter of the Cavalry alarmed the seditious Leaders and deterred them from attempting the Execution of the whole of their plans.—Some 30 or 40 mustered in the said field who were soon however ordered to repair to Dean Moor (another Situation 2 Miles distant) where the General caused them to pass in Review (about 11 o'Clock) by their several Companies of tens (altogether short of 100) he holding a Pistol in one Hand and a Pike in the other, and asking the several persons as they passed, if they had any [such], to shew them (meaning the Pistol). Some had Pistols and shewed them – others who had not said they had none. The General ordered the Captain to muster their several men after the Business should be over to see their Punctuality. They then were moved off the Parade Ground towards Chowbent a Village 5 Miles from hence on the Warrington Road—and as they went – they met with a Serjeant of the Local under my Command, of the Name of Bowden whom they compelled to be twisted or sworn before they would let him go. (This circumstance, notwithstanding the Disguise will probably enable us to bring Conviction home to many of them, as we had several Confidents present, some of whom will I doubt now be able to identify, both the Person who administered the oath & also many of those who were present and aiding therein.)—Only two persons joined before they arrived at Chowbent—though the General had expected 300 who when joined together were to have undertaken the destruction of the Westhoughton Factory aforesaid; but finding themselves disappointed it was proposed by someone of the Company to break the Church Windows – which however was declined – and after giving 3 Cheers and firing off 3 Pistols they were ordered to disperse. Several of them had their Faces blacked.

A Part in returning passed the House of the Revd James Hampson (a magistrate) alarming him & his family by firing off 3 pistols near his door at about 2 oClock A:M of Monday—making use of threatening Words at the same time—but doing no other mischief. In the Interval I had taken a party of 36 Local towards Westhoughton – to intercept any Stragglers – but they having passed along Byeways eluded us.

Cavalry & Infantry returned to Town about 5 AM, or 8 AM. Crowds assembled & intimidated several Farmers to sell their articles at reduced Prices, but this continued but a short time as the military were ordered out & assembled to protect the market—and it being necessary that the Greys should have some respite from duty – it was deemed proper to request the Yeomanry Cavalry under Major Pilkington to assemble, which they immediately did.

About 7 oClock PM – considerable Crowds collected on the sides of the Streets, and it being apprehended that some Violence would be attempted were they suffered to remain—I read the Riot Act, and ordered the Military to disperse the People, and the Civil Officers to clear the Public Houses – both which was done in about 20 Minutes – and the Town appeared to be quiet until Ten PM—when an alarm of Fire was given and the Greys were again mustered.—Some Incendiaries, or persons unknown, and set Fire to an Hay Rick, the property of Mr Joseph Ridgway, Half of which was saved by the Exertions of the military & others.

Yesterday the 21st instant a few Hundred assembled about 8 AM—who disturbed the Town by their Shouts but did not however venture on any further mischief at this time—at midnight another Alarm of Fire was given and the civil officers (a Part of whom have constantly been on duty for several days past) proceeded to the Spot, which proved to be a Shed on Rope Walk.—Our Confidential Men have assured me that it was set on Fire by the Seditious—and that their settled Plan is – by Firing in Secret to distract the Peace of the Country.

A person of the Name of Clarke was seen to carry Implements of the Rope Manufactory & throw them into the Fire and as his account of himself before the Magistrates is so inconsistent & contradictory—and we entertaining no doubt of his being concerned in the Firing of said Shed – we have committed him to Lancaster & bound over the Witnesses to appear against him.

From all these threatening appearances in this [diversion] and the actual Bloodshed in Middleton near Manchester (of which you will doubtless have received an account from other magistrates)—and from the plundering in various places within 6 or 8 miles, it has been deemed proper by the 3 magistrates here assembled this day to strengthen the military Force, (without calling upon Government for more regulars) by ordering out 132 men of the Local Regiment under my Command (which 132 are now actually assembled on duty) being 10 Private & one Corporal per Company), which added to the permanent Staff of said Regiment about 20, and to 50 men of the different recruiting parties in this Town who have been furnished with spare Local arms – will make our Infantry Force about 200, & which together with Captain Bullens Greys (60) & Major Pilkingtons Yeomanry (40) – will, I trust, under providence be sufficient to resist any attempt of the Revolutionists in respect to open Force.

