9th October 1813: The 'Earl Spencer' arrives in Australia, bringing Luddites & a Steam Engine

'Part of the Harbour of Port Jackson, and the country between Sydney and the Blue Mountains, New South Wales', an Aquatint by R Havell & Sons, after Major James Taylor, c.1821

The Transport ship 'Earl Spencer' arrived at Port Jackson, Sydney, Australia in the forenoon of Saturday 9th October 1813, after a voyage of 129 days. It would be the last transport to bring large numbers of convicted Luddites from the 1811/1812 disturbances, a later ship bringing one remaining prisoner from the trials thus far.

The ship had left Portsmouth on 2nd June 1813, and had stopped at Madeira exactly a month later, before completing the rest of the journey unbroken. Four prisoners died on the trip. The prisoners went ashore 5 days after arriving on 14th October, and included 17 men convicted of various offences connected with Luddism:

Chester Special Commission:

James Bennett (death, respited)
John Bradshaw (7 years transportation)
Thomas Brunt aka Etchells (7 years transportation)
Thomas Burgess (7 years transportation)
William Greenhough (death, respited)
John Henshall (death, respited)
John Heywood (death, respited)
Samuel Lees (7 years transportation)
Richard Lowndes (death, respited)
James Radcliffe (7 years transportation)
Edward Redfern (7 years transportation)
William Thompson (death, respited)
James Tomlinson (death, respited)
James Torkington (death, respited)
Thomas Whittaker (7 years transportation)

Derby Summer Assizes 1812:

Andrew Scott

Nottingham Summer Assizes 1812:

George Spray

Ironically, the 'Earl Spencer' also brought the first steam engine to Australia.

8th October 1813: Lancelot Bellas writes again to the Home Office about the spy, Joseph Taylor

Marsden October 8th 1813.

My Lord.

I fully purposed meeting to give You nor myself any further Trouble upon Taylors Business. But having received a Letter dated Whitehall the 31st of August wherein You are pleased to say "that the Advances made to Taylor greatly exceed what he has stated in his Account—Probably they may. But to whom has that money been sent, not to Taylor, for he positively avers, and will make affidavit, that the Acct transmitted to Your Lordship is correct—I do not dispute Your Lordships veracity in what you say, neither will I pass any Comment upon Mr. Lloyds letter sent to me and another to Jos: Taylor, which I suppose are both in Your Lordship's Office: I only wish to be informed what money has been remitted on Taylor's Acct and to whom, as he is at present indisposed, and I am apprehensive in a distressed Situation—I have only to observe that I write this at the Request of a respectable Body of Men, who confide in Your Lordships Integrity, and hope you will have the Goodness (after having thoroughly investigated the Business) to recompense him according to his merit, as you in Your superior Judgment shall think meet, for we all think he has been very ungenerously treated—

My Lord, You see by the enclosed Certificate, that he has been a zealous, Active Officer, and has born the Burden and heat of the Day—He now lives in Jeopardy, and has risqued his Life for the Preservation of the Peace of his Country—I am with the highest Regard,

my lord, Your Lordships most
obedient Servant

Lancelot Bellas.

[To Lord Sidmouth]

[Copy of a supposed letter from Joseph Radcliffe, paying tribute to Taylor, which Bellas enclosed]:

I Joseph Radcliffe Esquire one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the West Riding of the County of York do Certify that Joseph Taylor of Failsworth in the County of Lancaster did in the month of October last apprehend and bring before me George Mellor, William Thorp, Thomas Smith and Benjamin Walker charged with the wilful murder of William Horsfall of Marsden in the said Riding Merchant     

Given under my Hand this 15th day
of June 1813.

J: Radcliffe

2nd October 1813: The execution of James Renshaw, Simeon Beston & William Beston

The execution of the 3 men convicted of burglary at the Chester Lammas Assizes, including the convicted Luddite, James Renshaw, took place in Chester on Saturday 2nd October 1813. The Chester Chronicle of 8th October carried an article on the executions, and what led up to it: 

EXECUTION OF 

Simeon Beston, James Renshaw, and William Beston, for burglaries. 

The execution of these men, the two former convicted of a burglary in the house of Joseph Harding, as Henbury, on the 28th April last, and the latter of a burglary in the house of Samuel Harding, of Swettenham, on the 6th June last, took place on Saturday, in this city. From the moment of their condemnation,* their conduct has been marked by a total indifference to the near approach of death, and we are truly sorry to say, that although they have attended with some degree of attention to the visits of the Ordinary, yet they persisted in denying their guilt to a late period of their existence; William Beston, indeed, maintained his innocence to the last moment; and Simeon Beston and Renshaw denied all knowledge of the burglary, till the moment of their execution. The former repeatedly declared that he did not sign the examination produced in Court, and going upon his knees, wished God might never receive his soul if he was guilty!—W. Beston said, "he did not know that he ever had a pistol in his possession, (see trial in CHRONICLE of September 24) but, if he had, he was taking it to be repaired!" —Such was the state of mind of these unfortunate wretches on the morning of Saturday, when, about 10 o'clock they received the sacrament with apparent devotion; after taking leave of their fellow prisoners, they were ironed and handcuffed, and conducted to the parlour of Mr. Hudson's house. When the irons were putting on Renshaw, his agitation was extreme—his whole frame was for several minutes convulsed, and his forehead bedewed within excessive perspiration.—Not so the Bestons; they seem totally indifferent to the awful preparations of approaching death, and held out their legs to the ring, with extraordinary fortitude. It was when they were seated in the worthy Governor’s room, as he again exhorted them to make that confession of their offences which the outraged laws of man required. Renshaw remained silent; but Simeon Beston, in a firm voice, replied, "We feel perfectly easy." A friend of ours, who was present, then adverted to the contradiction so apparent in the evidence given on the trial of Simeon Beston, in which his brother declared that he slept at his house on the night of the burglary, and did not lead to four o'clock the following morning; whilst the examination of Beston, which he had signed, overthrew the whole, by stating that he went into a field, and fell asleep under a hay-rick till morning? To this the unfortunate man said, "The examination is not true; I did not sleep in a field; and I am quite innocent of what I am to die for."—They were told that it was a duty they owed to God and their country to confess, as it would clear up all doubts; and the idea of the offence of dying with a lie in the mouth was dreadful. "Aye! very true," said William Beston, "if we were to die with a lie in the mouth! But we have told all the truth to God, he knows all our secrets" Mr. Hudson then gave each of them a glass of wine, when W. Beston said, "Master, here's your health; I am as innocent of the robbery as this is," holding up the glass.—Before Renshaw drank, he turned round to Mr. Hudson, and with the big tear of contrition in his eye, he faltered out "Well, Master, farewell!" The way in which he spoke was inconceivably affecting.

The two Bestons repeated frequently the most unequivocal declarations of innocence. William Beston said he had no participation whatever in the robbery he was about to suffer for, and addressing Renshaw, said, "Jem, if thou know’st any thing, thou’d best tell now."—Renshaw, however, remained silent; and Simeon Beston exclaimed, "I hope we shall soon be happy!" That there was an [ambition] in the two brothers, to impress on the world a belief of their innocence, there can be no doubt, notwithstanding the very clear evidence on which they were convicted and we cannot forbear noticing a question put by Simeon Beston, "are we to wear these (pointing to his irons) through the streets?"—Notice of the arrival of the City Sheriffs being given, the wretched men walked with a firm step to the outer door of the gaol, where an escort of the Royal Denbigh Militia took charge of them, and from Glover’s street† the melancholy procession moved through the principal streets to the New Gaol.—Simeon Beston, throughout the journey, held in his hands a prayer-book, and occasionally made protestations of innocence to the surrounding crowd.

While on the platform, and after they were tied up, Simeon Beston, who had exhibited a wonderful degree of firmness throughout the morning, trembled very much. After some time spent in prayer, the Ordinary particularly exhorted them not to die altering the falsehood. Renshaw, then, acknowldged his guilt, and owned that S. Beston participated in the crime.—Even now the latter said he was guiltless; but on Renshaw repeating his confession, he replied, "Well, it is so; I am indeed guilty." Renshaw, then in a loud voice, addressed the multitude in the following words; "Gentlemen, I am brought here to die for a crime that I am guilty of.—I beg you all to take warning by my fate. It was not my bringing up, but poverty that’s brought me to this.—May God have mercy on you all; and as I forgive every one, I hope every body will forgive me."—William Beston, with that hardihood which he had all along manifested, said, "I am quite innocent. I'm here to be murdered. But I forgive every one, and hope God will forgive me."—Simeon Beston afterwards spoke, but in so low a tone of voice, that his words could not be collected.—The signal was then given by Renshaw—the platform fell, and the wretched men were released from their worldly sufferings.—Renshaw was dead in a few seconds; but the two Bestons were dreadfully convulsed for long time. W. Beston in particular, was observed to move nearly ten minutes, which, we are told, is to be attributed to the rope having swept round the back of his neck.

