17th June 1816: The prosecution solicitor, William Bolland, sends his first report from Ely Special Commission

Ely June 17. 1816.

Dear Becket

We got to Cambridge about 4; the Judges arrived at 2. At 7 this Morning we started for this place. The Judges were met about 2 miles from the town, and escorted by a very fair collection of persons on Horseback to the Bishop’s Palace. There are at present in the Cathedral hearing a Sermon from Sir: H. B. Dudley. In a few minutes I expect to be summoned to the Court to hear Mr: [Justice] Abbott charge the Grand Jury, which we are given to understand is composed of some of the most respectable Men of the Isle. The Court is; (as you may suppose it to be, in so confined a Jurisdiction) miserably small and inconvenient, altho great alterations have been made in it to render it, as commodious as possible. I still however doubt whether the Judges will sit in it, The doors, and windows are so situated, as to make it dangerous for Mr: [Justice] Abbott to venture upon a trial if it, as the least draught of Air affects his Eyes so far, as to produce blindness, and he is too cautious I think to run any risk of inducing such a calamity. As however he has not seen it, he has not yet decided. If our place of sitting is changed I presume the Cathedral will be resorted to for accommodation.—I am going into Court, and will finish my letter when I come back.

It is determined to sit in the Court house, a few further improvements being made in it. Mr: [Justice] Abbott gave a most excellent charge to the Grand Jury, the great respectability of which justified all we were led to expect of it. I hear from Mr. [Justice] Borrough that the Judges were met by the Bishop, and every thing has been done to give solemnity to their entrance at the opening of the Commission.

The post is going, so adieu. I have enclosed or, I should rather say, sent you a Calendar in order that when I refer to the different prisoners in my future letters you may have a guide to their offences.

I am Dear Beckett
Very truly yours
W Bolland

[To: John Beckett]

17th June 1816: The Ely Special Commission commences

The Bury & Norwich Post of 26th June 1816 carried a full report of the Ely Special Commission, which commenced on Monday 17th June 1816:

SPECIAL ASSIZES AT ELY.
MONDAY, June 17.

This day, at 10 o'clock, the Hon. Mr. Justice Abbott, Mr. Justice Burrough, and Edw. Christian, Esq. Chief Justice of the Isle of Ely, arrived in that city, (As mentioned in last week's paper) preceded by a cavalcade consisting of the principal inhabitants, and immediately repaired to the Court-house, where they opened a Special Commission for the trial of the persons charged with having riotously assembled, and committed various felonies at Littleport and Ely. The Commission having been read, the Judges went to the Palace, and breakfasted with the Bishop of Ely.—At half-past 11, the procession moved from the Palace to the Cathedral, preceded 50 of the principal inhabitants, who attended on foot, with white wands: The Judges and their attendants, with the Bishop of Ely, and Hugh Robert Evans, Esq. the Deputy High Bailiff, were met in the Cathedral by the Dean and Prebendaries. Divine service was read by the Precentor, the Rev. W. Metcalfe; in the course of which Handel’s beautiful air of "Why do the Heathen so furiously rage together," with the Chorus of "Let us break their bonds asunder," were performed by the choir—Previous to the sermon, an anthem, composed for the occasion by Mr. H. Skeats, the organist, from the 96th Psalm, v. 10 "Tell it out among the people that the Lord is King," was admirably sung by Mr. Ling.—An excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. Sir H. B. Dudley, Bart. Prebendary of Ely, from 1. Tim. i. 9. “The law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient".—After the sermon, the choir performed Handel’s, grand chorus, "Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth," 

The Court re-assembled at one o'clock, and the preliminary business being concluded, and the Grand Jury sworn, Mr. Justice Abbot addressed them to the following effect:—

