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

200 Guineas Reward.

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

NOTICE is hereby given,

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

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

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

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

Leeds, Jan. 25th, 1812.

19th January 1812: Arson at Oatlands Mill, Leeds

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

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

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