11th January 1812: Arson at Bulwell

On Saturday evening the 11th January, a hay stack belonging to Henry Sells was set alight at Bulwell, but the fire was extinguised by 2 or 3 people "without doing much damage".

11th January 1812: Nottingham County Magistrates request witness protection from the Home Office

County Hall
Nottingham
11th of Jany 1812

Sir

The destruction of Stocking frames, and other violations of the law, still continue in the Neighbourhood of Nottingham, with almost unabated violence. John Braithwaite & Elizabeth his wife, lately residing in Basford near Nottingham, have given direct evidence against Wm. Carnell & Joseph Maples, both of Basford, that they, with many other persons at 8 o'Cl in the Evening on Friday the 3d of January broke open the house of John Braithwaite, and broke several Frames therein and took away certain parts of these Frames. In consequence of such evidence Wm Carnell and Joseph Maples have been committed for trial at the next Assizes. As the lives of the Witnesses have been threatened, they been brought into the Town of Nottingham for security, but considerable apprehensions have been entertained that as their evidence may lead to the conviction of the Offenders their lives cannot be deemed secure till the time of their giving their testimony. We therefore take the liberty as acting Magistrates for the County of Nottingham of submitting to your consideration whether these persons may not with propriety be conveyed to London or some other place of security in the discretion of the Justices, and at the expense of Government till the time when their evidence will be required; and whether the Justices might not have the same discretionary power in the case of other witnesses similarly circumstanced.

Sir your most obedient
hum. servants

Charles Wylde
Fran. Evans

11th January 1812: Lord Middleton tries to strong-arm the Home Secretary

Wollaton House Nottinghamshire Jany 11th 1812

Sir.—

It is become my painful Duty to repeat my report to you that the hitherto unparalleled state of plunder, outrage, & general terror, continues thro’ out the whole of this Country, & although I should wish to be the last person to bring forward any measure that might prove painful to Government, Unless prompt & effective measures are directed, I shall most reluctantly feel myself driven to the necessity of coming to Town, Expressly to state, plainly, & as distinctly as I may be able to Parliament, the very shameful occurrences that have been suffer’d for such a length of time to take place involving the ruin of Hundreds, & to endeavour to call the attention of the public, to the shortsightedness of those who have so supinely sufferd the Hydra raise its Heads.

I have the Honor to be Sir with Every Consideration
Your Most Obedient Humble Lord Middleton

(to Richard Ryder, Home Secretary)

10th January 1812: The spy 'B' reports on travelling delegates in the North East and from Nottingham

Colonel Fletcher's spy 'B' filed another report on the 10th January.

Starting on the 6th, he has some complaints on the collection of Income Tax which was due to take place on 11th January. B's concern may have reflected personal considerations, but he presented it as yet more hardship in a time of great austerity, with the 'old Jacks' (i.e. Jacobins) eyeing it as an opportunity to take advantage of discontent.

B reported on the travels of the Mottram delegate, who had now reached the North East. On the 2nd January, he had been in Tynemouth and had evidently visited Sunderland and both North and South Shields as well. He had visited well-attended delegate meetings there who had promised to correspond.

On the 10th January, B had met a delegate from Nottinghamshire called Whittaker. The picture he painted of Nottinghamshire was that the actions of the Luddites had been premature, as they had apparently expected Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire and Leicestershire to rise simultaneously. This not having happened, at least to the same degree of ferocity in all but 2 of the Counties, meant Whittaker felt that an opportunity to wrest control from the government had been missed. He described the Luddites being bound by oaths and also the scale of machine-breaking - he estimated that 1000 'looms' (i.e. stocking frames) had been destroyed. Whittaker said that B's real name was well-known in Nottinghamshire, as well as that of others involved in the 'business'.

B had also met the delegate called Taylor, from Royton on the 4th January. He described the desperation of people in Royton, saying the were ready to fight, and that 'nothing Ealse will do', but that they looked to Manchester to give a lead.