“Gentlemen of the Grand Jury,

You have been called together at this unusual period, and with the present solemnities, in consequence of some very daring acts of outrage committed by various misguided individuals in this town and its neighbourhood, which must be still fresh in your recollection. In contemplating the nature of these atrocities, it is impossible to consider without commendation the conductors of those prompt and efficacious measures by which, after it had domineered for several days together, the spirit of tumult and devastation was finally subdued. The natural progress of triumphant insurrection is to increase in fury, and to grow larger in its demands, until from robbery it proceeds to the burning of houses and the murder of their inhabitants. Although no offences of this last and highest kind will be laid before you, yet it appears by the depositions that some crimes of a very deep die have been committed. Of some of these, considering the situation of their perpetrators, it may be difficult to penetrate the motive, and it may be, as often happens in such cases, that it was hardly known to the offenders themselves. The pretence fur these lawless disturbances seems to have been the necessity of advance in the wages of husbandry: but the circumstances of some among the offenders do not correspond with the supposition of such an object. It had happened, that the hardships necessarily incident to a state of poverty, were aggravated by the peculiarity of the seasons, and the temper of mind which was thus produced appears to have been inflamed by designing persons into a settled hostility against the higher orders of society.—This spirit soon manifested itself in the destruction of property, as if labour could he encouraged, and wages raised, by the ruin of those who are to employ the one and to pay the other. In no country in the world are there so many institutions for the humane purpose of administering to the wants and necessities of the poor—in no county does both public and private bounty flow in so many streams for the comfort and relief of the distressed classes of the community. It is to be observed, too, that the money which was taken from individuals on this melancholy occasion was not applied to the support of the families of the offenders, but was consumed in riot and intoxication, by which the blood was heated, the understanding confused, and the spirit inflamed to acts of further and more violent aggression against the persons and property of their neighbours. The number of persons engaged in the commission of these atrocities is so considerable that it has been deemed necessary thus suddenly to call you together, in order that the innocent may be restored to liberty without delay, the guilty brought to punishment, and the peaceable inhabitant convinced that the laws are effectual for his protection and his vindication. It is the first time that such a proceeding has been deemed necessary in this place, and I sincerely hope it may be the last. I am not aware that the task which you are now called upon to execute, however painful, will be attended with any extraordinary difficulties. Judging from the depositions which lie before me, the capital felonies which will be presented before you resolve themselves into the three different crimes, viz. burglary, robbery from the person, and stealing in a dwelling-house. It is fit, however, that I should here maker one observation, which is, that there are many offences committed by large assemblies of men, in which the guilt is not confined to the individual whole hand executes the felonious act. All those who are present at its commission, who favour it with their approbation an concurrence, or who aid and encourage by their voice and action, are involved in the same legal culpability. This is a principle dictated by reason, and established in law; for without the presence of others the actual perpetrator might not have been able to accomplish the criminal purpose, or might have been deterred from attempting it by the exertions of the well-disposed. With regard to the particular crime of burglary, it may be proper for me to remark, that it consists in the breaking into a house at night with intent to commit some felony. What the nature of this felony may be is not material; nor is it necessary, in order to constitute burglary, that the felonious intention should have been carried into effect. The circumstances under which the breaking at night has been effected, must form the evidence of the intent with which it was done. All who then enter are equally guilty; and the same rule applies to those who keep watch whilst others enter. Even if the entry should he made in consequence of the door being opened by the owner himself under the influence of artifice or threats, it is in contemplation of law a burglary; for the law will not suffer its wholesome restraints to be evaded by the shifts and contrivances of a felon. Upon the subject of robbery from the person, it may be important for you to inquire, whether the money raised by a riotous assembly is to be considered, in the cases to which your attention will be drawn, as a voluntary contribution of the individuals from whom it was taken, or as extorted by violence, or under reasonable fear. In the consideration, however, of what amounts to this offence, it is not necessary to advert either to the time or place of its commission. To steal in a dwelling-house has been made a capital felony by many statutes, but it is necessary that the larceny should be actually committed. Without troubling you, however, by reciting a series of legislative enactments on this subject, I should advise you generally to return the several bills as they are presented to you, and leave any difficulty of legal construction to that more accurate investigation which it will afterwards receive in this place. On the nature of ordinary riots and breach of the public peace, you can require no instruction from me: but on every occasion, as well as the present, the Court will be happy to afford too all the assistance in its power. With regard to the description of proof which will be laid before you, there is but little to be remarked, further than that there is no reason to believe it will in most cases be satisfactory—the evidence of eye-witnesses upon facts done in open day and without any disguise, in some instances by neighbour upon neighbour, so bold and daring was the violation of the public peace. If the evidence of accomplices in these transactions should be offered to you, you will receive it with caution, and give credit to it only when confirmed or supported by more unexceptionable testimony. I cannot conclude this address without exhorting you to proceed with a calm and temperate, but with a firm and manly determination—on the one hand, not to conclude, from your Indignation at guilt, too hastily against the prisoners; and on the other, that the serious nature of the charges shall not deter you from presenting them to the justice of your country. It is of the highest importance to the peace and safety, not only of this isle, but of the surrounding country, that all who are present on this solemn inquiry, and all who read the account of its proceedings (and there are few parts of the kingdom in which it will not be read) may he convinced by the awful lesson which may here be taught, that whatever wild or chimerical notions may prevail of the power of an armed multitude, the law is too strong for its assailants: and that, however triumphant or destructive their sway for a few days, these who defy the law will ultimately be compelled to submit either to its justice or its mercy.”

[In the course of this eloquent charge, the learned Judge adverted to the meritorious conduct of Sir Henry Bate Dudley, Bart. to the judicious promptitude of whose personal exertions, and numerous inhabitants of Ely. the country was greatly indebted for its deliverance.] 

The Grand Jury then retired, and the Court adjourned till the next morning.—Messrs. Gurney, Bolland, and Richardson, were Counsel for the Crown, and Messrs. Hunt, Hart, and Whittred, for the prisoners.  

15th June 1816: Two men committed to Nottingham Gaol for Luddite attack at New Radford

On Saturday 15th June 1816, two men - John Chettle & Thomas Glover - were committed to Nottingham Gaol accused of takig part in the recent Luddite attack at New Radford. They would both stand trial at the forthcoming Nottingham Assizes.

Their trial would be one of the most extraordinary spectacles in British legal history.

15th June 1816: 'On the Impolicy of Using Thrashing Machines'

THRASHING MACHINES.

To the Printers of the Norfolk Chronicle.

GENTLEMEN,—In the Farmers’ Journal of this week is a letter "ON THE IMPOLICY OF USING THRASHING MACHINES," which I earnestly recommend to your notice, for insertion in the Norfolk Chronicle. As I have, through the whole of the late winter, endeavoured to discourage the use of these machines in this neighbourhood, letter may by some persons be attributed to me. I beg leave to state that I do not know who is the author of it; that I entirely agree with him in the sentiments he has expressed, and thank him having made them public.