Simeon Beston was in his 26th year, by trade a weaver, from Ringway; William Beston was in his 42d year, a weaver from North Etchells; and Renshaw about 30, also a weaver, from Wilmslow. They form part of a numerous and desperate gang of depredators, who have long infested the Eastern extremities of this county, and are the residue of the most determined of those dangerous men who were associated by the name of Luddites.—We trust, for the sake of society, humanity, that the dreadful examples which it has been found necessary to make, will operate as a caution on those who, in the confidence of impunity, are still following on that course, which must eventually end in a terrible and ignominious death.—We are no advocates for an extension of that part of our penal code, which has given to itself conspicuousness by the sacrifice at the shrine of justice of an ocean of blood; but there are, nevertheless, crimes of that "black and horrid hue," which can only be expiated by the death of the offender. Of such a stamp were the offences which we have this day occasion to notice; for although the act of murder itself was not completed—attempts, and those, too, of the most determined ferocious description, were made. On the whole, therefore, whilst we lament the necessity, we conceive that the lives of these offenders, were justly forfeited to public safety and public justice.

The body of Renshaw was interred on Sunday evening, in St. Mary’s Church-yard in this city, under the tower.

*Immediately after sentence was passed upon them, William Beston, holding up his fist in a threatening position, said, "[Damn] thee, [Lloyd] I may thank thee for this?" pointing to a respectable attorney in court, who had been the principal means of apprehending the desperadoes!

Lesley Kipling: 'Luddites in My Life', a tribute

Lesley Kipling with an authentic 'Enoch'

I was saddened to hear of the death yesterday of the Huddersfield historian and author Lesley Kipling. Lesley has done more than most to raise the profile of the real story of the Luddites over the past 30-plus years, and her meticulous research and work in chronicling the history of the West Riding Luddites, alongside her co-author Alan Brooke, is unparalleled and deserves much more attention and consideration than she has received. Indeed, the monumental work 'Liberty or Death' is in my opinion the finest work on the West Riding Luddites, finer than any other work by 'professional' academics I can think of. Without it, and the indispensable 'On the Trail of the Luddites' co-authored with Nick Hall (sadly, long out of print), this website would not exist in the same way and my work would have been much more difficult.

Due to ill-health, Lesley was conspicuously absent from many of the events held in Huddersfield during the 2012/2013 part of the bicentenary commemorations, although she was present at the official republication launch of 'Liberty or Death' in May 2012. Although I got a brief chance to say 'hello' to her, I did not then and will not now be able to talk with her in depth about her work and my appreciation for it, which will be a lasting regret.

Alan Brooke has written a wonderful obituary about Lesley, which is featured on his website here.

The article below, 'Luddites in My Life', was first published in 1988 in the bulletin of Huddersfield Local History Society, and I am republishing it here as a tribute.

'Luddites in My Life'

One way or another, a great deal of my life seems to be taken up by Luddites - talking about them, reading about them, thinking about them, writing about them. Even as I travel to and from work on the bus I regularly pass John Wood's Cropping Shop, Fishers Shop, the site of the Horsfall murder, Dungeon Wood or Milnsbridge House (Yes, Metro Kirklees do have some odd bus routes!). And each time I pass these places, I find myself thinking once again about the men involved. I often feel that if I ever bumped into them I would know them instantly, so much do they seem like living people to me.

You have probably come to the conclusion by this time that I am completely potty, and you may well be right, but there have been periods of my life where I have breathed, slept and eaten Luddites, metaphorically speaking, and this has left its mark.

My most frequent Luddite activity (not to be misconstrued I hope!) is to go out and give talks, which I do very frequently. The groups which I visit vary from the well informed and keenly interested, through to the less informed but interest to those who quite frankly would prefer me to give a talk on the most inexpensive way of buying disposable nappies. The reactions of various groups are obviously different. To some extent my views on the Luddites are not conventional, and many would disagree with some of them. However, after many years of researching the Luddites and their background and thinking of them both in the context of their own period and the present day, I have come to conclusions which I believe firmly, and would argue with anyone who held other views, putting my own case in as reasoned a manner as possible.

So, on the occasions I am heckled I am quite prepared for this, indeed I expect it, and without saying anyone else was incorrect, I would simply state the reasons for my own views. Frequently I am asked questions which I cannot answer. Sometimes this is because there is no answer, or at least none that I know of, at other times it is because the question is so unexpected that I have never thought of it myself. In either case, I do try to discover the answer if it is possible, because research never ends, and I am constantly adding odds and ends to my store of knowledge. For this reason I am also always grateful for any snippets of information or tradition that any of my audience may have to offer.

Because of my views, I often approach an audience with some trepidation - with some groups I can expect a sympathetic hearing, some I am unsure of, and with others I tend to anticipate a touch of hostility. However, I've never had an audience walk out on me yet, though there's always a first time! More commonly, people will nod off - I don't mind, as it is easy to do if you are sitting in a warm room listening to someone droning on, and often feel like it myself after a hard day at work - the only difference is that I have something to keep me awake! I always say that I never show slides for this reason - turning out the lights only encourages people to nod off quicker! Often when booked to give a talk, I feel as I stagger home from work that the last thing I want to do is set off again, usually in foul weather. But I have never lost my enthusiasm for my subject, no matter how often I repeat my talk, and I soon shake off my lethargy - after all, it is new to my audience if not to me.

Normally when giving a talk there is only a limited amount of time, so I always concentrate on giving the background to the Luddite risings, rather than talking about the events of the year. It may be less interesting but I feel that this is one of the least understood aspects of Luddite history and also one of the most important. I always point out that there are numerous books available which record events and those who are interested can read more for themselves.

The other main aspect of my life with the Luddites is working with the Media. That sounds very grand - much grander than it is! I occasionally manage to supply stories for the local newspapers, though naturally enough they prefer to write these up themselves. I have also done two broadcasts for Radio Leeds, both of which, unknown to myself, went out live - on the second occasion I was told it was to be recorded, but they changed their minds at the last moment, which unnerved me somewhat! Both were reasonably successful, but alas, I have no recording of them. I'm not sure whether it was more disturbing to sit in the Town Hall Cellar speaking into space, or to have the interviewer walk around Red House with me complete with microphone, cable and earphones!

Television is of course the most glamorous medium to be involved in - or so they say! I quickly learned from them all the jargon - particularly the need for 'visuals' - these are very important! So important that the presence of Marsden stocks close to Enoch Taylor's grave inspire an urge to have Luddites filmed in the stocks. No, I said, there wasn't any actual record of this. Disappointment all round! It is very difficult to curb the enthusiasm of television crews for this kind of theatrical effect. Real life is never quite exciting enough. My general observation is that BBC2 are the most upper class, ITV have the most money, and Look North are on a tight schedule and a tight budget.

The programmes I was involved with were a "Chronicle" episode on Riots, shot in the snow: during which I dined with Simon Winchester, later to languish in an Argentinian jail during the Falklands War (very distinguished conversation about Nannies and Public School life, and the meal was a disaster) and more recently Thames Television's "The Luddites". This was quite fascinating, as I worked with them over a period of months and they kept on phoning with awkward questions like 'What did the Luddites do in their spare time?' I think my answer was 'not a lot'. I also watched them do some of the filming, which was quite an experience, and very enjoyable. They did tell me I would object to some things they had done in the final film, and they were right, but on the whoIe I approved of the programme and, felt that they had captured the spirit of the times. My other experience was a brief item for 'Look North' when I had the distinction of being interviewed. This was very nerve racking and the interviewer had such beautiful blue eyes that I kept mine firmly fixed on the ground in case I dissolved into giggles. This was made all the more likely by the sight of the sound engineer with his furry microphone creeping round my feet! The questions were tough too, and to a large extent quite unexpected, so I had to think fast! Alas, I have no record of this historic recording either, so I am lost to posterity. However, the crews were quite charming and a lot of laughs!

Finally, I am involved in writing about the Luddites. "On the Trail of the Luddites" was published in 1982 (hence the chance for "Look North" viewers to see a film of me staring at my feet.) It was based on my original historical notes, but Nick Hall had the idea of turning it into a trail format and it was he who walked and biked the route, as I am no athlete! Despite vigorous protests at proof reading stage, the first edition came out with glaring errors which made me shudder, but these were corrected in the reprint. The book has been a great success, I believe, but sadly, despite what was said at the time, the publishers at Pennine Heritage do not pay Royalties. So neither Nick nor I are a penny better off, and of course, we have nothing in writing, to my Solicitors' regret!