The Local having assembled on several occasions previously to the legal order of this day, I presume, if their Services cannot be charged, in the regular pay of the Regiment, yet then I may be permitted to remunerate them from some other Source.

Our Quarter wishes me to request to know how he must draw for the subsistence of the men ordered out for the by the magistrates as aforesaid.

The Execution of the Watch & Ward Act, (as you will have been informed), has been determined upon within the Hundred of Salford, containing nearly one Half of the Population of this County. It meets the general approbation of all loyal persons of Property, and although the Tumults that have occasioned its Enactment have much to be lamented, yet by exciting the Indolent to Exertion, Good may eventually result to the Country from it.

B: is got into a Confidential Situation. He acquaints me that Intimidation is the principal Trust of the Revolutionisis anonymous threatening Letters &c &c and he is induced to think that there are some so desperate as to undertake private assassination &c

You will excuse this long Epistle—I have missed the Mail – & this will be a day later than its date imports. I have the Honor to be

Sir
Your most Obed Servant

Ra: Fletcher

[To] John Beckett Esq

17th April 1812: Secret weavers meeting held at Dawes Field, Bolton

On Friday 17th April 1812, weavers in Bolton held another secret meeting in 'Dawes Field', a field belonging to a local brewer called Matthew Corr Dawes.

Up to 42 weavers were present that night. One weaver who was present, called William Winterbottom, recognised 4 others that he knew - Samuel Ratcliffe, John Hirst, Hugh Brown and John Garrett.

Colonel Fletcher's spy, John Stones, was there again. He conducted the meeting, and formed everyone into a circle. They were assigned numbers and the roll was called around the circle from the right of each man present.

It's not clear whether or not Stones was happy with the numbers present, but he told everyone present that they should attend another meeting in 2 days time, and that they be disguised so that "the devil himself would not know you."

Stones stated intent would be that this meeting would be to culminate in the destruction of Westhoughton Mill.

8th April 1812: Secret weavers meeting at the Brick Kiln, near Bolton

In the evening of Wednesday 8th April, weavers from Bolton held a secret meeting at the site of a Brick Kiln, near the Lord Nelson public house in Bolton.

Peter Gaskell, a weaver from Bolton-le-Moors, had met John Stones earlier in the daytime. Stones had collected dues of 2 pence from him, and told him to attend at 12 midnight. Stones hinted that the purpose of the meeting would be something beyond a gathering. Gaskell protested that he had no weapons of any kind, but Stones made clear his intent telling him that "those who did not attend would be in greater danger than those who did attend" - those found to be shirking "would be torn out of their beds." Another local weaver, William Rothwell, was also told by Stones to attend, and that the meeting would give orders to proceed to the mill at Westhoughton.

Later on, Gaskell got word that the meeting had been brought forward to 8 p.m.

William Rothwell knew the tenor of this gathering was different. Though he had been at meetings before, this was the first time he had seen anyone in disguise, albeit only one person out of the 30 that he estimated were there. Another veteran of meetings, Oliver Nicholson, was there. He observed that Stones and two other men - someone called Hardman and William Orrel, were directing much of the business on the night.

The air was alive with tension. And then someone called out that Constables were on their way: panic ensued, almost everyone ran, most of them through a clay pit which had a pool of water some 2 feet deep at the bottom of it. As they ran, they at least one of them stumbled and went full-length into it.

Rothwell was running with a group that included Stones. Stones was cursing them all and their 'soft souls'. He pulled a pistol from his coat and vowed "I'd shoot the first man who offered to take me." Rothwell had had enough, telling Stones this was his last meeting, to which Stones said "you're damned soft."

Stones left the group later. He'd noticed his father was absent and thought he might have fallen in the water in the clay pit.

7th April 1812: Colonel Fletcher gives more details to the Home Office about the plans for Westhoughton Mill

Bolton le Moors 7 April 1812
Seven in the Evening

Sir

Since yesterday another meeting had taken place last night at Bolton—the result of which was a determination to proceed against the Westhoughton Factory on Thursday night—and I received a report from B at Manchester to the same Effect viz that a partial firing should be commenced that night (next Thursday) in each Town from which Delegates had been sent to & had attended at Manchester—And measures had been prepared by the Permanent Local under my Command (without knowing the Object) to be ready to act (out of uniform). But a fresh Dispatch from B this afternoon informs me that the Firing is postponed as from the report of a Delegate lately returned from London it is ascertained that the associates are not so forward there as in the Country—and messengers have from Manchester been dispatched to Bolton &c to inform them of the determination [in that respect] of the Manchester Executive Committee (for that is the name assumed by it)—I shall hear tomorrow morning how this message will be acted upon by the Bolton Committee—but I entertain little Doubt but that the Westhoughton Burning will be delayed in Consequence—The Manchester Committee have directed that each Head a Leader of Ten shall collect from his Division 2d pr week towards Expenses Delegations &c—and I rather think that many of the blustering Leaders & Exhorters to Violence in others—will long delay the Conflagration if they can receive the Fruits of the Contributions of their deluded Followers.