10th January 1812: “Address of the Plain Silk Hands, to the Gentlemen Hosiers," Nottingham

THE ADDRESS

OF THE PLAIN SILK HANDS,

TO THE

GENTLEMEN HOSIERS,

CONCERNED

In the Manufacturing of Plain Silk Hose and Gloves.

GENTLEMEN—Urged by the pressure of the Times, and the Encouragement of some of you, we beg leave to state the Grievances which many of us are labouring under; at the same time hope and you will call a Meeting of yourselves, to take into your most serious Consideration the great Evils of which we complain—Evils not only grievous to ourselves, but highly injurious to the fair and upright Hosier; a statement of plain Facts need but little glossary to explain them, as the making what is termed inferior Work on fine gauged frames, has destroyed the comforts of our Families, is a fact too well known to be denied. By making such Work on those frames, we are compelled to have finer Silk, and then if set on the regulated number of Jacks, the Hose become too Small for the Size intended; to remedy this, we are ordered to widen our Frames by some four Jacks, others eight, giving us 1d. for four, and 2d. for eight Jacks, as supposed Remuneration for extra labour. Here then let us examine the case as it really is, beginning with Women's 24 Work, which by your own Regulation, bearing Date the 14th November, 1809, is to be set on 120 jacks. This work made from too fine a Gauge as above stated, if ordered to widen eight Jack, we receive 2d. extra, and then become the exact number of Jacks, with the same sized Silk and Quality, in every shape, (BUT PRICE,) as for Women’s 26 Work, for which, when Chevened, the difference between 24 and 26 Work, is 10d. per pair extra; here our loss is 8d. per Pair, and in finer Work still more; and permit us to say, that in the case of Plain Silk Gloves, the Evil is not less grievous. Thus, while every Necessary of Life has been advancing to a great Amount, and all other Manufacturers have been raising their Wages, we are suffering a shameful Abatement.

Gentlemen, these Evils do exist, and loudly call for your interference. The distressed State of many of our Families, compels us to call upon you to rescue them from a State of little better than Starvation, well knowing without your aid, all our efforts will prove unavailing.

If, at your Meeting, you will condescend to listen to our Proposals to remedy the above Evils, by a Deputation from the Trade, or by Writing, we shall be ever thankful, and pledge ourselves to cease complaining, if we do not prove the existence of these and other Impositions.

By Order of the Committee,

WM. LOCK, Chairman.
WM. CRUMP, Secretary.

Nottingham, January 10th, 1812.

9th January 1812: Reward notice for Wilsthorpe burglary

BURGLARY.

ONE HUNDRED POUNDS REWARD.

WHEREAS on Monday morning the 6th instant January, 1812, about half past Two o'clock, the House of Mr. THOMAS THEOBALD, of WILSTROP, in the county of Derby, was broken into by three Men armed with Pistols, and robbed of Forty-five pounds in Notes, Thirty-six Shillings in silver, three Silver Table Spoons, eight Silver Tea Spoons, one pair Silver Sugar Tongs, all the best Linen, Wearing Apparel, and a Cheese.

Notice is hereby Given,

That a Reward of THIRTY POUNDS is hereby offered by the Inhabitants of Wilstrop, and a Reward of TWENTY POUNDS by the principal Inhabitants of Breaston, (in addition to the FIFTY POUNDS Reward offered by the Prince Regent,) to anyone giving Information of the Offenders, to be paid on Conviction.—And if one of the Parties concerned will impeach his Accomplices, he shall on Conviction be entitled to the above Reward, and the best means used to obtain his Pardon.

The Robbers were well-dressed;—one was a lusty Man, and had on a dark-coloured Great Coat, light-coloured Breeches, and Stockings and Shoes. The others had dark coloured Coats, (not Great Coats,) like coloured Breeches, and had on Stockings and Shoes. Each had a Handkerchief tied round the Neck and lower part of the Face as high as the Mouth. They were young Men, apparently from twenty to thirty years of age.

8th January 1812: Windmill attacked at Bulwell Forest, arson at Bagthorpe

On Wednesday evening the 8th January, a windmill at Bulwell Forest was broken into, and some of the machinery was damaged.

