HO 42/198 ff. 3-42 Witness statements sent to Home Office 19 November 1819.
Transcribed by Claire Robinson
Manchester
19 Nov 1819
2 o'c[lock] am
My Lord
Herewith I have the honor to transmit to your Lordship copies of the examination taken before magistrates previous to & upon the 16th Augt and I believe they are all of this description except such as were taken before Mr Watkins and Mr Ethelstone – if there be any other they are in your Lordships Possession. They are arranged according to their dates & circumstances the latter commencing by acts of training, inflammatory & seditious expressions & the occurrences of the 16th Aug. – Copies of such depositions as have been taken subsequent to the 16th Augt although relative to the transactions previous to & that day will be forwarded to your Lordship by tomorrows Post & I exceedingly regret that it has not been in my power to send them at this time.
I have the honor to be
My Lord
Your Lordships faithful
& hble servt.
J. Norris
To
Lord Visct. Sidmouth
Evidence taken before & upon the 16th of August 1819
Lancashire to wit the Information of Thomas Hutchinson, Ellis Cunliffe, Richard Hodgson and Richard Walker all of Bury, who all upon their oaths say
That in various parts of the neighbourhood of Bury there are nightly assemblies of great numbers of men who meet together to learn and practice military Training. which these Informants verily believe to be intended to qualify them for hostile purposes against the Government of the Country and against the Peace of our lord the King his Crown and dignity and to the disturbance of them these Informants who verily assert their fear for their own present safety. And therefore they these Informants pray that these men so training in large bodies to the terror of His Majesty’s subjects may be apprehended and compelled to find securities for the Peace. Signed
Thomas Hutchinson
Ellis Cunliffe
Richard Hodgson
Richard Walker
Sworn 7th August before Ra Fletcher Esq.
[Corrected to middle p.3 of pdf]
Lancashire to wit the information of Samuel Fletcher of Little Lever in the county of Lancaster, Collier
Who saith that on Saturday last Informant was on
Cockey Moor about 7 o Clock in the evening and Informant
observed many persons on the moor, there might be about
two hundred. They were drilling in a military way in
different squads and obeying the words of command
given by different drill masters. That informant
saw them drilling for about two hours. That about
one or two o Clock in the morning George Greenhalgh one
of the persons now in Custody was in the Room [Harling]
with several other persons also in custody. There
were many persons in the Room and in the course of
conversation George Greenhalgh said that the meaning
of these drillings was that they might come to that perfection
so that they might join their friends and neighbours in Bury
and the neighbourhood and form themselves into a body at Bury
and march in order with music to the Manchester meeting.
He also said that the meeting would have been on Monday
next /their day/ but it was considered to be illegal and of
course it was postponed to the Monday following and now
a requisition to the Boroughreeve and Constables of Manchester
was signed by more than 2000 Inhabitants. Informant
asked him ‘’what the meaning of such a meeting would be’’
George Greenhalgh the meaning of such a meeting was that
The Country should be properly represented – informant said
He thought the country was represented and George Greenhalgh
replied ‘’no there was Manchester Bolton Bury and many
other towns that were not represented at all and
it was meant that they should be.
Signed Saml Fletcher
Sworn 9th August 1819 before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esqrs
9th August 1819 Robert Lever of Great Bolton was at
Mr. Whiteheads near Cockey Moor on Saturday and saw
About 200 persons drilling for about two hours and a half.
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit the information of James Haslam of great
Bolton in the said county bookkeeper
Who saith that on Saturday evening last about half past 7
o clock Informant together with Mr William Webster now
in the valley between Mr Whithead’s and Cockey Moor and
informant saw many persons drilling on the moor in
a military manner. This might be 150 or 200 persons.
Informant watched them from about a quarter of an hour
To half an hour. That amongst the persons drilling was
John Hargreaves one of the persons now in custody. Hargreaves
was one who gave the word of command and they were in open
Column when Informant first saw them and then wheeled
into line. Hargreaves was in the front and appeared to
give the word of command to one division. That
about midnight or a little afterwards Informant and
several others apprehended Hargreaves. Informant
challenged him with having been drilling persons on Cockey
Moor. Hargreaves at first denied it but on Informant
telling him that he/Hargreaves had wheeled them into line
Hargreaves acknowledged that he had done so, and he then said
if they would but be merciful to him he would do so no more.
Signed Jas. Haslam
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit the information of Arthur Taylor of Great
Bolton in the said County warper
Who saith that he went by directions from the magistrates
to Cockey Moor on Saturday evening last to observe the persons
that were expected to be drilling or training and exercising there.