I enclose you /S/ & B reports by which you will perceive better than I can express the objects of these Incendiaries—I have not written to the Neighbouring Towns as yet—for the reasons you will conjecture—viz fear of betraying the Sources of Information—but shall take Care (God Willing) to apprize the Magistrates of each Place before any Firing shall take place & Time enough to prevent it—

I have the Honor to be
Sir
your most Obt Servant

Ra: Fletcher

I have been requested by the adjutant & Quarter Master of the Regiment of Local Militia under my Command to enquire whether in Case of that Species of Force should be wholly dissolved, or in case they or either of them should become incapable of executing the duties of their respective situations—they would by the existing Laws relating to the Local Militia, be entitled to any allowance or in case of their death, their Widows after them.—By the Instructions of the Inspecting Officers the adjutant is restrained from following any Business, being occupied solely in his military duties.

[To] John Beckett Esq

7th April 1812: Colonel Fletcher receives a report from the spy John Stones about plans for Westhoughton Mill

Tuesday April 7th 1812

/S/has been with Waddington this Morng and told /S/that their was a Meeting last Night of the Secret Committee at Eight o'Clock which lasted until one this Morning. And that they had been twice for him /S/. /S/ have attended it - but he was at Bolton. In future he was to Attend at their Private Meetings—

It was Unanimously Agreed to fire the Factory only Westhoughton the first night (on Thursday next). A delegate is gone to Chowbent this Morng to give them Instructions how to proceed in Firing it—There is betwixt 30 & 40 in Chowbent & Tilesley which is thought Sufficient with 2 going with them from Bolton to instruct them — they wish /S/ to be one of two — There will be a Gen’ Meeting of the whole Neighbourhood on Thursday Morng at one O'Clock – Countersign Dublin. In Kiles Feild Opposite Stone Pitt Pike When every one that is swore in and not Attending — Are to be Forced out of Bed & his Pike put out — A Certain number is to go first to the Master of the Factory or to the Overlooker & Knock at the door when they are to tell him he his wanted upon Particular Business — then they are to demand the Keys & if he refuses to deliver them they are to Place a Pistol on either side of him & keep him secure untill the Business is done —/S/is to go to his Fathers for him to Attend the Gen’ Meeting – and if his Men be not properly Arranged—they will Instruct him in matters relating there to—/S/hath been round to Collect the 2d but only got 10d which he gave to Ratcliff. Waddingtons Brother told /S/that they where sufficiently provided with Powder for their Intended job—Every Man is to be Provided with something to defend themselves with—Some is getting Edging Bills & Long Stick with Pikes at the End –and some Pistols –&c. Waddington showed /S/one that he was taking to be repaired

Capt Bullen is at home

Should you want me before you go I will either come over or meet you wherever you may Appoint

Yours Sincerely
J Warr

6th April 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher informs the Home Office about plans to fire Westhoughton Mill

Bolton le moors 6 April 1812

Sir

Since my last, affairs of daily become more serious, but as the Post is every moment expected—I defer the detail until a further opportunity.

By the Inclosures which I have just now received you will perceive the dangerous Extent of the Treasonable Plans indicated, and that Revolution and not Regulation is sought after.—It appears that Waddington the Bolton delegate is one of the Bolton secret Committee with whom our Confident had the address to make himself acquainted; and by that means got introduced to the delegates after the meeting was over, and came at the Information.

The Question is now how to prevent the horrid Consequences that would result from a full Execution of their diabolical Plans.—I have apprised my Brother magistrate Mr Hampson and intend was as little alarm as may be to apprise the Revd Mr Prescott of Stockport and some of the magistrates and Heads of the Police at Manchester—and at Blackburn, but have not yet digested the best mode of making the Communication.—I concur that it will be proper to suffer the Traitors to proceed as far as may be without actual mischief—in order the more effectually by the apprehension of a greater Number of the actors to come at a Knowledge of the first movers. —It would be desirable to have an order to examine Letters at our Post office in order the more effectually to discover the Persons in other Places with whom they correspond.—Can you give me any Authority for such a Purpose?