At Bagthorpe Farm, a barn belonging to a Mrs Dakin was set alight and largely destroyed, along with the contents.

8th January 1812: Two more men committed for frame-breaking

On Wednesday 8th January, two men were committed to Nottingham Gaol charged with machine-breaking. William Carnell and Joseph Maples were charged with entering the house of John Braithwaite, a framework-knitter, at Basford on the 3rd January and destroying 7 stocking-frames there. Upon being taken into custody, one of the men was found to have in his possession a pistol belonging to Lord Middleton.

7th January 1812: Derbyshire burglar, Thomas Draper, committed to Derby Gaol

On Monday 7th January Thomas Draper, a Derbyshire Framework-knitter originally from Heanor, was committed to Derby Gaol. He had been charged with committing burglary at the home of Samuel Hunt, of Ockbrook Mill on the 22nd December 1811. The arrest and committal of Draper would later prove to be highly significant.

7th January 1812: Burglary at Wilsthorpe, Derbyshire

At 2.30 a.m.on Monday 7th January, 3 men broke into the home of the well-to-do Mr Theobald of Wilsthorpe in Derbyshire. Gaining entry through the kitchen window, they made their way to the parlour, where Theobald slept - Theobald awoke to find a pistol aimed at his head, and threats of death hurled at him, if he tried to resist. Two of the burglars went upstairs, making similar threats towards Theobald's daughters, and proceeded to search the house for valuables, with which they later escaped.

6th January 1812: More frames broken at Old Radford & Arnold

Luddites were raging night after night in the new year. On Monday 6th January, 13 frames were destroyed at Old Radford, and five at Arnold.

6th January 1812: Steel traps at Locko Park

LOCKO PARK.

STEEL TRAPS AND SPRING GUNS.

NOTICE is hereby Given, that, in consequence of the daring and repeated Attacks made upon the House and Premises of John Brentnall, at Locko Grange, and there being no Public Road through his Yards, STEEL TRAPS and SPRING GUNS will be regularly set upon all the Premises, as well as in and upon all the Woods and Grounds belonging to W.D. Lowe, Esq.

January 6th, 1812.

5th January 1812: Arson at Mansfield

On the evening of Sunday 5th January, a hay stack belonging to a Mr Dodsley from Mansfield was set alight. The stack weighed 20 tons and was partially destroyed in the resulting fire before it could be extinguished. A reward of £400 was later offered for information about the arsonist(s).

5th January 1812: Frame-breaking in Nottingham and Old Radford

The town of Nottingham was raided again on Sunday 5th January, when Luddites destroyed 2 lace frames - at the end of the raid, they fired off their pistols and muskets. The owner had been paying his employees in 'truck'.

In the evening, 2 frames were broken at Old Radford

4th January 1812: Attempted assassination at New Radford

On the evening of Saturday 4th January, an attempt was made to kill a Constable at New Radford. The man was asleep when he was roused by voices outside his window - the strangers called out to him that Luddites were in a nearby house and when he appeared at a window fired a shot from a pistol. The shot missed him, but did lodge in his window frame: the assassins fled.

4th January 1812: Frames destroyed at Basford, Bulwell, Hucknall, Nottingham & Heanor

The new year was seeing an increasing urgency to the destruction of stocking frames by Luddites. On the afternoon of Saturday 4th January at 3 p.m., one frame was destroyed in Basford. The same afternoon, 2 frames were smashed at Bulwell, not long before they were due to be transported to Nottingham for the greater security the town offered.

In the evening, Luddites destroyed 7 frames at Hucknall Torkard, with the ironworks of 2 of the frames being taken away. Meanwhile, in the town of Nottingham, 1 lace frame was destroyed in Pomfret Street, and another in Pearl Street.

Luddites were also at work again in Derbyshire, destroying a number of stocking frames there.

3rd January 1812: Frame-breaking at Basford

Large numbers of stocking frames had been broken at Basford over the past few months, and the new year was to be no exception. On the Friday evening 3rd January, 9 frames were destroyed in the village.