That it was about a quarter past 8 o clock in the evening
when informant got to the moor. There were about 100
persons drilling, the prisoner George Greenhalgh was giving
the word of command to about 36 men they were in
open column. Told off in three or four divisions; when
Informant got to them they had been marching in files,
When informant first saw them George Greenhalgh
ordered them to form a line. They then advanced in line
and they did many other manoeuvres. George Greenhalgh giving
The word of command. Informant was close to them there
were two other divisions on the moor exercising under the
command of other persons. These other two divisions had
each about the same number of men as that under George
Greenhalgh. That informant with several others
apprehended George Greenhalgh that night. That informant
on Greenhalgh being apprehended asked him if he had been
in the army he said ‘’yes a little he had been in the Army
Volunteers.’’ Informant asked him what they
were drilling for and he replied only to go to the meeting
at Manchester on Monday so that they might march to
the band.
Signed Arthur Taylor
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit The Examination of Charles Hill of Woolfold
In Tottington in the said county weaver
Who saith I was on Cockey Moor on Monday night last
with other persons they wanted me to drill them. I had been
in the 2nd Regiment of Lancashire Militia and was discharged
at the first peace with Bonaparte. I did drill the persons
on the moor for a short time on Monday night last.
I was coaxed to do it. I cannot tell how many persons there
were on the moor that night there might be 100. They were
in different squads. The squad I drilled might consist
of 20 or 30. George Greenhalgh, John Hargreaves and
John Holt, were drilling other squads that evening.
I was not there on Thursday or Saturday. Adam Ridings
a neighbour of mine and who has been a soldier went
with me to the moor. I don’t know who it was that
coaxed me to drill them there were several who directed
me to step out it was near [], and I don’t know there
names. I did hear that we were to go to Bury this
morning and join others and proceed to Manchester to the
meeting for Parliamentary Reform. I heard there was
a requisition for chusing a Representative or something
in that manner we were all to have gone this morning
to Manchester. We were ordered to go and many would
have gone but on Friday I heard that the meeting was
done away with. I did not go to any drillings after I saw
the paper from the magistrates forbidding the meeting
at Manchester.
Signed Charles Hill
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit The Examination of George Greenhalgh of
Walshaw Lane in Tottington in the said county weaver
Who saith that I was drilling men on Cockey Moor
on Saturday evening last, there was no body. There was
nobody that I know of besides myself drilling them. There
were two squads in the lane. I did not see Edward
Rothwell drilling in particular, but I believe he was
there and might be drilling there were about 25 in
the squad I was drilling. I have heard they have
drilled at Woolfold. Charles Hill I believe was not
on the moor on Saturday but he was with me there on
Monday evening last. It was wished that all the
Parish of Bury who had imbibed the spirit of Reform
should muster to go all together to the Manchester meeting
The reason that set me upon drilling was the [census?]
of the country and from reading the observer paper. I exhorted my
Neighbours to Cockey Moor to a peaceable conduct and hoped
none of them were for Revolution and [plunder?] if they were
I hoped they would be mistaken.
Signed George Greenhalgh
The first night we met was on Monday last there were
upwards of 100. It was accidental how many men
there were in a section. On Monday night Charles
Hill and John Holt were the drill masters. I was in
the ranks we have met three times on Monday Thursday
and Saturday last.
Signed George Greenhalgh
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit The examination of John Holt of Elton in
the said county weaver.
Who saith I was with other persons drilling on Cockey Moor
on Monday night last there were different squads on the
Moor and I joined them I was desired to get into the front
and give them the step. I have been in the militia.
I cannot tell who I saw there. I did not see Edward
Rothwell there might be about three hundred in the
Whole from two to three hundred lads. And about 300.
I gave no word of command. The [flagalman?] gives no
word, I only gave the step. There were than
twenty or thirty there might be forty in the squad to
which I gave the step. I did not give the word, but I gave
them the time. I was not there on Thursday nor on
Saturday. I think I saw George Greenhalgh on the
Monday evening on the moor drilling. Charles Hill was
there. The man that drilled them I know by sight but do
not recollect his name, he lives in Tottington at Woolfold
on that side of the Country.
Signed the X mark of
John Holt
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit The Examination of John Hargreaves of
Tottington in the said county weaver.
Who saith that he was not on Cockey moor on Saturday
Evening last nor was ever at any meeting but one and
that was on Monday last and then I gave the word of
command to a small party. I was in the military
service thirty six years ago I was at the siege of Gibraltar.