It is, as you will observe in Contemplation on the Part of the Bolton Traitors. to set fire on Thursday night to one Factory, only, situated in Westhoughton about 4 miles from this Town – but as there will be a meeting on Wednesday night it may possibly be determined to proceed to further Extremities.

In Haste

I have the Honor to be
Sir
your most Obt Servant

Ra: Fletcher

5th April 1812: Delegates from many North West towns meet at the Kings Arms in Salford

The Kings Arms, Salford in the 1970s. Image copyright Salford Pubs of the 70s on Flickr.

At 6 p.m. on Sunday 5th April, an important meeting was held at the Kings Arms (previously the Good Samaritan) on what was then Oldfield Lane in Salford. Evidence from one participant exists in the Home Office archive - that of one of Colonel Ralph Fletcher's spies, John Stones, mediated through his handler, James Warr of the Bolton Local Militia. The weaver Humphrey Yarwood also mentions the meeting, although he was not present, as did a weaver from Stockport, Thomas Whittaker, in a statement later taken when he was in prison.

The delegates present came from a number of different towns in the North West. According to John Stones, there were 10 present, including 1 from Stockport, 3 from Manchester, 1 from Eccles, 1 from Blackburn and 1 from Bolton. Stones also tells us that the Bolton delegate was a man called Waddington (probably Robert Waddington), who had introduced him to the meeting. Yarwood tells us that a member of the newly-formed Manchester Secret Committee - John Buckley Booth - was there, and that delegates were also present from Saddleworth, Ashton-under-Lyne and Oldham, with a delegate from Failsworth no doubt being counted by Stones as being from Manchester. Thomas Whittaker names the Stockport delegate as Thomas Miller.

Stones reported that the delegates all stated their Towns were 'ready', and that were now waiting on Bolton. Delegates gave numbers for those 'twisted in' in the townships: 823 in Stockport, of whom 250 had arms or other weapons; 2000 in Manchester, which as well as workers included Manufacturers, Publicans and Shopkeepers; even Eccles - which had only been recruiting for a fortnight - had managed to raise 183 and had access to 200 stand of arms because a Local Militia sergeant had been twisted in. According to Stones, all were clear that their aims were no longer limited to an advance of wages - they wanted to 'put the great men down that had trampled them under for so long'.

According to Stones, the meeting set a date for the 'Firing of Factories' to take place in each of the Towns that had sent delegates - the evening of Monday 13th April between 12 midnight and 1 a.m. Waddington said that Bolton was not ready, but the other delegates said that something had to happen in that area and soon - it was suggested that the steam loom factory at Westhoughton should be included in the factories to be attacked, unless another arrangement was made at a meeting due to take place on Wednesday 8th April. Yarwood states that the towns were given autonomy to 'choose what mischief they thought proper' for the 13th, but that the Manchester districts had to agree to it.

Whittaker stated that Thomas Miller had reported that a Bolton delegate (either Waddington or Stones) had brought a scale model of a pike along to the meeting. He describes how Waddington placed the constituent parts of the model pike on a table, with everyone puzzled as to what this was and what he was doing. Waddington then assembled the parts to demonstrate that what looked inoffensive could be made into a deadly weapon. Given that Stones was a member of the Bolton Local Militia, and that Waddington knew this, it would seem to be likely that Stones was the man with the pike, even though he doesn't mention it in his report.

Yarwood tells us that the next meeting was due in a fortnight, 19th April.

Stones left the meeting with Waddington to return to Bolton, presumably on foot because Stones relates how they met a man in Swinton and engaged in conversation, persuading him to join their cause. They were ready to twist him in there and then, but they did not have a copy of the oath on them, and directed the man to get the Eccles delegate to arrange this. The Swinton man estimated he could get 100 other local men involved.

On their journey home, Waddington told Stones that he believed figures such as Lord Cochrane, Sir Francis Burdett and Samuel Whitbread would join them when the country was ready. There was an intention to seize the arms and ammunition belonging to Bolton Local Militia, and he had invited Stones because he trusted him, having heard how he and his father were so active. Waddington told Stones that the secret committee at Bolton had arranged to procure 6 artillery pieces, under the direction of a man called Ratcliff who had used them in the military. They also knew where to get hold of Pikes.