3rd January 1812: The Nottingham Review responds to accusations of encouraging rioters

We are not in the habit of abtruding ourselves on the notice of our readers, nor would this be proper, excepting on extraordinary occasions. An extraordinary one now presents itself; and we feel ourselves called upon, imperiously called upon, by a most unwarranted attack upon the REVIEW, and consequently upon its proprietor; and this from an individual, from whom we had been led to expect better treatment.

On Friday last, the REVIEW was voted out of the News Room of this place.* The motion of this extraordinary act, was made by a Magistrate, whose name, from motives of delicacy, for the present at least, we will conceal. The ostensible reason given for the expulsion of the REVIEW, is, “That in its report of the late outrages, it has given a colouring to the depredations of the rioters, which has tended to encourage rather than suppress them.” We think the present moment not the most proper season to discuss this point. While the parties are at strife, and during the ferment which these tumultuous proceedings have occasioned, it is not the time for dispassionate reflection. Manufacturers and workmen, magistrates and people, have all their different feelings, according to the circumstances in which they stand; nor ought the opinion of any one of these to be taken as the standard of truth. When the ferment shall have subsided, will be the time to re-consider these disputes; and then, we presume, our statements will be deemed more impartial, than some people at the present imagine; and in general they will be found to have been essentially correct. We say, essentially correct; for where is the Journalist that is not subject to occasional errors. We here beg leave to introduce a quotation from our REVIEW, of November 15, 1811, in proof of our determined opposition to violence and outrage.

“We would beg leave to state, as an axion founded on the everlasting standard of universal justice, and which ought to govern every man in his political reasonings, that when the barrier which protects individual property is broken down and disregarded, the reign of anarchy begins; which, of all the tyrannies that can afflict mankind, is the most horrible, and of course all to be the most shunned. Here then this ought to be taken as our manifesto against the practice in question.”

It will be necessary, however, to notice two or three particulars, in our report of the proceedings at the funeral of Wesley, (see REVIEW, as above) which have been the subject of censure, and severe and illiberal animadversion. When the paper of the above date was published, Mr. Sutton was more than 120 miles from home; he returned, however, on the day after its publication, and had not been arrived more than half an hour, when he was requested to attend upon two gentlemen, but for what purpose he was at a loss to guess. At this interview, he was charged with having grossly misrepresented the conduct of a gentleman in high office, and the magistrates who attended at the funeral. The passages pointed out, as being obnoxious, are the following.

“The High Sheriff, the Under Sheriff, and about half a dozen magistrates were on the spot, attended by a posse of constables and about 30 mounted Dragoons, who all proceeded with the funeral to the church yard;”

“About the time that the corpse was lowering into the grave, the High Sheriff proclaimed that an hour had elapsed since the reading of the Riot Act, and informed the multitude, that those that did not instantly disperse, should be taken into custody as rioters;”

Mr. S. not having had an opportunity of perusing the account, which had been written by a person who occasionally collects the home news, he could not then judge of the accuracy of the charge, but observed he was sorry if any mis-statements had been given, and assured them it must have been done inadvertently, and without any design but that of giving correct information; and that he would most certainly correct any errors that might, in his absence, have been thus committed. With these acknowledgements, the gentleman seems satisfied; only it was observed, this ought to be done immediately by a hand-bill, expressive of his sorrow for the supposed errors. His feelings, on this proposal, rose up in formidable opposition; but he merely remarked, whatever on enquiry and investigation may be deemed right to be done, should be done. After this, Mr. S. had an interview with one of the gentleman, and several notes passed between the parties, which are present are not important to the public. The last by Mr. S. was to the following effect:

“I have made it my business to enquire concerning those parts of our statement of the transactions which took place at the interment of Wesley, and which you pointed out as being incorrect, and have conversed with three persons+, who were on the spot, and who were eye and ear witnesses to the whole transaction, and they all confirm the statement given in the REVIEW, on which account I cannot, at present, consent to retract any part of them; but if you, Sir, or any of your friends still think we have made any mis-statements, and will give what you deem correct, the same shall have a place in the columns of the NOTTINGHAM REVIEW.”

The statement was declined, and here the correspondence ended.