I am, Gentlemen, your’s, &c.

JEHOS. POSTLE.

Colney, June 12, 1816.

Norfolk, May 17, 1816.

SIR,—On reading a Letter in your Journal for last Monday, from your Correspondent S. requesting a more explicit explanation of the construction of the Cradle Churn, and the portable Thrashing Machine, exhibited at an Agricultural meeting at Otley, Yorkshire, I was so much surprised at the purport of it, I must beg of you to allow me to make a few remarks thereon.

It is not my intention to enter into the merits or demerits of the two implements; I have no doubt but the machinery itself is worthy of notice; my object is to endeavour to point out as far as I am able the glaring impropriety of introducing, at this time, new models of Thrashing Machines, on which implement I mean to confine my remarks. A few years since, Machines, upon the improved construction, might have been of real utility, inasmuch as they supplied the deficiency of labourers, but no further, even at that time; but at the present crisis, I conceive, indeed I am fully convinced, they tend to increase the farmers’ burdens. In this county, and from what I observe in your Journals, it is universal complaint, that the poor rates are considerably increased, and at a time when they are less easily paid. What is the cause of such an increase? The primary cause is, I conceive, want of employment. I have known instances last winter, and even this spring, of strong men who have been set to such work as not to be enabled to earn sufficient, by considerable, to maintain their families; at the end of the week these men were, and I think I do not err if I say still are, authorised by the Magistrates of the Hundred in which I live, to demand of the overseer of their respective parishes, the money they had earned to be made up 2s. for each individual in the family, by which means a desire of maintaining that independent spirit, which it is desirable a poor man should have, by endeavouring to bring up his family without parochial assistance, is entirely lost sight of:—whereas, if the old custom of thrashing corn were universally adopted, work would be more plentiful, the labourer could be better paid, and he would have the heartfelt satisfaction of gaining his livelihood by his own industry and labour. If every expence is fairly estimated, it will be found corn may be thrashed as cheap by hand as by a machine; I am confident it is the most regular and therefore the most desirable plan. All agricultural improvements are at a stand, except what are absolutely necessary; and having a great quantity of men spread in the country more than a few years since, such a change must ultimately take place.

There is another objection, and not a trifling one, to Thrashing Machines, which I cannot omit mentioning: the barn in which one is placed is the nursery of vice, and in that may be considered a national nuisance. Girls of different ages are the persons generally employed; on such an occasion, their morals are degraded, they become unfit for service, they have a dislike to any sort of confinement, and may be considered as useless members of society.

The number of accidents is also a most serious objection, which ought to have great weight in favour of the abolition of Machines: during the past winter, into neighbouring parishes here, two most dreadful accidents have happened—one person killed on the spot, the other a limb literally torn off and otherwise much hurt, and we are repeatedly hearing of something of the kind in different parts of the country.—Such facts as these will surely have some weight with farmers in general.

I am, Sir, your’s respectfully,
MAGISTER.

12th June 1816: Threatening letter to Needham Bray & Co from 'Edward Ludd', Hinckley, Leicestershire

To
Needham and Bray & Co

I learn you hare about to Bate your hands of their Prizes this week and by that you hare guilty of death—and you may both—repare for that change as you will not be suffred to live much longer if you purceed, sooner turn off.—

From me
Edward
Ludd

Hinckley June 12th.—

12th June 1816: A Brandon magistrates responds to John Moseley's letter to the press the previous week

TO THE EDITOR OF THE BURY POST.

SIR,

AS the resident Magistrate in Brandon, I feel myself called upon to express my concern, that reports are not only industriously spread, but accredited, to fix the origin and existence of all the riots in this neighbourhood, and even in the more distant parts of Suffolk and the Isle of Ely, upon the inhabitants of this town, because they impute a neglect of duty to the Magistrate residing here.

I believe the Assize Calendars will not shew more crimes to have been committed in the town of Brandon of late, than in any other parishes in the county.—But the strongest refutation of those reports, injurious to the Magistrate and the principal Inhabitants of the parish, is, that although charges are brought generally against the inhabitants of Brandon, for instigating and abetting the pre-existing and subsequent riots, and although I have used every means in my power to investigate and ascertain the truth of the reports, no proof has yet been substantiated before me, or information yet laid, against any individual of this town, which might on conviction of such offender, have led to the suppression of the riots in other places, and the prevention of them in the town of Brandon, by the immediate application and exercise of the Civil Authorities.

I am, Sir, your obedient humble Servant,

J. R. BURCH.

Brandon, June 7th, 1816.

11th June 1816: Henry Enfield reports the recent Luddite attack to the Home Office

Sir

With great Regard I sit down to report to you, for the Information of Lord Sidmouth, that the Luddites have again commenced their lawless outrages. Last Sunday morning about two oClock a party of them, consisting of about four or five & twenty, attacked, at the same time, two adjoining Houses at New Radford, in the immediate vicinity of Nottingham, broke to shivers the outer-Doors, & went up Stairs into the workshops, where they destroyed a great number of very valuable Lace-Frames, & a large quantity of Lace. They flashed a pistol at the woman of one of the Houses, who threw open the window, & upon her shutting it they sent a Volley of Stones at the Windows – They were in the Houses nearly half an hour – frequently using the word "Ned", & when they had completed their work of mischief, they mustered before the Door, gave a Shout, fired off two pieces, & then went away — The Daughters of the woman of the House before alluded to, spoke with great certainty to two of the persons engaged, & the two men are in Custody. on Saturday night they are to be again examined before the Magistrates of the County