My latest venture has been to write the introduction to the reprint of D.F .E. Sykes' Luddite novel 'Ben O' Bill's'. This wonderful little book was becoming very scarce, and a group of friends decided to mount a rescue attempt by publishing a reprint. I was honoured to be asked to write an introduction to such a marvellous book, and as someone said, I did come cheaper than most. As with all publishing ventures it was a risk, and so far none of the Lambsbreath Publications have even made back their original investment. An awful lot of our friends will be getting 'Ben O' Bill's' for Christmas! Having said that the venture has been fun, and an interesting experience for all of us, and a fascinating book has been returned to circulation. So, my most recent Luddite activity is giving publicity to Ben O' Bills and selling as many copies as possible. All who have read it have thoroughly enjoyed it, so here comes the plug - available from the publishers at Old Vicarage, Scammonden at £12.50 plus 25p p&p. It would make a wonderful Christmas present, as many of my friends and relatives are about to discover, so bear it in mind when writing your Christmas shopping list!

Why Lambsbreath publications many have asked? It's a long story, out of Cold Comfort Farm via homemade wine to the name of a publishing group, but it meant something to all of us, and my kitten, born shortly after publication date, has been named Lambsbreath in commemoration!

Luddites have led me into many fields, I often wonder where they'll lead me next! But I still find the subject as fascinating as ever, and will continue to pursue my enquiries and activities as long as I can. And who knows, one day, when I finally meet up with George Mellor and his comrades in the Happy Hunting Ground, I shall be able to discover the final answer to all my questions, and I shall at last know for sure. The only trouble is, I don't suppose they'll let me come back to tell you all the answers from my ultimate piece of research!

Lesley, with Alan Brooke, at the re-launch of 'Liberty or Death' in May 2012

25th September 1813: Joseph Radcliffe is made a Baronet

On Saturday 25th September 1813, Joseph Radcliffe, the West Riding magistrate and Luddite-baiter was made a Baronet. Nine months earlier, General Maitland had essentially blocked the possibility when it was openly mooted by Earl Fitzwilliam, but with the West Riding bourgeoisie lobbying for recognition for Radcliffe and Maitland out of the way in Malta, there was now no impediment to bestowing the title upon Radcliffe.

It was widely reported that the title was official recognition for his efforts to suppress Luddim in the West Riding, but less so that the government waived Radcliffe's 'expenses' that would usually be due: with the Lancaster Gazette stating that 'this is the only patent passed gratuitously for civil services for a century or more'.

A Baronetcy is an hereditary honour, and the current Radcliffe baronet is Sebastian Everard Radcliffe, 7th Baronet.

13th September 1813: The trial of William Beston, at Chester Lammas Assizes, for burglary

William Beston was the brother of Simeon Beston, who had been convicted 3 days before of Burglary at Chester Lammas Assizes. It was he who the Chester Chronicle had erroneously accused of being a Luddite, on account of an involvement in rioting at Stockport in April 1812. In fact, it was his co-accused, James Renshaw, who had been convicted thus.

I have included this trial on account of this slip, and also because William Beston shared the same fate as his brother and Renshaw.

[William Beston] alias Basnett, aged 42, a weaver from North Etchells, was indicted for a burglary and felony, in the dwelling house of Samuel Harding, of Swettenham, on the 6th of June last, and stealing cash, notes, &c. to the amount of 100l. and upwards.

The circumstances of this case bore all the alarming features which characterized the trial of Simeon Beston and James Renshaw, on Friday.

Lucy Harding, wife [of] the prosecutor, stated her husband to be a cripple. I went to bed (said she) between 10 and 11 o'clock, together with my daughter and son-in-law. Between 1 and 2, I was alarmed by a noise in the shop, and the light of a candle. A man entered the room, (another standing at the door) and said he wanted some bread and cheese. I said there was but little in the house. One of the men had a black face, and he said to the other, "You may go down."—He went down stairs. They afterwards rifled the boxes; and the man at the head of the steps said, if I did not get into bed, he’d blow my brains out!—They had both of them pistols. When they were going into the adjoining room, the man with a black face, presented a pistol to my husband's head, and demanded his money. He said there was no more; there might be some in the adjoining room, but it did not belong to him. He then came to me, demanding the key, saying if I did not surrender he would blow my brains out! The man without his face backed, came to me, with a candle and pistol, and insisted on me getting out of bed, and delivering the money. I did so; and the man with a black face said, "Is there no gold?" I told him the other man had got it out of the desk. I then went into bed again, and they followed me, saying, if I did not lie still they would blow my brains out, as they were guarding the house. At this time I heard somebody below in the shop. On examining the house after they were gone, I found they had gone out, through the door, but had entered at the window. They had broken the stanchion and cut out the glass.—They were in the house about 20 minutes, and the man without the blackface is the prisoner at the bar. He held a candle in his hand; I knew him when he was a boy, for he had not changed his face although he had changed his clothes. A man had come to the shops for half an ounce of tobacco, and I judge the man with a black face to be the person. They took 14 guineas, a half guinea, Bank of England Bills, Local Notes, some silver coin, nineteen shillings in copper out of the shop, tied in a handkerchief, and twenty shillings or more in copper out of the drawer—altogether about one hundred pounds.

On cross-examination by Mr. D.F. Jones, she said she had no doubt of the prisoner’s identity.

The daughter of the last witness corroborated the testimony of her mother. She had fastened all the doors and windows. The prisoner at the bar was the man who rifled her trunk—he took some silver in a purse.

The husband of the preceding witness gave a similar testimony.—When the men were in the room, he said to the man with a black face, "You've taken all the money;" the robber replied, "If you don't hold your noise, I'll blow out your brains."—Saw the prisoner at the Bar distinctly. Knew him again at the justice’s; had seen the man before at Wilmslow.

Another witness deposed she had seen the prisoner and two other men in the road, at Carrington Heath.

James Gardner said he had seen the prisoner and two others at Bowden, at 5 o'clock on the morning after the robbery; the prisoner was drinking, but the others were at the the door tossing for two shillings, half-a-crown, and five shillings at a time.—Beston had some copper in a handkerchief behind him, and he paid the shot out of it.

Thomas Hall deposed, that on Whitsun Monday he saw the prisoner at the Round-about at Altrincham; he was lying on a sofa, apparently asleep. A pistol was hanging out of his pocket. A man present took the pistol gave it to witness, who drew the ramrod, in order to discover whether it was loaded; but there not being a screw to it, he got a skewer, and knocked the charge out on the table. It was heavily loaded, and had five large slugs at the top!—The prisoner pulled out a purse there, in which was about 12 or 14 shillings or guineas; he could not tell which.—[A purse was handed to witness, which he said was similar as to color and make, to the one produced by the prisoner]

Robert Oldham, a publican of Chester, said the prisoner was at his house on Sunday the 13th of June.—On Monday he asked for change for a guinea. Witness thought he was joking, from the great scarcity of that coin; but the prisoner produced a guinea, and witness changed it. On Wednesday or Thursday following, he changed another.

Anne Foulkes, of the Livre, Chester, remembers the prisoner being at her house the 14th June last, when he changed a 5l. Macclesfield note.

Mr. Lloyd, Solicitor, of Stockport, was examined as to the distance from Swettenham to Bowden, which he stated to be about 12 or 13 miles the nearest way, but by way of Knutsford it was probably more than 13 miles.

The examination of the Prisoner was here produced. In it the prisoner denied being from home the particular nights in question, &c.

One of the Jury stated the distance between Swettenham and Bowden to be about twelve miles.

The Prisoner being asked for his defence, replied "I have nothing to say."

His Lordship then recapitulated the whole of the evidence, and the Jury immediately found the prisoner—Guilty.

William Beston was later sentenced to death. A later edition of the Chester Chronicle commented on William Beston's reaction to the sentencing:

Immediately after sentence was passed upon them, William Beston, holding up his fist in a threatening position, said, "[Damn] thee, [Lloyd] I may thank thee for this?" pointing to a respectable attorney in court, who had been the principal means of apprehending the desperadoes!

10th September 1813: The trial of Simeon Beston & James Renshaw at Chester Lammas Assizes, for burglary

At Chester Lammas Assizes in 1813 two trials took place which have not, up until now at least, been deemed relevant to the chronicles of Luddism in the north of England. Upon reading about them, one may ask why this should be any different. However, two factors demand their inclusion.

The first is the involvement of the Stockport solicitor, and Luddite-baiter, John Lloyd. He seems to have been behind the prosecution of the three men. The second factor is that the local press, chiefly the Chester Chronicle, focused on the fact that one of those on trial was (regarded as) a Luddite, and had been before the court at the Chester Special Commission nearly 16 months previously. In fact, they named the wrong man: William Beston. It was in fact James Renshaw who had been charged with riot and robbery in Stockport in April 1812, and had pleaded guilty, but had been discharged on recognizances.

