The Mankinholes Riot, 16th November 1838 - statement of Constable James Feather

The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 required the election of Boards of Guardians, the collection of a poor rate and the establishment of a workhouse, for each of the newly established unions of parishes and townships. In the Todmorden area, there was fierce opposition to the idea of introducing a workhouse and efforts were made to prevent both the election of Guardians and the collection of the poor rate.

The Mankinholes Riot of 16th November 1838 was the outcome of an attempt by constables Feather and King to seize goods from the home of William Ingham, the overseer for Langfield, who had refused to collect the poor rate and then failed to pay the fine imposed as a result.

This document gives us Constable James Feather's detailed statement under oath before 2 JPs and 'the prisoners' concerning the day of the Riot. He tells of being attacked by the mob on 16th November 1838 and 'held by the ears' while his cart was broken up and burnt. He was initially given refuge by Mr Ingham and, after escaping, by Mr Oliver, at Woodmill. On begging the mob to spare his and Constable King's lives, he was told that `Mr Fielden' had insisted their lives be spared. (This is a reference to the renowned local mill-owner and MP for Oldham, John Fielden.)

A transcript of the document follows the original image.

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