Anti Poor Law Riots, November 1838 (Document ID: 102741)
Author: Thomas Sutcliffe
Date: November 1838
Location: Todmorden
Format: Historical Account
Document ID: 102741
Library ID:
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.
On 21st November, following a rumour that the constables were to return for a second time to try and seize Ingham's goods and also to arrest rioters from the 16th, crowds of people rioted again. They attacked the homes of some of those involved with trying to administer the Poor Law and significant damage was done to several properties, including Todmorden Hall.
Along with document ID 102739 and 102740, we learn, in this document, of the attempt to arrest John Sutcliffe and Benjamin Greenwood on 10th December 1838. It does not make clear whether this relates to the Mankinholes Riot or to that of 21st November. Neither man appears on the list of prisoners sent to the subsequent trial at York (see doc ID 102738) It does, however, date from the time when these riots were being investigated and the document was donated in a bundle with others which certainly do relate to the Mankinholes Riot.
John Fielden's lack of co-operation with the authorities, because of his support for his workers, is clear in this paper.
A transcript of the document follows the original image.
