The Mankinholes Riot - Magistrates meeting at Todmorden, 27th December 1838

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 the basis of the evidence of Constables Feather and King, given before magistrates at Todmorden, William Barrett was committed to York Castle, to await trial, in relation to the Mankinholes Riot. Feather's account here repeats much of the content of his deposition (doc ID 102727), with additional details regarding his time in Mr Ingham's house.
A transcript of the document follows the original image.

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