On Monday last when I took the command of
a small party there were other parties on the moor
but I do not know any one that commanded []
me. They were in divisions and the divisions were at
some distance from each other. I have heard that the
parties that were drilling were to meet at Bury this
day to go to the meeting at Manchester.
Signed The X mark of
John Hargreaves
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit The Information of the [Revd?] Richard Hood
Of Bury in the said county clerk
Who saith that on Monday the second day of August
last about half past 8 o clock in the evening as Informant
was returning home from Heywood to Bury at a place
called Little Bridge about three quarters of a mile from
Bury Informant saw a great number of persons
in the road marching in a military manner the
Commander was evidently a military man and
Commanded as well as any officer could do: there was
In the opinion of Informant between two and three hundred
they were four deep and from the [mass?] of men informant
thinks they were near three hundred. They wheeled about
and filled the whole road. Informant was obliged
to stop on account of their filling the whole space for
three or four minutes. The Commander called out
frequently the word ‘’left’’ he cried out ‘’halt’’ and face
about’ and Informant who was on horseback thus
passed between them and the commander who was
in front. They said nothing to Informant.
Signed Richard Hood
Sworn 13th August before Ra Fletcher, William Hulton and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit the information of William Goodlad of
Bury in the said County Surgeon
Who saith that last night about half past 9 o clock
as Informant was returning home from Heywood about
three quarters of a mile from Bury at a place called Little
Bridge. Informant saw a great number of men
marching in regular order they were in two divisions, as
Informant came up to one division he heard the
Commander of it call out ordinary time. march and
the division obeyed. The other division was marching
in column of four deep and in quick march. The
commander [] repeating the words ‘’right’’ ‘’left’’ at
intervals. One division appeared to Informant to consist
of between one and two hundred men. And the other
division had above two hundred men. In both divisions
there appeared to Informant to be between four or five
hundred men. Informant was on horseback and
passed them in the lane. Informant was obliged
to ride at foot pace. There were a number of persons
watching. That a boy in the hedge said ’’Damn him knock
him off, & another person said Damn them’’ We’ll Paddy them
in Manchester though this last [expuition?] aluded to the soldiers who came yesterday.
Signed Wm. Goodlad
Page 11
Sworn 11th August 1819 before Jas. Blackburne
[ ] Hornby
Pollard?
Thos. Lyon
Ra Fletcher
Wm Hulton
Jas. Watkins Esq
County Palatine of Lancaster to wit} The information of Henry Latham of Pennington in the said County, a [reduced?] quarter master of the second regiment of Life Guards [ ] who saith that on or about the tenth day of July last a person whose name this Informant believes to be Peter Fryer said to this Informant that he this Informant was a ‘damned old pauper’ and he the said Peter Fryer would deprive this informant (who is well known to be a Pensioner) of this living, and if and if he did not take care, of his life to; and that it was time that paupers should be removed from the Earth. That the said Peter Fryer also said he would get rid of the Prince Regent and all the Georges and the whole of them. They had been in their places too long and he, the said Peter Fryer, had had enough of them. That Thomas Cook of Pennington aforesaid, Miller, hath at times in the Informant’s presence declared that all pensioners and placemen should be done away with and the said Thomas Cook about six weeks ago who said we will have nothing to do with the present Government we’ll have a government of our own. We will have no men of high office and no [sihecure] placemen. That on Saturday evening in July last at the George and Dragon in Pennington in the said county, one Peter Fryer abused this Informant respecting his pension and used very seditious language and Thomas Allworth of Westleigh, labourer, used language to the same effect and the said Thomas Allworth particularly used words to the following affect. That they would get rid of the Prince Regent and all the Georges. That they had had enough of them and of the Parliament ----
Henry Latham
Sworn the 11th August 1819, before Wm Hulton Esq County Palatine of Lancaster to wit
The information of William Holt a private Soldier in the 6th Regiment of Dragoon Guards who saith that Informant being ordered by his officer to disperse the persons surrounding the House where the Magistrates were assembled the Red Bull in Leigh the prisoner who calls himself Henry Hilton [ ] damned Informant and the other soldiers and said they had no business there he [and?] other violent language but this was all that informant can recollect. There was at the time several more of the people about. There were two other soldiers behind Informant at the time but they were at a little distance.