The trial of Simeon Beston and James Renshaw took place approximately on Friday 10th September. The Chester Chronicle's report of it follows:

SIMEON BESTON, AND JAMES RENSHAW,

The former aged 26, a weaver from Ringway; the latter aged 30, a weaver, from Wilmslow, for a burglary and felony in the house of Joseph Harding, of Henbury, in the night of the 28th of April last.

Joseph Harding stated, that on the night of the 28th April last, he went to bed about 9 o'clock; about a quarter of an hour afterwards, his wife followed, having previously secured the doors and windows.—He never heard the robbers till they came to his bed,—He awoke, and perceived "two men, one at each side of the bed with a candle in one hand and a Pistol in the other!" They had "black faces, and were disguised in shirts over their clothes!" Another man was guarding the door; One only spoke; he demanded my money, and said "if I did not deliver he would blow my brains out in a minute!" The other man then spoke a good deal, he demanded where my money was? I said I could not tell. They then went down stairs, leaving the other man guarding the door with a pistol in his hand—Those down stairs, opened the door, and whether any others came in or not, I do not know. They were in the house a long time, having plundered every place, and taken the windows out before I knew. I had two clocks in the house, both going, but they stopped them. They took the clothes off the bed to look for money, and broke open a box. They forced my wife to unlock all the drawers and cupboards, and they took a 40l. bill. They brought the money up stairs, and looked it over; and whilst they were bending down opening a box on the stair landing, I cropped under his arm, and jumped through a window. One of the men, Beston, put the note in his breeches pocket; I said it would do him no service; he replied "You don't know that." On getting out of the window, I went to Peter Gaskill's, and we got some other of the neighbours up, in all seven. As soon as the robbers missed me, they ran away. We went in search, and after a while we found them, Beston and Renshaw, sitting under a hedge, about 5 miles from my house. This was about 5 or 6 o'clock. We started in pursuit about 3. They lay as if asleep, one of them reading a piece of paper; I said they must go with us to Butley Ash. They had a very large bundle. We told them the house had been broken open. When a little way from Butley Ash, one of the men (Beston) jumped aside of the road, and pointed a pistol at me, saying, "Stand-off! " I had a pikel in my hand, and immediately knocked him down, got hold of his foot, secured him, and took him to Butley Ash with the other prisoner; they were searched there, and on Beston was found a lot of silver, and some copper. I discovered 2 shillings that were mine, one a lettered shilling, the other a Queen Anne’s shilling; on Renshaw was found the 40l. bill; I've seen it about a week before, when I locked it up in a drawer; it was the same I saw upon the box—I found some tax papers and mill bills—In the bundle were found a black crape, which belonged to one of the Prisoners, some sugar, soap, &c. I said at the time, ‘look for a shirt in the bundle and you will find it, torn a little on the left side,’ they had shirts over them. It was Beston who had on the torn shirt. The Bundle were examined at Mr. Downes’s. The house window was cut across the casement, which was taken out, large enough a man to get through—the iron stauchions were broken.

On his Cross-examination by Mr. Barnes,—We slept up two pair of stairs—my family consists only of myself and wife. I could not call them by name at first, I was so fluttered at the time. We had traced steps along the dew; the men were found about 5 miles from the house.

Examined by Mr. D.F. Jones—the men were dressed in shirts—there were three in all as I saw. I was much alarmed; so much so, that I sprang out of the window. Could not name the prisoner to the men at the time, but recollected afterwards. I saw a little of one of their cheeks when he stooped down. Cannot say what they did in the house place, as I was not there. We pursued the men as far as Hollingsworth’s-smithy, about two miles from which we found them—we went that far, having overshot them. We saw two more men up in the field, and pursued them, they dropped some sugar. I lost some sugar, and sugar was found there.

Re-examined by Mr. Benyon—No doubt every thing was fast. The night was very rough; but had any body taken the window out before we went to bed, I must have heard them. Was very much frightened when the men were in the room; but am quite positive Beston was one.

To questions by Judge Richards—I knew Beston before, but he spoke in a feigned voice. I said to the men, I thought it was Beston who had the torn shirt on, and told him where he lived and every thing else.

Isaac Woodall, I live about 6 miles from Beston’s house—I get up early to work; about a mile and a half off, saw two men sitting under a hedge. I stopped and looked at them, wished them good morning, and asked whether they were resting themselves? told them a house had been robbed, and that we had a suspicion of them. Renshaw was reading a paper. The other turned round, and said "What's the matter?" They came with us. Renshaw, when we came to a gate, drew a pistol from his pocket; I heard a snap—and then Harding knocked him down. The other I got and secured, and took him in custody, but in a little while he privately drew a pistol from his side, and snapped it at my groin! We then got possession of the pistol, and they became quiet. They were handcuffed.—Beston dropped two half pounds of sugar, which I picked up.

Cross examined by Mr. D.F. Jones—At this time it was quite light. The pistols were loaded within three quarters of an inch of the muzzle.

John Oldham—picked up a steel to strike a light, which fell from the pocket of one the prisoners. Wm. Robinson corroborated the testimony of the preceding witnesses.

The pistols, crape, sugar, silver, &c. were here produced in court.

The articles were identified. The prisoners were asked what they had to say in their defence?

Renshaw—My Lord, we found the bundle.

Beston—My Lord, I'm innocent of the robbery, as God is my judge!

An attempt was here made by Renshaw's father, Joseph Beston, (the prisoner's brother,) and James Worsencroft, to prove an alibi. We think we are consulting decency and propriety, by withholding from the public the tissue of inconsistencies, and falsehoods, which were disclosed by these witnesses.—Renshaw, the father, said, that he had slept at his son’s the night of the robbery, and that he was not out of the house till the following morning at four o'clock!—Beston's brother stated that the prisoner had slept at his house also the night of the burglary, and did not leave till four o'clock in the morning! Worsencroft was called to corroborate the last witness; whilst the examination of Beston, taken before the Magistrates, stated, that he had left home about 6 o'clock at night, and went to Macclesfield—that he found his brother in bed; that he went into a field, and fell asleep under hey till morning, &c. !

To the the production of this document, Mr. D.F. Jones objected, on the ground of impropriety, the evidence for the prosecution being closed.

Mr. Attorney General combatted what had been advanced by Mr. Jones; he said he had equal rights to produce the examination, as to produce another witness to invalidate what the last witness had stated. If such a proceeding was not to be allowed, Justice would indeed be shut out from our Courts.

Mr Jones, in support of his argument, cited a case of child murder, tried before Mr. Justice Buller, in which it was refused to receive evidence as to the sex of the child (stated in the indictment) because the case for the prosecution was closed.

Judge Richards—I think the evidence admissible—it has nothing to do with the case set up by the prisoners. The prisoners have both attempted to put up an alibi, and surely the crown has a right to answer such evidence.

His Lordship then addressed the Jury, recapitulating the whole of the evidence adduced; and observed, "With the result of your verdict, you have nothing to do—you are before God and your country, and I have every confidence you will do justice to both."

After a few seconds deliberation, the Jury found a verdict of GUILTY–against both the prisoners.

This trial commenced at two o'clock, and was above half-past eight before the Court adjourned.

The Chester Courant noted that Renshaw also stood trial for another matter during the Assizes, and commented on John Lloyd's role:

Renshaw was tried for another burglary, in company with others, in the dwelling-house of George Burgess, at Colshaw, Fulshaw, and was convicted on the clearest evidence. Renshaw and the two Beston's appear to have been the principals of a most desperate gang of robbers, who infested the neighbourhood of Stockport and Macclesfield, last winter; and too much praise cannot be given to that respectable gentleman Mr. Lloyd, solicitor, of Stockport, to whose indefatigable exertions the county is indebted for the conviction of these desperate wretches.

Renshaw and Simeon Beston were later sentenced to death.

11th August 1813: West Riding manufacturers are compensated at York Summer Assizes

On Wednesday 11th August, the York Summer Assizes heard a number of cases for compensation brought by manufacturers affected by Luddism. As the Leeds Mercury later clarified, the compensation took into account the destruction of machinery only if the building had been attacked. The compensation awarded was as follows (£, shilling & pence):

Vickerman - £127.3.6
Dyson - £53.14.0
Hinchliffe - £98.13.4
Hirst - £96.4.4
Garner - £14.9.6
Balderstone - £15.3.8
Hepworth - £6.16.6
Pitchforth - £3.0.0
Foster - £291.4.6
Roberts - £0.5.0

Baron Wood heard the cases. Three cases were nonsuited because the plaintiffs allowed the Luddites entry - Callow, Swallow & S Swallow. Another case was successfully defended by the Sheriff of the Hundred - that of Sykes.