The revival of these dreadful Scenes has, naturally, excited strong expectations of their early repetition; & the magistrates of Nottingham have in consequence been actively employed in making the [best] police-measures for their suppression – but the facility with which these practised Banditti heretofore so generaley eluded Detection, rinders the watching for them an almost hopeless Task — It is impossible that we should be without apprehension of popular Tumult, when we look at the unemployed & dreadfully distressed State of the Bulk of the frameworkknitting mechanics in this Town & neighbourhood. At present however there is not anything overt

They have been preparing a petition to Parliament for the redress of some alleged Grievances in the manufacture; & may, perhaps, be allayed by the expectation of Relief.—

Under these lowering appearances, it is a Source of great comfort & satisfaction to the magistrates, to see the military Strength in Nottingham so competent—They beg that Lord Sidmouth will be pleased to continue to them this important Force (which may be said to be constantly operating in Check) untill the prospect [shall] brighten—

I am
Sir
Your most obedt Servant
H Enfield
Nottingham 11 June 1816

[To] Jas. Beckett Esq
U. Secry of State
&c &c &c

10th June 1816: Informer's report on Nottinghamshire Luddites

Monday 10th June 1816.—

I was not with those who broke the Frames at Radford yesterday morning & do not know to a certainty who any of them are, but from the conduct and expressions of 3 or 4 men in whose Company I have been to day whose names I do not yet know but whose persons am well acquainted with I have good reason to believe were some of them. It was at the Odd Fellows (formerly the Pelican) Radford, I saw them. A man came in that they call a Constable, and one of these men has been with Badder when I have been with him. He is about 5 [feet] 5 or 6 inches high, franfreckled, longish mouth. A Blue Great Coat with large buttons upon it but no small Coat underneath. He said the man who came in, supposed to be a Constable and who went with the Landlady into a Room privately was come to Pump the Mistress. I told him they were foolish to trust her and he said in reply she was as good a Pump as old Mrs Seymour.—There was another man sat in the House whom he said they set to get his piece off by Candle light on Saturday night till ten o'Clock I think he said, at Wrights, as I understand him before his Frame was broke and I understood him that that man had a Brother whose Frame was saved.—He said they have taken two but we have got good evidence to prove one was in Narrow Marsh and the other at the Odd Fellows at the time the Frames were broke. I could not learn any of their names a man with thick lips he said acted as Waiter on Saturday night and that he supposed saved him from being apprehended. Some of them I understood got into the Water House and had some ale there and dressed in their disguises.—

Some Chaps came from Hucknall to Bulwell last Sunday but one — Three of the named Clarke, two of them brothers and the other their Father – They asked me if I thought all the wide Frames in Bulwell could be broken in one night,—where they were and how many there were – I told them I thought they could all be broke in one night but could not tell exactly where they all stood. They asked to learn where they are and told me that Arnold is quite ready and they were ready at Hucknall and were doing their Exercise every night. I said I would get to know if I could. I expect they will want me to pilot them when they are ready and have fixed to do the Job. I was at Arnold last Thursday and was with Geo. Shaw and Fell. They spoke against doing anything till the Petition had gone to Parliament, and they spoke as if the Petition was of little use but they had better try. I have not seen Badder since I was here last. I learnt that they broke the Frames yesterday morning because they gave abated prices and the woman had so many girls prentice at running.—

9th June 1816: Luddites destroy 19 Lace-frames at New Radford, Nottinghamshire

On Sunday 9th June 1816, Luddites undertook an action in Nottinghamshire for the first time since September 1814, almost two years.

The Leicester Chronicle of 15th June 1816 carried an article about the attack (most likely from the Nottingham Review):

Daring Outrage.—On Saturday night last, about one o'clock, a party of men, disguised and armed with various sorts of weapons, forced the door of Mr. William Wright, of New Radford, when about seven of them, having obtained a light, rushed up stairs into the workshop, or shops, where they demolished twelve point net lace-frames; and with such vengeance did they exercise their lawless authority, that the frames, which were principally of superior worth, are rendered of very little value. It is very singular, that three of the these frames belong to Mr. Benjamin Topham, of Pentrich, Derbyshire, and were broken about four years ago, in his shop, at that village, along with a number more, two of which have made very little work, and the other none since they were repaired. One of the other frames belongs to Mr. Platts of Nottingham, four to Mr. Wright, and three to Mr, Waynman, lace-manufacturer of Nottingham, who is Mr. Wright's principal employer, and one to Mr. Cole, lace-manufacturer. The loss thus occasioned must be very great; but this is not all, for the depredators, not content with the mischief thus done, very materially damaged or destroyed (principally the latter) about thirty-one yards of net which was upon the frames, and took away six yards. The clock face in the house was struck with great violence with a hammer, and the corner cupboard was beat in pieces. Mr. Wright was away from home. Mrs. Wright and family were kept in their respective rooms while the mischief was going on, but, as these nightly violators of property and domestic repose had twice to go down stairs for a light, the guarded parties had opportunity of seeing them, and they agree in stating that seven men were in the shop, while Mrs. Wright thinks she saw twelve men that stood watch on the outside.—When the workmen, as those, we understand, are called that actually do the mischief, had completed their purpose at Mr. Wright's, they immediately went in the house of Mr. Mullen, close by, the door of which they broke into pieces, and then rushed up into the workshop, where they demolished seven point net lace-frames, six of which belonged to Mr. Waynman above named, and one to Mr. Mullen—one was left uninjured, and is generally understood, from the watchword of alarm being given from without. They also took from Mr. Mullen's, fifteen yards of net and a shirt, and left an instrument behind them like a tomahawk; they also broke the clock. It is proper to state, that the depredators, in order to render their mischief more complete, broke many of the globes, which contain a mixture of water and aquafortis, and which are used by the workmen in winter evenings to add to the brilliancy of their light, and cast the corroding contents upon the frames.—It seems singular, that neither Mr. Mullen nor his wife heard them; the reason assigned is this, which is a very feasible one, and, from the respectability of Mr. Mullen's character, is universally believed—he had more liquor than he usually takes in an evening, which caused him to sleep very soundly, as he had been in bed about an hour: and Mrs. Mullen, who was also asleep in bed, is very hard of hearing. When these daring offenders had completed the object of their violence, they discharged several pistols—shouted, as though in triumph, and then retired. Two persons are in custody on suspicion.