William Holt
Page 12
John Wrigley of Lees sworn 11th August 1819 Mr. Holmes says that on Monday night last about 10 o’clock he intended leaving his dwelling house in Lees [afrd] in company of Mrs. Wrigley that at his door he was met by a large body of Reformers who waved a flag over his head upon which was written in large letters on one side ‘’No Boroughmongering’’ or ‘’the Borough [ ] ‘’ [ ] which without representation is equally unjust and [ ]. On the [reverse?] to the best of Examinants recollection ‘’Unite and be free’’ with ‘’Equal Representation or Death’’ – that such flag was carried by a person of the name of Issac Seville of or near Lees
[afrd] [cotton weaver/collier?] and noted reformer who Examinant believes is the person who took care of the horses belonging to Baguley [and Drummond?] at the time of their apprehension. That on the same evening he saw the Cap of Liberty hoisted on a pole & also what the Reformers [demonstrate?] the red or bloody flag upon another pole. That during the time the Reformers were about his house they were singing an [infamous?] & disloyal song called ‘’Green upon the [cape? ] ‘’ which was much made [ ] of not [ ] of the Irish Rebellion – that he considered the life of himself and family in great danger had he made the least resistance at the time the flag was waved over his head. That the whole assembly was [riotous?] & disorderly in the greatest degree & he conceived the village after the complete state of insurrection.
Benjamin Worswick of Failsworth sworn 12 August 1819 before Mr Norris says that on Thursday evening last the 6th inst he saw about 80 men drilling and learning to march and [countermarch?]. He heard the words, march, halt & other military expressions. The men were commanded by a person of the name of Daniel Whitehead which the said Worswick said he knew by his voice.
John Law of Manchester sworn 14th August 1819 before Mr Norris says that on Sunday Morning the 18th day of August he went as an inside passenger by the [space here] Coach to Rochdale – that when the said coach arrived at a place called the slattocks & which is about two miles beyond Middleton & about three from Rochdale it stopped. The said John Law [ ] upon a band close to the road about 30 men and several women. That he heard much conversation about the people in that neighbourhood having drilled in large bodies and now particularly on the Sunday morning it struck this deponent John Law that the said men might have been [so?] employed that morning. [The now?] it was particularly as it was then only a little past seven o’clock and that he communicated his suspicions to the Gentleman who sat opposite to this Deponent who this deponent John Law afterwards understood to be a Mr. Royds of Rochdale afrsd a magistrate and & who stated to this deponent that it was very probable that they had been so employed. That very [ ] this deponent hear the word, march, [assuredly?]. Afterwards several companies of [ ] & accompanying in the whole from two to four hundred marched along the along the Turnpike Road on which this coach was then was towards Middleton, & this in the deponents impression then was, and now is, that the [ ] to marching and came some way on the said Turnpike Road and had been drilling & that the men standing on the [ ] were collected from the [ ] in expectation or knowledge that the said then would march that way --- that this deponent thinks the said men who so marched were divided into six companies or divisions. That each [ ] marched 4 abreast except at the head of companies where there was a fifth person with a small stick or cane in his hand, who appeared to be the leader or Captain & gave orders. That the men marched with fresh [precision?] and appeared to this deponent who was some years a member of a volunteer corps to have been regularly drilled and acquired a good state of discipline. That the men in one company having got out of step in a [ ] degree one of the leaders of it fell out of the rank and cried out; left, right, & restored the company immediately into a good state of marching. That whilst the men were so marching past the coach one of the leaders look in into the coach from which they were not [ ] more than two yards and apparently addressing the passengers in the coach used the expression ‘’We Will damn’d soon make the Boroughmongering [tyrants] tremble.’’ That this expression was used when about half the men had marched past the coach & when this deponent had recovered from the surprize into which the march of the men past the coach had [ ] this deponent & which surprise at the [outset?] had [prevented?] this deponent from counting the numbers of the men who so marched. That the last company came past the coach in double quick time and were ordered by their leader to march time in consequence of the [ ] of their march getting them to [ ] the company before them. That shortly before the said last company to come past the coach in double quick time this deponent heard a bugle not far off & which he has no doubt relayed to the party tho’ this deponent did not see it. That in the case of the same foreman this deponent continued by the mail which stopped at the at the said place called the slattocks & this deponent enquired from the persons about who the people [were? ] he had seen in the [morning?]. That the said people from whom he enquired were unwilling to say anything, but at length reluctantly said they supposed they were a part of the men who had been drilling near the Pendle hill & that they were the [Oldham?] division.