31st July 1813: A Longroyd Bridge cropper, Richard Brook, faces trial at York Summer Assizes

The York Summer Assizes commenced on Saturday 31st July 1813. Amongst the cases was that of Richard Brook, an 18 year-old cropper from Longroyd Bridge. He was accused of riotous assembly, breaking a Tenter and stealing iron pins belonging to John Drake senior on 12th May 1813.

Brook was found Not Guilty.

27th July 1813: Suicide of a Framework-knitter at Pentrich

On Tuesday 27th July 1813, the body of a framework-knitter from Nottingham called W Hall was found in a stable at Pentrich. He had hung himself. The local newspaper reported that he had suffered from depression for some time, and had left home the day before unbeknown to his family. He left a wife and seven children.

17th July 1813: An attempted prosecution for Sedition at Bradford Sessions

On Saturday 17th July 1813 James Chapman, a worker at Bradley Mills in Huddersfield, stood trial at the Quarter Sessions at Bradford for uttering seditious expressions. The main witness against him was the zealous Huddersfield Constable George Whitehead, whom the Luddites had tried to assassinate in April 1812. The Leeds Mercury of 24th July carried a full report of the trial:

BRADFORD SESSIONS, July 17.

SEDITION CAUSE.

Mr. Wailes opened the pleadings by stating that James Chapman, the Defendant, by trade a Dyer, at Bradley Mills, was indicted for having a the 28th day of March last, in a public-house at Royds-Hall, near Huddersfield, used the following seditious words, with an intent to bring the Government of this country into contempt, and to alienate the minds of his Majesty's liege subjects:—"Damn the King, he is superannuated, and has been so for the last six and twenty years. We are governed by nothing but a set of damned whores, rogues and thieves. The Prince of Wales is a damned rogue, and the Princess of Wales a damned whore."

Mr. Maude very briefly stated the case for the prosecution. Some years ago he said offences of this nature were not uncommon, but happily of late charges of this kind very rarely engage the attention of the tribunals of this country. He lamented that a man in any situation should have subjected himself to be indicted for the use of such words as those charged upon the defendant, but more particularly that a person residing in a neighbourhood which had so recently been the scene of so much lawless outrage, should have expressed himself in such indecent and inflammatory language. It might have been supposed that the sacred character of Majesty with which the Prince Regent is at present clothed—that the deplorable malady under which it was the misfortune of our venerable sovereign at present to labour—and that the well established innocence of the Princess of Wales, after one of the most severe investigations that ever female conduct had been submitted to, would have protected those distinguished personages against the shafts of the defendant’s seditious malevolence; but this had not been the case, and he understood that the plea to be set up this day in his favour was drunkenness; but such a defence would not avail him, for it was well known that the effects of liquor were not to suggest seditious thoughts, but merely to remove those restraints under which evil disposed men were held by the terrors of the law while in a state of sobriety. If such a plea as this was to be admitted, Government would soon be brought into contempt and abhorrence, for it would then only be necessary for any man to drench himself with liquor, and he might while in that state be allowed to say or do whatever he thought proper. But such a defence, he was convinced, should not be tolerated by an intelligent Jury; for so far was drunkenness from forming a justification that it did in reality from an aggravation of the offence.

George Whitehead, the first witness called, said that he was the Constable of Huddersfield, and that on Sunday the 28th of March last, between eight and nine o'clock in the evening, he went to the house of Mrs. Haigh, who is a publican at Royds Hall. He found there five persons sitting drinking, Chapman the defendant, Crossley, Hanson, Thornton and Cliff, and when the witness had been in the house about twenty minutes he heard James Chapman use the seditious words stated in the indictment. He did not seem to be drunk, but was in a condition to understand the import of what he said.

On his cross examination by Mr. Hardy, the witness said, that the public-house where they were drinking is better than a mile from Huddersfield, it is out of his jurisdiction, and he got a glass of ale, are perhaps two. He entered into conversation with the company, and something was said about MAJOR CARTWRIGHT and Parliamentary Reform, but he does not recollect what. Something too was said about the Princess of Wales, but he cannot recollect what. He did not hear the defendant say that she had been ill used. Cannot recollect what the conversation was about, that brought all this abuse from Chapman! Witness dare say that he himself says something about the Princess of Wales and Major Cartwright, but does not remember what! He cannot charge his memory with any thing that was said that day but the words stated in the indictment! and these words were all spoken in succession and in connected sentences. All the other persons were present when these words were used, but he cannot remember whether they said any thing or nothing; except Hanson, who spoke highly in praise of Major Cartwright. The seditious conversation took place nearly at the time he was going out, and he thinks, what cannot be certain, that the information was laid the following day. He does not know whether a representation of this conversation has been made to Government or not.

John Cliff, the next witness called for the prosecution, said he was at Haigh Hall on the night of the 28th of March, and was in company with Chapman and Whitehead, some conversation took place about the Princess of Wales, and Chapman in reply to an observation made, he thinks by Whitehead, said, "then I must say that we are governed by a set of damned whores, rogues and thieves;" but he did not, in his hearing, apply any such terms as those mentioned by the former witness to either the King or the Prince of Wales, or the Princess of Wales. Witness had no acquaintance with Chapman, he never saw him before that day. He, the witness, was not "right steady," and he thinks Chapman was not "right steady." Nothing material came out in the man's examination, except that the witness was out of the room about twenty minutes.

John Thornton the third and last witness called for the prosecution, said, he was in the room at the time that Whitehead came in. They were talking about Parliamentary Reform, and Chapman, in answer to some remark made by Whitehead, said, "We are governed then by a set of damned whores, rogues and thieves. What would have become of the poor woman (meaning the Princess of Wales) if they had found her guilty? I suppose they would have hanged her." Witness heard Chapman say this, but he heard him say nothing about the King of the Prince of Wales. The evidence against the Defendant having closed,

Mr. HARDY rose and spoke in substance as follows: "I beg leave to claim the attention of the Court and Jury for a few moments, and only a few moments will be necessary to defeat this attempt to fix upon my client the words imputed to him in this indictment. I regret extremely that this prosecution should ever have been instituted—if it could be supposed that such a proceeding had the connivance of Government, the natural consequence would be, to bring the persons intrusted with the administration of our public affairs into contempt and derision; but I will venture to say, that it has been instituted without any direction from Government, and that though they have no doubt had before them the deposition of this notable Mr. Whitehead, they have very properly refused to take a single step in the business, and I wish it to be distinctly understood, that this is not a Government prosecution, but that it is Mr. Whitehead's prosecution. This party, it appears, were all sitting drinking in a public-house on the Sunday evening, and the conversation turned upon Major Cartwright and Parliamentary Reform; and the defendant, I imagine, spoke in terms of approbation of the Major, but there is, I hope, no sedition in that. Major Cartwright had been called, and deservedly so, the Veteran of Parliamentary Reform, for I believe he acts under the influence of motives the most pure and patriotic; and though for myself I may not coincide in sentiment with the Major, knowing, as I do, that there is no country under heaven where so much liberty and happiness is enjoyed as in this country, and feeling that the reform he contemplates might endanger these inestimable privileges, yet I must say, that whoever see, or imagine they see, any corruption in the State, it is a sacred duty due from them to their country, to endeavour to stem that corruption and to remove that abuse. Passing from these general observations to an examination of the evidence in support of this temporary prosecution, we find that Mr. Whitehead, whose memory is so tenacious as to recollect the worst said in the indictment with marvellous precision, can recollect nothing else; and these persons that are brought to bolster up this prosecution, not only do not confirm Mr. Whitehead’s testimony, but they absolutely contradict it. Mr. Whitehead swears that the observations of Chapman was not in reply to any remarks made by himself, the other witnesses say it was.