In fact, Topham of Pentrich had been the target of 3 separate attacks by Luddites during their previous heyday in the midlands.

The Tory Nottingham Journal of 15th June 1816 also carried a (somewhat differing) report about what occurred (which, in this case, was reprinted in the Tory Leicester Journal of 21st June 1816):

Frame Breaking.—We had hoped that the fatal rencontre at New Basford, in the Autumn on 1814, had effectually subdued the spirit of Luddism; and that we should hear no more of these criminal excesses, the commission of which had struck terror throughout this neighbourhood, and placed the lives of all who were concerned therein in perpetual jeopardy during the remainder of their existence. Unfortunately this hope has not been realised; and we have this week the painful duty of announcing a partial renewal of that most atrocious system, and the destruction of eighteen point net lace frames, at New Radford.—In the dead of the night of Saturday last a part of men, armed with pistols, &c. (top the number, it is supposed, of 30 or 40), beset the house of Mr. Wright, in Chapel Street, New Radford, and after placing scouts at the different avenues, a part of them forced open the door and proceeded to demolish the frames in the workshop, which they effectually accomplished. Whilst this was carrying on, others of the part  placed themselves as guards over the inhabitants of the house, in their beds, threatening them with death if they offered to stir, or give the least alarm. A woman, however, on the opposite side of the street, being awakened by the noise then attempted to raise the neighbourhood with her cries, but she was compelled to desist, on some stones being thrown at her accompanied by the snapping of a pistol, which fortunately missed fire. The party then made good their retreat, previous to which they broke an eight-day clock, standing in the house. The frames were employed by Mr. [Waynman]. Besides the above frames, there was a narrow frame in the workshop,m which was left untouched.—Whatever hopes might have been entertained from the effects of the petition forwarded to Parliament, this week, praying for a regulation of the trade, &c. it can scarcely be expected that the representations of the Workmen will meet with much respect, when it is known, that a certain body of them continues arrayed in open hostility to the property of their employers and the laws of the land.

8th June 1816: A Clerk to Norfolk magistrates has concerns that risings are still being planned in East Anglia

My Lord [Suffield]

Mr. Robert Harvey a Farmer & Miller of respectability and considerable property called upon the late this evening to communicate the intelligence which he had been able to collect during the day in Suffolk, considering himself as a marked man if any riot should take place, of which he seems persuaded of the probability. The restlessness is I believe that present confined to the Suffolk side of the Waveney. His Mills are on the river, and it appears to be highly expedient to take measures both the defence of Mr. Harvey's premises and to prevent the mischief from spreading in Norfolk. The same information which I send your Lordship will be communicated early tomorrow morning to Mr. Lee at Dicklebury who is a magistrate for Suffolk and I write my this nights post to Col: Nelthorpe in Norwich to request a detachment of Dragoons if possible to be sent to Harleston as the information which Mr. Harvey has detailed to me more at length than is assembled in a short affidavit which I requested him to write down hastily, bespeaks a degree of regular organization on the border of Suffolk too dangerous to be trifled with. I expect that some of the principal yeoman will arm themselves and be ready to unite if necessary for their mutual Defence, but having no corps means as we shall hardly be able to resist a mob with effect, and therefore I [request] your Lordship to sanction my application for military aid to take such measures for maintaining the peace of the County as your Lordship may think better adapted to the purpose

I have [etc]
John Oldenshaw

Harleston June 8th 1816.—

[affidavit follows]

Norfolk to wit

Robert C Harvey at Aldburgh County Norfolk informs me John Oldenshaw Clerk that he has this day had information from Mr. Gower of Metfield & Mr. Chambers of St James's in Suffolk, that a party of Men about 100 assembled between Nine & Eleven OClk last Thursday [evening] upon a Common call’d Greazy Green—& in their way there did press such poor Men as they met with, telling them if they refused to join them, that their Houses should immediately be destroy’d & that both Mr. Gower & Mr. Chambers had [received] information from those pressed Men, that the Party was headed by two Men arm’d on Horse back & that they met the purpose of fixing upon the Time of Meeting again to destroy the Premises of such People as are obnoxious to them, & that they are determined to destroy the premises of those who do not accompany them, whether Farmers or poor Men, & R. Harvey has had further information, that those Men have sent out Men to different Villages to tempt the Labourers to join them & that Monday evening is the time fix’d for their next Meeting at which it is fear’d they will proceed to carry their threats into execution.—

