Saturday 8 September 2012

8th September 1812: Food rioting continues in Nottingham

The Morning Chronicle of 11th September carried a report of the food riots that continued in Nottingham on Tuesday 8th September 1812:
On Tuesday morning the scenes of tumult were renewed with increased violence: carts loaded with potatoes were stopped in the streets and sold at reduced prices: a corn warehouse was attacked with great fury, as well as many bakers’ shops, without any mischief being done, except the breaking of windows, and some other trifling affairs. What added to the tumult was, the bread served out to the soldiers was found to be short of weight; and many of them were, on Monday, seen active in the mob. A peace officer and a party of the West Kent Militia are now stationed in every house or warehouse considered in danger, while parties of hussars constantly parade the streets.

The Nottingham Journal of 12th September carried report of the measures taken by the authorities, and further disturbances into the evening:
...it at length became necessary to call in gave the military, small parties of which were station in some of the bakers houses for the protection of their property. Hitherto the proceedings were principally confined to the women; but on Tuesday evening a large mob collected in Hockley, who insulted the Magistrates, and threw stones at the Hussars, who were at length ordered to clear the streets, and several pistols having been fired by way of intimidations the whole speedily dispersed without further mischief. The town has since remained perfectly tranquil.

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