Mr. Whitehead says the defendant damned the King, the Prince of Wales, and even the Princess of Wales; but the other witnesses, though Mr. Whitehead has positively sworn that they were all present, declare that they heard no such expressions: and it is perfectly clear that no such words were used; for is it to be imagined that a man supporting the Princess of Wales, commiserating her unfortunate situation, condemning her persecution, should stigmatize the person whose character he was endeavouring to uphold, with the opprobrious epithet sworn to by Whitehead? The defendant too, it is to be observed, was at the time in question, and still is, in the employment of Mr. Atkinson, of Bradley-Mills: and can it be supposed that a man of Mr. Atkinson's well-known loyalty would retain in his employment a wretch so destitute of every loyal and virtuous feeling as to express himself in the way stated by Mr. Whitehead? Certainly not; and Mr. Atkinson is perfectly convinced that Mr. Whitehead, in the blaze of his loyalty, if he has not foisted words into defendant’s mouth, has at least put a construction upon his expressions that they would not fairly bear. What application could such expressions have to the subject of Parliamentary Reform; or how could they be supplied to our Governors? The Government of this country is vested in the three estates of the realm;—and how Mr. Whitehead can make the King, Lords, and Commons into "whores" he can best explain.—(a laugh)—Is this a case for a prosecution for sedition? Sedition implies an intention to bring the Government into hatred and contempt:—this is the essence, the gist of the offence, and where, I should be glad to know, is the proof of such an intent to be found in this pot house conversation? In sedition, as in murder, the attendant circumstances constitute the crime. I may kill a man without committing murder; and I may use expressions in one situation, and under certain circumstances, that would, in other situations, and under different circumstances, be grossly seditious. If the defendant, instead of talking politics in a public-house, (as Englishmen are in a constant habit of doing, and to do which they have an undoubted right) had stood up in the market-place at Huddersfield, and endeavoured to excite the populace to tumult—then malice might have been inferred from his conduct; but where, I should be glad to know, are we to look for malice in this case, or for a design to bring the Government into contempt and abhorrence? Mr. Justice Foster, in his observations on the Act passed in the reign of Anne, inflicting the penalty of praemunire on any person that should, by preaching, &c. deny the competency of Parliament, says—"a rash expression will not render a man criminal: words are transient, easily misunderstood, and often misrepresented; and therefore a wicked intention must be shown to constitute the offence:" and this definition of the law was given after a long life of legal experience. I will put the case. Suppose, while I am engaged in my study, and enter on some subject that I wish to pursue without interruption, my servant should come and say—"The Tax-Gatherer, Sir, has called for the Taxes:"—and I should reply, in the moment of irritation—"The devil take the Tax-Gatherer!"—could it be fairly inferred that I was seditiously inclined, and that I really meant to consign this officer of the public revenue to perdition? All this, you will perceive, I have said on the supposition that the other witnesses have confirmed Whitehead's testimony; tho’, what is the fact, they have not confirmed, but, as I have already stated, they have contradicted him.

But I will not waste more of your time. You cannot, and I am sure you will not, under such circumstances, give a verdict against the defendant. To your hands I commit him, and if you would not be called to account for every hasty word you utter—if you can discriminate between truth and error—if you have a veneration for the laws, and wish to guard them against being perverted to vindictive purposes, you will return a verdict of not guilty, and thereby prove, that you concur with the Government of your country considering this trumpery prosecution as too despicable to occupy the attention of a Court of Justice.—(Loud cheers burst from every part of the Court at the conclusion of Mr. Hardy’s eloquent and argumentative to speech, of which the above is a mere outline.)

The Bench conceiving that there could be only one opinion on the subject, sent the cause to the Jury without summing up the evidence; and the Jury, without a moment’s hesitation, returned a verdict of Not Guilty, to the universal satisfaction of a crowded Court.

30th June 1813: A priest from Marsden seeks a reward for the former spy, Joseph Taylor

My Lord

I beg Leave to address you on Account of Mr. Joseph Taylor who has been indefatigable in suppressing and bringing to Justice the Luddites in the west Riding of this County—He was one of the most active of those, who secured the three diabolical Ruffians who murdered my worthy Friend and C:Warden Mr William Horsfall; and he has at different Times exerted himself both in Lancashire and Cheshire (at the Hazard of his Life) upon the same Business—He says, the only Perquisite which he has received from Government was a Suit of Cloaths, and two Pounds five Shillings in Cash: You will see my lord from the inclosed Certificate which my worthy Friend Mr. Radcliffe has given him, that he has taken an active part in order to bring these Vagabonds to condign Punishment and I trust that your Lordship will have the Goodness to procure him a Remuneration for his faithful services. Several Gentlemen in this Vicinity have advised him to Petition the Prince Regent; but I trust from the promises of Reward which were made of him (when he engaged in this perilous undertaking) by the Right Honorable Robert Rider late Secretary of State, that there will be no necessity to have recourse to a Petition—

Your Answer my Lord, will be gratefully
received, by your Lordships most obedient
humble Servant.

Lancelot Bellas Minister
of Marsden,

Marsden near Huddersfield June 30th
1813.

[To Lord Sidmouth]

I Joseph Radcliffe the squire one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace in and for the West Riding of the County of York do here by Certify that Joseph Taylor of Failsworth in the County of Lancaster did apprehend and bring before me in the month of October last George Mellor William Thorp Thos Smith and Benjamin Walker Charged with the wilfull murder of William Horsfall of Marsden Cloath merchant Given under my hand this 15th Day of June 1813

Signed

J.Radcliffe

A Coppy

19th June 1813: General Maitland appointed Governor of Malta

John Hoppner's portrait of Maitland

On Saturday 19th June 1813 Lieutenant General Maitland, the suppressor of Luddism in the North of England, was appointed the Governor & Commander-in-Chief of Malta, being sworn into the role on 15th July.

17th June 1813: James Alan Park cautions the Home Office about cases brought by West Riding Manufacturers

Linc. Inn Fields, June 17th
1813

My dear Sir,

I mentioned to you & the Lord Sidmouth, that I had presented certain cases from being brought on at the last Assizes at York, from a desire not to have the witnesses, who had given evidence, particularly the accomplices upon the Special Commission, again submitted unnecessarily to public inspection. I communicated this to Mr Baron Thomson, who highly approved of my motives. I had another inducement for my conduct, which I considered as highly connected with the public interest, namely, that in the discussion of these civil rights, it would appear, by the decision of the Judge, what cases fell within the riot act, & what did not: & how far rioters might go in the execution of their plans, without incurring the guilt of felony

It did It did not appear to me to be wise to have this too generally known, especially in the County of York. I therefore thought, that it was by no means an unwise proceeding to inform Government of these proceedings causes, before I permitted them to be tried, & as the sum sought to be recovered in all these cases is not large, humbly to suggest to his Majesty’s Secretary of State, whether it would not be wise to pay these monies, rather than have the matters discussed. Every one of the Sufferers has really been injured by the Riots, & all of them are well entitled to the merciful consideration of Government: although perhaps the same reasons, which operated upon my mind not to persevere in the prosecutions, might in strictness prevent them from recovering against the Governments Hundred. No harm can arise, because the precedent can never be drawn into any thing like a determination on the part of Government to relieve in similar cases.

The whole sum sought by all the Complainants is under £530—& if the remaining £170—making up £700. is Scattered amongst all of them to pay the Costs of the Defts which must be done, if the plaintiffs do not proceed, I think every one would be satisfied—& all the dangers I apprehend the discussion would be avoided. Or perhaps the Hundred would agree to let the causes drop without requiring Costs. However, if that is to be attempted it should be so, before Government are known to interfere. At all events, if His Majesty’s Secretary of State do not think proper to adopt my suggestion, I really think the parties ought to be put in status quo, as if I had not interposed: for the plaintiffs, who withdrew their records, on my suggestion, will have to pay Costs to the Dfts for having done so. I beg Lord Sidmouth’s earliest convenient attention to this business, as the Assizes are again approaching, & I remain, with much regard, Dear Sir,

Very faithfully Your’s
J A Park.

11th June 1813: The Convict Ship 'The Fortune' arrives in Sydney, Australia

'The entrance of Port Jackson, and part of the town of Sydney, New South Wales' an aquatint by Havell & Son, after Major James Taylor, c.1821

On Friday 11th June, the ship 'The Fortune' arrived in Port Jackson, Sydney, Australia, after a voyage of 6 months from when it left England.

The exact date of departure is not clear. For whilst the official records state that it left the South Coast on 3rd December 1812, the fact is that one of the prisoners on board - the Bolton Luddite convict, Thomas Holden - sent a letter to his family dated 11th December 1812 from the ship. 'The Fortune' had been beached in a storm after leaving Woolwich and had spent almost 7 weeks moored in Rio de Janeiro between 3rd February and 22nd March 1813.

200 prisoners had left England, but only 196 arrived: 2 had died of illness on the voyage (including the Luddite John Burney), whilst another 2 had drowned. 36 of the prisoners were under 21 years of age.

