[From the Leeds Mercury. This is about the time of theLuddite riots.]
here was a formidable riot in this place last market day, (Tuesday) though
nothing of the kind was previously apprehended. About noon a number of poor
men. (who being out of regular work, are employed in forming a new burying ground
on the west side of the town) came in a body into the corn-market. Their appearance
had almost an instantaneous effect upon the multitude of workmen from the manufactories,
collected there at the hour of dinner, who immediately proceeded to acts of
violence. Their rage was principally directed against the potatoe [sic]
dealers on account of a considerable advance in the price of that article. The
stock of these they seized and scattered about the streets, or carried away
in great quantities wherever they found it, in cans, in cellars or storehouses.
Two or three sacks of corn were also emptied upon the pavement and wasted or
purloined. Some butter was taken from the market women and a barrel of red herrings
broken, and the fish thrown amongst the spectators. After about two hours of
disorder, the Magistrates and peace officers seemed to have prevailed upon the
greatest part of the rioters to disperse, but unfortunately among one division
of them, the cry was suddenly set up of "All in a mind for the Volunteer
arms!" and away they hastened to the military depositary of the Local Militia,
on the outside of the town, which was in an unprotected building. Into this
depot they presently forced an entrance, when finding no ammunition, they begun
to break to pieces the fire-locks, destroy the drums, tearing and carrying off
the clothes and other accoutrements but before they could accomplish all their
intended mischief, the Magistrates with a troop of Hussars from the barracks
came upon them and dispersed them in a few minutes. Here the destructive tumult
ceased, and the peace of the town has been well preserved ever since, by the
prudent and vigorous measures which have been adopted. No personal injury has
been sustained either by the rioters, the military, or the orderly Inhabitants,
beyond the bruises from potatoes, pieces of wood, &c. flying about during
the tumultuous depredations of the mob. The magistrates deserve the highest
praise for their forbearance and attention to the difficult duties of their
office at such a time of danger and exasperation. Seven persons, (men and boys
and one woman) have been committed to York Castle, charged with being actors
and accessories in the disturbance.
Last modified 30 August 2003