R. C. Harvey further declares upon his Oath that he believes Mr. Gower & Mr. Chambers to be most respectable Farmers & fully entitled to credit

Robert Harvey

Sworn before me
June 8th 1816
John Oldenshaw—

7th June 1816: General Byng sends an update to the Home Secretary from Colchester

Head Quarters. Eastern district
Colchester June 7th 1816—

My Lord—

Since I reported to you my return to this place on the 2d Inst nothing of importance has occurred, I therefore did not consider it necessary to take up your Lordships time with my correspondence—but as General Elwes informs me, He shall report to you, my having withdrawn the Troops from Clare in Suffolk, where He acts as a Magistrate, I feel myself called on to explain to you what I have done—

A Squadron of the 13th Dragoons is to be this day quartered in Clare, & Sudbury, on their march to Bury—as the former place is not capable of containing many Troops, and as the 20th Dragoons are to march from hence for Hounslow on Monday—I considered it adviseable to withdraw the Detachment of that Regiment from Clare, at the same time reporting my motive for so doing to General Elwes (a compliment I considered due to Him as the Magistrate who applied for Military assistance) and expected a hope that from the present appearance of quietness, He would be able to go on without any further Military aid—informing Him also that Troops would be stationed at Bury, and that this place—from whence he should receive immediate assistance if required—the Party was only to be withdrawn this morning previous to the arrival of the 13th, and I should have been happy to have attached to any representation from Him as to the necessity of replacing the Detachment—and I do not see that my conduct called for any representation being made to you. or to be to the Duke of Grafton, which The General informs me it is His intention to do—

From the report made to me by the Officer of the 20th Dragoons who has been there ten days, as well as from the Officers who preceded him on that duty—I do not believe there is the least necessity for the continuance of the military there—but as a representation is to be made to The Lord Lieutenant of the County—it is my intention to write by this Post to the Duke of Grafton, explaining to His face, as I have done to Your Lordship, my reluctance to have so many small Detachments, without an absolute necessity, at the same time leaving entirely to His decision whether it is necessary to order any other Detachment to Clare and neighbourhood,

I trust this explanation to any report General Elwes may transmit you will be considered satisfactory, and can assure you, that I am not actuated by the slightest idea of any personal opposition to General Elwes, with who I cannot look am not acquainted—but solely from what I consider most advantageous for the general good—

I have [etc]
John Byng
Major General

PS
I beg leave to forward with this a Copy of the report which I have just received from the Officer who is returned with the Detachment from Clare—

J Byng

[To] Rt Honble
The Secretary of State
Home Department

6th June 1816: The Treasury Solicitor reports the mood of Ely to the Home Office

[Lincoln's] Inn
6th June 1816

My dr Sir.

Hobhouse has desired me to send you the inclosed Extract from a Letter received this morning from Mr. Evans the Solicitor at Ely employed to assist in the conduct of the Prosecutions—Hobhouse is not very well & must keep quiet for a few days

[Illegible] My dr Sir

Yours very faithfully

H.C. Litchfield

J. Beckett Esqr
&c &c &c

Extract from a letter from Mr. H.R. Evans to Henry Hobhouse Esq dated Ely—5th June 1816.—

"I wish I could say that I'm convinced that the danger is over.—We are quiet, but it is the silence of sullenness—not of a subdued Spirit, and I shall not be surprized if we have some Stacks, and even Houses burnt—Murmers and Whispers, and sulky Countenances, and insidious companions between Rich and Poor &c &c are among the Symptoms of smothered Revenge. We are upon our Guard, and have a nightly patrole; but as the opening of the Commission approaches our danger and fears will increase."

6th June 1816: Snow falls on Pendle Hill, Lancashire

The Derby Mercury of 4th July 1816 reported on the weather, highlighting how cold it was in 1816 on the verge of summer:

Pendle Hill was covered with a fresh fall of snow on the 6th ult. a circumstance not within the recollection of the oldest person living in that neighbourhood.

The Lancaster Gazette of 8th June 1816 also reflected upon the weather of the previous week:

For above a week past, the weather here has been very cold for the season, with high winds and rain; and on Wednesday afternoon last, a shower of hail fell.—On Thursday morning, the Northern hills appeared to be covered with snow, and the atmosphere still seems as cold as in March or November.

5th June 1816: A Suffolk magistrates expresses concerns about the legal implications of John Moseley's letter to the press

My Lord;

I call your Lordship’s attention to a letter, I this day see published in the County of Suffolk Bury Newspaper, from Mr Mosely of Tofts in Norfolk, to the Duke of Grafton.

If Mr. Mosely is correct in his assertions as to the people of Brandon remaining quiet & that they dispersed upon the riot act being read, (which if I recollect does not appear by the depositions we had the honor to submit to your Lordship by our clerk Mr Wootton Isaacson), I take the liberty of putting it to your Lordship whether or not Mr. Mosely does not remove the felonious part of the charge against the persons committed to Gaol.