The prisoners on board were not taken ashore until a further 7 days had passed: 16 of them had been convicted with various offences connected with Luddism, to wit

Lancaster Special Commission (all sentenced to 7 years transportation):

James Brierley
John Burney (died en route)
Samuel Crossley
John Fisher
Joseph Greenhalgh
Thomas Holden
John Hope
Jon Hurst
James Knowles
Christopher Medcalfe
Samuel Radcliffe
Henry Thwaite

Chester Special Commission (all respited death sentences):

James Crosland
Colin Linden
James Wilson aka Roach

Derby Lent Assizes 1812:

John England (death, respited)

Nottingham Lent Assizes 1812:

Gervas Marshall (7 years transportation)

The Sydney Gazette reported that 6 of the prisoners were in irons, having been punished for their behaviour on the trip. Governor McQuarrie reportedly released them from this punishment before they were all sent to various locations to serve their sentences.

7th June 1813: "May the manufacturers and the machinery of Yorkshire ever be uninterrupted"

On Monday 7th June 1813, the respective Address of Thanks for William Cartwright & Joseph Radcliffe drawn up by West the Yorkshire bourgeoisie were presented to both men by a party that processed between their respective residences. The Leeds Mercury of 12th June carried a full account, which is below:

THE LATE DISTURBANCES.

On Monday the 7th instant, the Gentleman of the West-Riding assembled at Robertown, previous to the presentation of the Addresses of Thanks to JOSEPH RADCLIFFE, Esq. and to Mr. WILLIAM CARTWRIGHT, unanimously voted at the late public Meeting at the Yew Tree Inn, on the 17th May. The addresses were produced most numerously and respectably signed by the Gentleman of Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax, Bradford and intermediate District; and the Chairman of the Meeting of the 17th ult. William Rawson, Esq. was requested to present them, accompanied by the Gentleman of the West-Riding. When the mode of presentation was settled, a Resolution was unanimously adopted, to request Mr. Radcliffe to sit for a full-length portrait, by one of the first artists, and that the picture should be placed in one of the Courts of Justice of the West-Riding. A place will be engraved, and proofs and copies given to the subscribers, according to the amount and order of their subscriptions.

The Gentleman then proceeded on horseback, two and two, to Rawfolds, which is in the immediate neighbourhood of Robertown, and alighted at Mr. W. Cartwright's.

Mr. Rawson then addressed that Gentleman as follows:—

"Mr. William Cartwright—In the name of the Gentleman of the West-Riding of the County of York, I present to you an Address of Thanks, for your conduct during the late disturbances, which Address Mr. Battye will read to you."

To Mr William Cartwright, of Rawfolds.

"We the undersigned Inhabitants of the West-Riding of the County of York, most heartily approve of your Conduct in defence of your property and person, against the unprincipled attack made upon Rawfolds Mill, in the dead of night of the eleventh of April, 1812.

"We offer you our sincere thanks upon this express ground, that we are persuaded your firm and courageous conduct on that occasion, greatly contributed to checked and disconcert the destructive objects of an armed and lawless combination, to secure property, ultimately to preserve many valuable lives, and to restore the peace and tranquillity of this district,"—May 17, 1813.

To this address Mr. W. Cartwright replied:

"GENTLEMEN,—It would be most consistent with my feelings, to receive in respectful silence this most highly flattering testimony of the approbation of the Gentleman of the West-Riding of the County of York; but I cannot omit to say, that in the defence of my private property, (which is a duty every man owes to society, and from which no heart can shrink without the absolute loss of character,) I could not flattered myself with a hope, that my exertions would have been thought to merit so distinguishing a mark of the public favour.

"Believe me, Gentlemen, I feel sensible, as I ought to do, of the honour which you confer upon me."

Mr. Knight then addressed Mr. Cartwright—"A Constable of Halifax, I have to present to you an Address of Thanks, agreed upon at a public meeting of the town and parish of Halifax, on the 12th day of May last, which Address Dr. Thomson will read to you."

"To Mr. William Cartwright, of Rawfolds.

"SIR,—We the undersigned inhabitants of the town and parish of Halifax, beg leave to express our high sense of your Services, when your Property and Life and the Lives of your Men were assailed at Rawfolds Mill, on the Night of Eleventh of April, 1812. Of your conduct on that occasion, there is but one opinion throughout the Empire. In that opinion your Neighbours and late fellow Townsmen most cordially concur. We join our regret with yours, that in the discharge of that arduous duty, events occurred most painfully to your human feelings. But you stood in self defence.

"The Town and Parish of Halifax highly appreciate your Services. They claim also to share with you in some degree the Sacrifices which you have made, and cannot consent that by the discharge of your Duty, the Comforts of your Family should be at all curtailed. May your future pursuits be uninterrupted and successful, and in the general Tranquillity, and in the Bosom of your Family, may you and they long enjoy that Health and Happiness, which during the recent Disturbances, were so greatly endangered and impaired."—Halifax, 12th May, 1813.

To which Mr. W. Cartwright replied:—

"GENTLEMEN,—"in accepting this highly flattering and delicate Address, permit me to offer you my warmest sentiments of Gratitude.

"During nearly twelve months of watchfulness, anxiety, and domestic privations, through every danger, and through the awful and much to be deplored scenes which present themselves in time to time, (under Divine Providence) a consciousness that I was performing an imperative duty, could alone have supported me.

"It will ever be the proudest feeling of my heart, my exertions have been thought to meet the notice of the Gentleman, whose Names are found in this highly valued Address.

"To you, individually, gentleman, permit me to offer my most sincere acknowledgements for this condescending mark of your attention to me. Believe me, it will be remembered with feelings of the most lively gratitude to the latest hour of my existence."

Colonel Thomas Ramsden, of the Halifax Local Militia, in which Mr. Cartwright commands a company, took him by the hand, and addressed him as follows:

"Captain Cartwright—In the name of the Officers and Men of the Halifax Local Militia, I thank you for the manner in which you have upheld the honour and character of the regiment."

Mr. Cartwright replied,

"I can only thank you, Colonel Ramsden, for the readiness with which you acceded to my application for arms and ammunition to defend my property, and for the confidence which you then expressed, that I would not shed blood unnecessarily."

After having partaken of some refreshment, and having shaken hands with Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, the Gentleman proceeded through Robertown to Huddersfield. At the George Inn, a considerable number of Gentleman joined the cavalcade, which proceeded two and two, and made a very fine and interesting appearance, in winding down the valley to Milnes-bridge. On approaching the residence of Mr. Radcliffe, the gentlemen dismounted, and preceded by the Band of the South Devon Militia, under the kind and judicious direction of Colonel Lang, proceeded in order to the house. The band took its station on the lawn. Mr. Radcliffe met the Gentleman of the West Riding on the area, and invited them into the house. The large dining-room was filled.

Mr. Rawson then addressed Mr. Radcliffe as follows:—

"In the name of the Gentleman of the West Riding in the County of York, I have the honour to present to you an Address, expressive of their admiration of your conduct during the recent disturbances. Mr. Battye will read the Address."

"To Joseph Radcliffe, Esq.

"SIR—We the undersigned Inhabitants of the West-Riding of the County of York, most cordially concur in the high in general sense that is entertained of the essential Service which you have rendered to your Country by your public Conduct during the late Disturbances in this District.

"At a time of general doubt and uncertainty as to the nature, tendency, and extent of the Combination, which appeared to be formed against the Peace and Security of Persons and Property, and of considerable Alarm as to the result, you perceived and adopted the Measures best suited to the Crisis, and by your authority, advice, and example, gave efficacy to the Laws.

"We think it our duty to express to you our admiration of your disinterested Conduct, and to offer to you our warmest Thanks for your promptitude, judgement, decision, zeal, courage, and perseverance. We congratulate you upon the present Tranquillity, which your very meritorious Exertions have so greatly contributed to produce."—May 17th, 1813.

Mr. Radcliffe’s Reply.

"GENTLEMEN,—The greatest pleasure of my life having been to fulfil the duties of the public station in which I am placed, I cannot but feel this Mark of your Approbation as the most grateful Reward of my endeavours to preserve and restore the violated Peace of my Country.

"Let me, therefore, beg your acceptance of my best Thanks, the only return in my power for an Address not more gratifying to the proudest sentiments of my heart, than honourable to the public and independent spirit with which it has been dictated, and which, I trust, will ever be the rule of my future Conduct."

Mr. Radcliffe’s Answer was received with a general expression of applause.

Mr. Rawson then came forward and said,

"MR. RADCLIFFE,—I have to request, in the name of the Gentleman of the West-Riding, that you will do the honour to sit for a full-length Portrait, to be placed in one of the public Courts of the West Riding."

To which Mr. Radcliffe replied,

"It is impossible for me to decline the high honour which the Gentlemen of the West-Riding convey by this request."

This acquiescence was received with three times three cheers by the Gentlemen of the West-Riding. The band played God save the King, in which the audience warmly joined.

Mr. Knight then addressed Mr. Radcliffe—

"As Cconstable of Halifax, I have the honour to present an Address, agreed upon at a public Meeting of the Inhabitants of that town and parish, which Dr. Thomson will read."

