The Mankinholes Riot, 16th November 1838, witness statement of Constable William King

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 William King¿s statement after the JPs had heard from James Feather (doc ID 102727). King has been allowed to hear Feather's statement read out before giving his own, perhaps undermining the independence of some assertions. He does, however, add some details, such as hearing the bells from one of the Lumbutts mills and the presence of `out-door labourers'.

A transcript of the document follows the original image.

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