I wish your Lordship to understand I by no means want to lessen your confidence in the depositions you have seen upon this subject, but merely to inform you of every particular relating to it at comes within my knowledge. Had I a Bury newspaper I would have forwarded it to you

I have [etc]

J Barker

Newmarket 5 June 1816

5th June 1816: Lord Suffield sends a report about the disturbed Hundreds of Suffolk to Lord Sidmouth

Gunton June 5
1816

My Lord

I beg now to lay before your Lordship the result of the communications that have been made to me by the Magistrates acting for the several Hundreds within this county. Of Thirty Three Hundreds Twenty Eight have remained in a state of tranquillity.—

Of the remaining Five, the Town of Downham in the Hundred of Clacklose and bordering on Cambridgeshire, has been more seriously disturbed than any other in this County,—I understand that Mr. Dering, one of the Magistrates waited on your Lordship to acquaint you with the disorderly state of that neighbourhood, it is the opinion of Mr. Place one of the Magistrates acting for Downham and its vicinity that the riot was occasioned by the sudden increase of the price of Flour, and the inability of the Farmers to employ the Labourers. On the day the disturbance began the Magistrates had ordered the overseers of all the parishes to attend their Meeting at Downham.—

In the Hundred of South Greenhoe a considerable number of Labourers assembled on the 26th [or] 27th of May at Castleacre & Sporle, to obtain an advance of wages and a reduction in the price of Bread, no violence was offered by them, and conciliatory means being adopted, they dispersed quietly. The causes of dissatisfaction were, the lowness of wages, want of employment, and the high price of Bread—

In the Hundred of Grimshoe, the parish of Feltwell was in a very disorderly state for one day, but nothing very serious occurred—

In Hundred of Mayland, the Labourers of some of the Parishes assembled in bodies and shewed a disposition to be riotous but by the interference of the Revd. Mr. Barker of Caston they dispersed without doing any mischief.

In the Hundred of Happing on the day of a meeting of the Magistrates at the House of Industry, a number of people assembled demanding relief in a very disorderly manner but on the Magistrates remonstrating with them, and threatening to read the Riot Act, after a short time they went peaceably away.

In the Hundred of Shropham Four men were committed to the Castle at Norwich on the 27th of May for breaking a Threshing Machine a rescue was threatened, but was not attempted

I hope your lordship will excuse my troubling you so much at length, but I have had some reason to think that this County has been represented to your Lordship as more generally disturbed that has actually been the case. I am of the opinion that the inability of Farmers to employ their usual number of Labourers has been the chief cause of the late riotous proceedings, and which cause, I regret to say, still exists.—The sudden rise of the price of Wheat added much to the discontent.—

To the vigilance and activity shewn by the Magistrates throughout the County I conceived it to be owing, that the Evil has not been of greater magnitude, and I also feel it incumbent upon me to state that your lot to your Lordship, that much [illegible] is due to the different Corps of Yeomanry Cavalry, for there alacrity in assembling and their excellent conduct when called upon to assist the civil power—

I have [etc]

Suffield

[To] Viscount Sidmouth

&c &c &c

5th June 1816: A Norfolk magistrate writes to the press about his role in suppressing disturbances at Brandon

TO THE EDITOR OF THE BURY POST.

SIR,

Tofts Hall, June 2d, 1816.

AS the conduct of the Magistrates at Brandon has been censured by some of the public Newspapers, you will much oblige me by inserting in your next paper my letter to the Lord Lieutenant of the County of Suffolk; wherein are narrated all the transactions at Brandon, so far as they implicate the conduct of your obedient servant,

J. MOSELEY.

MY LORD DUKE,

Mr. Borton yesterday shewed your Grace’s Letter to me; and, as it refers to the reported conduct of the Magistrates, acting for Brandon, where my assistance, as a Magistrate for the county of Suffolk, is occasionally required; I here state all that was done by me towards suppressing the riot there on Thursday the 16th instant, till five o'clock on the following morning.—On Thursday evening, between 8 and 9 o'clock, a constable of Brandon arrived in a chaise at Tofts, in order to convey Mr. Burch to the former place, to suppress a riot: which the constables were unable to subdue. I accompanied Mr. Burch to Brandon: on our arrival we swore in all the inhabitants, that we could collect, special constables; they (to the amount of about 25) reported themselves quite insufficient to quell the tumult, or to detain any rioter in custody. We went into the mob; read the King’s Proclamation, and explained the penalty; upon which the people dispersed.—At 10 o'clock we sent an express to Thetford for military aid; a Cornet and 11 men arrived about 5 or 6 hours afterwards. The town remained quiet; and between 5 and 6 o'clock of the morning I left it to return home, and to act for my own Hundred of Grimshoe, in which I am the only resident Magistrate; and where various disturbances have prevented my offering any further assistance to Mr. Burch; except by signing a letter, which Mr. Burch wrote on Saturday evening (18th inst.) at Tofts (by desire of the inhabitants of Brandon) to request that Lord Sidmouth would afford immediately a military force to support the Magistrates in Brandon and its vicinity. As the Hundred, which is peculiarly under my direction, is in Norfolk, it is unnecessary to trouble your Grace with the transactions therein; however it may be agreeable to you to learn, that with the assistance of the Yeomanry, tumult is for the present suppressed.

I have the honour to subscribe myself,
Your Grace’s most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN MOSELEY.

To His Grace the Duke of Grafton, Lord
Lieutenant of the county of Suffolk, &c.

