The Mankinholes Riot, November 1838 - testimony of Charles Ratcliffe
Author: Charles Ratcliffe
Date: 16 November 1838
Location: Todmorden
Format: Historical Account
Document ID: 102753
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.
This document relates the testimony of Charles Ratcliffe, a barber in Halifax who shaved Feather and King on two occasions following the Mankinholes Riot. He heard what they had to say about what had happened to them and how they acted in the aftermath.
A transcript of the document follows the original image.