We have entered the more largely into this, because the foregoing quotations are what have been principally objected to; we say principally, for objections have been made to other parts, by different parties, according to their various interests and feelings. Our invariable rule, however, has been, and we still need to adhere to the same line of conduct, viz. to pay no attention to partizans or cavaliers, whose minds are never at rest, but are “like the troubled sea, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.” Nothing can be done to please these gentleman; and were we to hearken to their complaints, we should be circumstanced as the old man was with his ass. The independent manner in which we have conducted our paper, refusing to lend our aid to any particular party, any further than they have had truth on their side, has raised it in the estimation of candid and reflecting men, and given it such an extensive circulation, and share of public patronage, as to render it invulnerable to all the attacks of those whose minds are what with prejudice, or who are actuated by interested motives.

We wish to observe here, that we always keep our ear open at least, to the monitions of friends. We are always obliged when they call upon us, and give us their advice; and we have of this sort, whose friendship we highly esteem, and beg leave to thank them for their favours.

*It is right the reader should be informed that not more than 40 persons present at this meeting, though the subscribers amount to 120, consequently the expulsion of the REVIEW cannot be considered as the act of the Subscribers. We beg leave here to introduce an extract from a letter written by a gentleman of the first respectability, to Mr. SUTTON, whose a subscriber to the News Room:—

“It is impossible to hear, without indignation, the decision of the ——— Faction, on a recent occasion; however it is consolatory to know, that the interest and principles of the REVIEW were advocated by those of the first character among us.”

+ It is been said that these three persons are framework-knitters; this, however, is not true–for one is a hair-dresser, another is a tailor, and the third a hosier.

2nd January 1812: Frame destroyed at Wollaton

On the evening of Thursday 2nd January, the first stocking frame of the new year was broken. The location was near to the toll bar at Wollaton, with the iron works from the frame being thrown into the nearby canal.

2nd January 1812: Reward notice for burglary at Lewcote Gate, West Hallam

FIFTY POUNDS REWARD.

BURGLARY.

WHEREAS a Number of Persons did in the Night between Saturday the 21st, on Sunday the 22d days of December instant, break and enter the Dwelling House and Shop of Mrs ELIZABETH HANDLEY, at Lewcote Gate; in the Parish of West Hallam, in the county of Derby, and did feloniously carry away from thence a considerable quantity of Shop Goods, together with all the Money in the House.

Notice is hereby Given.

That a Reward of FIFTY POUNDS will be paid on application to MR. BIRCH, of Smalley, to any person who shall give such information as may lead to the Discovery and Conviction of the Offenders.

Description of Three of the Robbers, who with Handkerchiefs tied over their Faces, and armed with Pistols, entered and plundered Mrs Handley's Bed Room.

One was a remarkable muscular man, & stood about 5 feet nine or 10 inches high, his legs and thighs were uncommonly strong and fleshy. He had on a light-coloured jean coat much resembling a shooting jacket; a very light-coloured pair of corduroy breeches, which appeared too straight at the knee, being unbuttoned; and a pair of ash coloured stockings. His step was very firm and heavy.

Another appeared a stripling, about 5 feet, 5 or 6 inches high. Had on a pair of breaches either of cloth or Jean, a dark coat, unlike stockings; his hands appeared rather delicate.

The third was in the middle stature, and dressed apparently the same as the last mentioned person; and both of them wore glazed hats.

ARTICLES, &c. STOLEN.—Cash and notes the amount of £6 12 shillings, and upwards.—Several pieces of ancient silver coin, among which were South Sea Shilling, and 13 pence halfpenny piece.—One gold wedding ring, filed into two—One gold ring, set with a large square diamond, and marked in the inside of the ring with the letters (M.D.)

FROM THE SHOP.—1 hundredweight of sugar, tied up in pound and half pound packets. Several pounds of tea. About four stone of soap. Upwards of 1 hundredweight of rice. About six pounds of tobacco. A roll of blue cotton. Some handkerchiefs. One pair of worsted stockings – and considerable quantities of flour, meal, bacon, cheese, butter, bread, and candles.