3rd June 1816: A Leicester magistrates anticipates trouble at Loughborough

My Lord

From the Information the Justices in the County of Leicester have repeatedly received they have just cause to [suspect] some reason threats were in agitation in consequence of which we wrote to the Commanding officer at the Barracks in Nottingham to send a Troop of Horse to Loughborough which have arrived this day, which I hope and flatter myself will prevent some serious consequences which wo’ld have happen’d. This Neighbourhood has been in a state of agitation for some time

I have the Honor to be
Yr. Lordships Hum Servt

P Story

Lockington
June th 3 1816

1st June 1816: Ousley Rowley informs the Home Office that recent disturbances at Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, are now over

St Neots 1 June 1816

My Lord

In obedience the Prince Regent's commands to me (as one of the Commissioners of Lieutenancy in the County of Huntingdon communicated to me when in London by your Lordship’s letter of the 24th ulto) to return to the County on account of the then disturbed state thereof, I immediately did so, and feel much satisfaction in the honor of informing your Lordship, that owing to the Magistrates directly repairing to Ramsay, (which place & its neighbourhood the riots were confined,) and their prompt exertions there, the populace immediately dispersed; and part of the Yeomanry Cavalry assembling with much alacrity, and repairing to that part of the County, no further risings have been attempted, and all is Tranquil.

Two of the ringleaders (viz) Wm Tibbs a Bricklayer and Wm Barrit a Hodman or Labour, both of Ramsey were committed to the County Gaol; and John Breese a native of Ramsey who has lately served as a private in the marines, who was one of the most forward & violence upon such occasion, fled, but has returned & surrendered and has this day been committed to the County Gaol.

It may be well to observe that part of the effects which were stolen by some of the rioters Littleport (viz) 12 yards of Linen & four yards of woollen Cloth were found (by virtue of a Church warrant) in the house of one Meese a Labour at Ramsey, brought there by a boy, a son of Meece’s, and who says, that he found the same upon the road between Littleport & Ely, and brought the same to his father's, from whence he has been taken by an Ely Constable & since committed to Ely Gaol.

Captain Hamel of the 1st Guards with thirty privates arrived at Huntingdon yesterday.

There is now a recruiting party at Huntingdon under the Command of Captn Ginger of the regulars, and certain of the County Militia there in Number thirteen, which with the Yeomanry Cavalry, & considering the peaceable state of the people, should your Lordship find occasion for Captain Hamel’s services elsewhere, there can be no doubt of the County being kept in a state of Tranquillity.

I have [etc]
Ousley Rowley

[To] The Right Honble
Lord Sidmouth
&c &c &c

1st June 1816: A London stationer expresses alarm at graffiti proposing a march on Parliament from Spa Fields

239 High Holborn
1st June 1816

My Lord

I think it may not be improper to acquaint your Lordship that yesterday Morning as I was coming to town from Kentish Town, I perceived, at the end of the Houses in Tavistock Square, facing the New Road, on a long wall, in Very large Chalked Letters, words nearly in the following terms.—"100,000 Britons (to proceed, or will proceed, I forget which) on the 4th June to the House of Commons, from the Spa Fields."—The latter place is situated near Islington.—

I will not presume, My Lord, to say that any such matter is in actual contemplation, perhaps it may be done thro’ wantonness, by some giddy person, but as I remember the Riots in 1780 originated in nearly a similar manner, I thought it my duty to communicate it to your lordship.—

I am [etc]
Howe Green

Stationer No. 239 High Holborn
and Kentish Town

1st June 1816: Colonel Fletcher asks the Home Secretary to authorise troops to be sent to Bolton

Bolton le moors 1 June 1816

My Lord

The magistrates of this Division having the apprehensive of some breach of the Public Peace, from the assemblages of numerous Bodies of Weavers that have taken place for several Evenings past, on the outskirts of this Town, deemed it expedient on the 30th ultimo, (as the Town had been without any military force whatever, since the reduction of the Local militia, and the Resignation of the yeomanry Troop of Cavalry) a request from the Officer commanding at the Barracks at Manchester, that a Troop of dragoons might be sent to, and remain quartered at, Bolton.

Lieut Col Holmes, commanding the 3d Dragoon Guards, in reply to our request, after assuring the magistrates of his readiness to meet their wishes, and promptly to give every aid to the several Authorities, says "it will be necessary under present circumstances, and particularly as no Riot has actually taken place, that should the magistrates deem it necessary to have Troops at Bolton, they should address themselves to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, or the Right Honorable the Secretary at War"

Lt Col Holmes's letter having been brought to my House, during my absence yesterday, and one Post having been lost, through that circumstance, I take the Liberty to forward this Letter (without the Signature of the other magistrates, who reside at several miles distance, and whose Sentiments on the [illegible] are well known to myself) – and to request that your Lordship will be pleased to direct the Officer commanding at Manchester (Lt Col Holmes) to detach to the Town of Bolton a Troop of Dragoons—to be there quartered, as long as circumstances shall make such a measure necessary.

From the Communication made to Mr Beckett on the 27th ultimo, and also from the joint communication, which Mr Walker and I had the Honor to address to your Lordship on the 29th, I humbly trust, your Lordship will be fully apprized of the Reasons, on which the request of the magistrates was founded, and that it will meet with your Lordships approbation.

I have [etc]
Ra: Fletcher

To the Right Honorable
Lord Viscount Sidmouth