"To Joseph Ratcliffe, Esq.

"SIR,—We the undersigned Inhabitants of the town and parish of Halifax, beg leave to express our high sense of your public Services during the late Disturbances. At a period of general alarm, and of considerable panic, you executed with unshaken firmness, the powers vested in the Magistracy, for the Preservation of the Peace, for the Prevention of Crimes, and for the Detection of Offenders. Owing in a principal degree to your Exertions as a Magistrate, the extent of the Disturbances was checked, much local suffering was prevented, valuable property was protected, and many lives were ultimately spared. The District was saved from that state of affairs, when the Military force must have superseded the Civil Power, and eventually the deluded men who had disturbed the public peace, were brought to the bar of their country.

"In these circumstances your exertion were as unprecedented as the crisis which called them forth, and you firmly and successfully upheld the dominion of the laws. The Grand Inquest of the County has already expressed the general opinion of your services. In that opinion we cordially concur. Accept our heartfelt Thanks. May your invaluable services still be continued to the public, and may you long in private life enjoy the tranquillity which you have been so instrumental in restoring."

"Halifax, 12th May, 1813."

Mr. Radcliffe's Reply:—

"GENTLEMEN.—Having been already honoured by a general Address from the Inhabitants of the West-Riding, I can only repeat my acknowledgements to the Gentleman of Halifax for concurring in the same favourable opinion of my official Conduct during the late Disturbances in this part of the Country.

"In adding my hopes that public tranquillity will long remain undisturbed by similar causes, I cannot forbear to express the cordial satisfaction I feel, in supposing myself possessed of the confidence and good opinion of so many respectable Neighbours and Friends."

This answer was received with three times three—The band played Rule Britannia.

The Gentleman then partook of a very handsome collection, the band playing several patriotic tunes on the lawn.

The cavalcade returned in the same order to Huddersfield. Opposite the George Inn, the Band played God save the King, the Gentleman being uncovered. This was followed by three times three cheers, when the procession closed.

A large and most respectable party of Gentleman dined at the George inn; Mr. Allen in the Chair. Want of room obliges us to pass over the interesting topics of discussion, and the sentiments of the several Gentleman who addressed the Meeting. But the public spirit and cordiality of the party may be judged of by the following toasts, which amongst many others, we noticed:—

The King and God bless him!

The Prince Regent.—The Queen and Royal Family.

Joseph Radcliffe Esq.—Mr. Wm. Cartwright.

Hon. Henry Lascelles.—Lord Milton.

Earl Fitzwilliam, the Lord Lieutenant of the Riding.

Lord Rolle, and the South Devon, with particular Thanks to Colonel Lang.

The Town and Trade of Huddersfield.

Marquis Wellington, and his brave army.

Sir Francis Lindley Wood, Bart. and the Magistracy in Lieutenancy of the Riding.

William Rawson Esq.—Rev. Hammond Roberson.

Sir George Armytage, Bart. and the Agbrigg Local Militia.

Colonel Ramsden, and the Halifax Local Militia.

Dr. Thomson.

Honour and Prosperity to the West-Riding of the County of York.

Mr. Knight, and the Town and Parish of Halifax.

Mr. Charles Coupland, jun. Mr. George Oates, Mr. John Fisher and the Gentlemen of Leeds.

The Vicar of Wakefield, Mr. Rayner, and their fellow townsmen.

The Emperor of Russia, and the Allies.

Thomas Allen, Esq.

May the Manufacturers and the Machinery of Yorkshire ever be uninterrupted.

Mr. Cartledge, Constable of Elland.

Mr Tom Atkinson, of Bradley-Mills.

All our absent Friends.

Co-operation and success to the West-Riding.—&c. &c.

The whole of the business of the day was conducted with an order, spirit and unanimity highly gratifying. The day was most delightful; the sun shone on the West-Riding, and the crowded enjoyment of the day can never be forgotten by the gentleman who partook of them. The Agbrigg and West Halifax Regiments of Local Militia, being on permanent duty at York and Harrogate, many gentlemen were unavoidably absent.

5th June 1813: Longroyd Bridge Cropper, Richard Brooke, committed to York Castle

The Leeds Mercury of Saturday 5th June 1813 reported an arrest and committal in the case of the attacks upon the Tenters belonging to John Drake. Richard Brook, a cropper from Longroyd Bridge, who had been named by the Drakes in their statements to Joseph Radcliffe had been arrested. He was charged with riotous assembly with others, for feloniously breaking one tenter, and for the theft of iron pins (part of the Tenter).

He would stand trial at the forthcoming Summer Assizes at York.

1st June 1813: Lord Byron introduces Major Cartwright's petition in the House of Lords

On Tuesday 1st June 1813, Lord Byron made another appearance in the House of Lords, this time on the subject of the way the authorities had treated the radical reformer, Major Cartwright, in particular in Huddersfield the preceding January:

My Lords, — The petition which I now hold for the purpose of presenting to the House, is one which I humbly conceive requires the particular attention of your Lordships, inasmuch as, though signed but by a single individual, it contains statements which (if not disproved) demand most serious investigation. The grievance of which the petitioner complains is neither selfish nor imaginary. It is not his own only, for it has been, and is still felt by numbers. No one without these walls, nor indeed within, but may to-morrow be made liable to the same insult and obstruction, in the discharge of an imperious duty for the restoration of the true constitution of these realms, by petitioning for reform in parliament. The petitioner, my Lords, is a man whose long life has been spent in one unceasing struggle for the liberty of the subject, against that undue influence which has increased, is increasing, and ought to be diminished; and whatever difference of opinion may exist as to his political tenets, few will be found to question the integrity of his intentions. Even now oppressed with years, and not exempt from the infirmities attendant on his age, but still unimpaired in talent, and unshaken in spirit — "frangas non flectes"  — he has received many a wound in the combat against corruption; and the new grievance, the fresh insult of which he complains, may inflict another scar, but no dishonour. The petition is signed by John Cartwright, and it was in behalf of the people and parliament, in the lawful pursuit of that reform in the representation, which is the best service to be rendered both to parliament and people, that he encountered the wanton outrage which forms the subject-matter of his petition to your Lordships. It is couched in firm, yet respectful language — in the language of a man, not regardless of what is due to himself, but at the same time, I trust, equally mindful of the deference to be paid to this House. The petitioner states, amongst other matter of equal, if not greater importance, to all who are British in their feelings, as well as blood and birth, that on the 21st January, 1813, at Huddersfield, himself and six other persons, who, on hearing of his arrival, had waited on him merely as a testimony of respect, were seized by a military and civil force, and kept in close custody for several hours, subjected to gross and abusive insinuation from the commanding officer, relative to the character of the petitioner; that he (the petitioner) was finally carried before a magistrate, and not released till an examination of his papers proved that there was not only no just, but not even statutable charge against him; and that, notwithstanding the promise and order from the presiding magistrates of a copy of the warrant against your petitioner, it was afterwards withheld on divers pretexts, and has never until this hour been granted. The names and condition of the parties will be found in the petition. To the other topics touched upon in the petition, I shall not now advert, from a wish not to encroach upon the time of the House; but I do most sincerely call the attention of your Lordships to its general contents - it is in the cause of the parliament and people that the rights of this venerable freeman have been violated, and it is, in my opinion, the highest mark of respect that could be paid to the House, that to your justice, rather than by appeal to any inferior court, he now commits, himself. Whatever may be the fate of his remonstrance, it is some satisfaction to me, though mixed with regret for the occasion, that I have this opportunity of publicly stating the obstruction to which the subject is liable, in the prosecution of the most lawful and imperious of his duties, the obtaining by petition reform in parliament. I have shortly stated his complaint; the petitioner has more fully expressed it. Your Lordships will, I hope, adopt some measure fully to protect and redress him, and not him alone, but the whole body of the people, insulted and aggrieved in his person, by the interposition of an abused civil, and unlawful military force between them and their right of petition to their own representatives.

His Lordship then presented the petition from Major Cartwright, which was read, complaining of the circumstances at Huddersfield, and of interruptions given to the right of petitioning in several places in the northern parts of the kingdom, and which his Lordship moved should be laid on the table.

Several lords having spoken on the question,

Lord Byron replied, that he had, from motives of duty, presented this petition to their lordships' consideration. The noble Earl had contended, that it was not a petition, but a speech; and that, as it contained no prayer, it should not be received. What was the necessity of a prayer? If that word were to be used in its proper sense, their Lordships could not expect that any man should pray to others. He had only to say, that the petition, though in some parts expressed strongly perhaps, did not contain any improper mode of address, but was couched in respectful language towards their Lordships; he should therefore trust their Lordships would allow the petition to be received.