Thursday 6 September 2012

6th September 1812: James Starkey meets the spies Robertson and Ashworth to show them his plans for Rawfolds Mill

On Sunday morning 6th September 1812, the two spies James Robertson and George Ashworth met the would-be Luddite, James Starkey at the Globe Inn, Millbridge. They proceeded to Rawfolds Mill and Starkey revealed his plans to place the gunpowder under an archway for maximum effect.

The three men then retired to the Globe Inn and talked more. They parted later, agreeing to meet later at 7.00 p.m.

At the appointed time, only Ashworth turned up to meet Starkey. Starkey asked him to come outside - he was concerned that the three of them were not enough for the arms raid he had planned to succeed - he felt 10 or 12 men were needed.

A little later, the two men parted.

This is from the deposition of James Robertson & George Ashworth, which can be found at HO 42/127.

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