19th March 1812: Secret weavers meeting at Dawes Field, Bolton

At 9 p.m. on Thursday 19th March 1812, about 20 weavers from Bolton gathered in a field ('Dawes Field') belonging to Matthew Corr Dawes, a local brewer, for the purpose of a secret meeting.

For both William Rothwell & Noah France, two local weavers, it was their first visit to any such meeting. Upon arriving, they would have been hailed by 3 or 4 men at a distance from the main group, whose job it was to ask for a countersign or password. Having been invited along that night, Rothwell & France would have known the countersign was 'Bolton'.

The men were not to know at that time, but amongst them was a spy, a man called John Stones (aka Stones or /S/ in the reports provided to Colonel Ralph Fletcher), a member of the Bolton Local Militia. His role at this and subsequent meetings and what later occurred in the Bolton area in the Spring of 1812 is still the subject of much debate amongst historians. Indeed, there are at least 3 reports of what took place at this meeting, and all the accounts differ.

The most detailed account is the report provided by Stones himself  and taken down by Adjutant James Warr, another member of the Bolton Local Militia reporting back to Colonel Ralph Fletcher.

According to Stones, plans were laid out for the destruction of 4 factories in Little Bolton by arson. They were being targeted because of the presence of Steam Looms, although one of them had yet to have any installed. Nevertheless, the fact that the establishment planned to do so meant the factory was condemned to burn by those present. It was made clear that anyone who had cold feet would be killed (a violent threat that has, as we shall see later, the hallmark of Stones himself all over it). It was estimated that 26 men would be sufficient to complete the task, but the plans did not stop there. It was made clear that delegates had been in town the previous week from Manchester & Stockport and were to travel to Preston, in an effort to get the four areas to make simultaneous attacks on factories on the same evening at some point in future. The attacks would then culminate with the groups amalgamating to burn down the Mill at nearby Westhoughton.

According to Stones, 2 delegates from the meeting were to be sent to Manchester the following Sunday evening for 'instructions'. Each town had 6 people chosen to administer illegal oaths, and they each were given tickets to admit entry to meetings. Stones had been chosen to have such a ticket.

The planned date for the attacks on factories was to be kept secret until the night prior to the attack, but the night in question would most likely be one with a 'dark moon' and prior to the evenings becoming too short. The next 'new moon' was due on 18th April 1812.

The meeting was read a letter from a Mr Croney, who was travelling and administering illegal oaths. He had written from Nottingham in the last week and brought news that things were 'going on bravely' and that none of the Luddites had been caught (obviously not true).

The meeting agreed a resolution - that any Magistrate who apprehended anyone involved in attacking the factories would be killed by those sworn in and their house would be set alight.

Finally, Stones gave information on some of those present, confirming the names of a handful that he presumably had been introduced to or knew already. These men were:

Noah Gerard of Pilkington Houses
Mr Dewhurst of Pilkington Houses
Noah France of Dumar Street
Mr Rothwell of Slater Field
John Burkitt of Slater Field
Hugh Brown of Pilkington Houses
An un-named person that lived at 'Corner house'

Although Stones named only 7 people, and started his report saying 20 were present, it's not clear why there is this anomaly, unless others drifted away before the end. This would seem unlikely given the subject matter. But in his deposition given 7 months later, William Rothwell stated that 8 people in total were present, and corroborated the presence of Hugh Brown and John Burkitt (transcribed as 'Becket' in his deposition) as well of John Stones. Indeed, Becket/Burkitt had brought Rothwell to the meeting, having administered an illegal oath to him a few nights before.

But here the accounts of the meeting given by Noah France and William Rothwell diverge from Stones' report. France stated the topic of conversation was 'the badness of trade' and the 'mischief which steam looms did'. Rothwell states that Stones had a copy of a illegal oath with him at the meeting, and reported that he had a contact in Leyland whom he planned to pass this onto and who had related that the people there were 'ready for anything'.

Neither Rothwell nor France say anything about the plans to attack factories, or delegates from other towns, or the resolution passed according to Stones, and this may have been because their depositions were taken months later, and they didn't wish to incriminate themselves. This is understandable, but it doesn't help us to determine exactly what went on that night.