Robert Turner of Shaw Chapel sworn 14th August 1819 before Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Trafford, says that he had been at Bury since Monday last. That he has seen persons drilling in marching and [pacing?] but not with arms every night since Monday last till last night. That one of the party whom this Examinant had seen drilling had told this Examinant that they were about 500 persons on the books whodrilled and more had joined but whose names were not yet put down. The said persons drilled in the High Road at Heap Bridge. He heard some persons who had been drilling say, they were ready for a fight on Monday next if the soldiers were to stop them, that the soldiers that were there, means at [ ] there would not be a breakfast for them. That a drill master of the name of Johnson was fetched from near Oldham. That somewhere about [ ] o’clock yesterday the examinant was in the King’s Head public house & two soldiers of the 51th Regiment were there. That many more were in the house. Some of whom asked the soldiers to drink & particularly the men whom this Examinant should know again asked the soldiers [to drink] who had got up to leave the house but the soldiers refused saying they should be late at parade. That the said men then shut the door after the soldiers who had gone out and said, damn them, I’d as soon give them a drop of their blood as that [ ] a Gill of Ale which he held in his hands. This Examinant heard some of the persons who had drilled talking of the four men who were taken at Cockey Moor & say that none of their men should be taken by soldiers [then?] for they would keep a [picket not?] every night. That the [ ] beasts with the [ ] class in the public houses are the cap of liberty & may the wings of liberty never lose a feather.
John Shawcross of Salford Bookkeeper sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr Hornby says that about [ ] past 12 last night he with Mr. Murray s Special Constable, Mr. Rymer and his son set off on the Road towards Middleton. That when they got to Harpurhey about two miles from Manchester they saw from 20 to 50 men in a groupe. That these seemed to observe them and remarked that they looked like constables. However said they ‘’damn them [ ] mind then what they are.’’ He & his party walked on. The others overtook and passed them & as they passed & as they passed made a lot of whooping noise as if to call others to join them. One of them said ‘’Don’t make such a noise’’ another replied ‘’I will never cease to [ ] roused the sweet cry of liberty.’’ They passed on & as they went before we could hear their hallooing & shouting. They sang several songs to different tunes. One to the tune of ‘’The Woodpecker.’’ We thought they turned to the right towards White Moss. We continued our journey [ ] we came as we thought to the edge of this Moss about 4 miles from Manchester. Stopped near a farm house & listened & thought we could distinctly hear people talking. We crossed a field [ ] to come nearer to where we fancied they were. Waited there some time & listened to them. Heard them distinctly say ‘’Eyes left’’ & ‘’right.’’ We got over a hedge in order to come still nearer to them. It appeared however that they were not at the Moss but were moving towards it. Every now & then they got up a great huzza. We cod hear that answered from different places the nearer hallooing to a second distant [ ]. We followed the [track across?] to the voices & got to the Moss. It was now coming daybreak when we got there & we could hear a great number of voices together but could not see the persons . Numbers crossed the Moss in threes & fours joining the main body. We then got a sight of the whole assembled. Appeared most of them to be [ ] in a sort of irregular line in different groupes as if ready to fall into line. He should judge there were from four to five hundred of them there. There were also detached bodies from these learning to march under a leader. Several groupes fell out from the main body into several small companies under a leader [ ] some marching as it were in line, others marching on fell one into the rear of another. It was now perfectly daylight & we were then 50 yards from the whole of them. At this time Mr. Murray was [despized?] by them and called ‘’Gingerbread Jack’’. I suggested to Murray that we should get out of the way as we had seen all we could. We passed them but could find we were observed by them. They hallooed after us. Great numbers called out ‘’Damn there eyes follow them.’’ Great numbers came towards us, others called out to them ‘’Come Back’’ ‘’Come Back.’’ We walked on and somebody called out ‘’[ ] damn them at[ ] ‘’ Great numbers began to follow us. Rymer and his son got over a hedge to the left. Murray passed into a lane before me, about 20 or 30 yards before me. They came up to me. Said ‘’damn your eyes what do you want here?’’ Murray turned back. They said he to tell you the truth was only my curiosity that led me here.’’ They then set upon him with sticks & stones & kicked him also. Another party directly attacked me. Some person knocked me down with a large stick onto a hedge backing. There were now 30 or 40 upon me with sticks & they kicked me with their feet. Called out when I was down ‘’Damn him murder him.’’ I received now a violent kick in the stomach which made me senseless for a moment or two. When I came to myself I called out ‘’murder.’’ They called out ‘’Damn him, finish him, kill him.’’ All the time they were laying on me with their sticks & feet. They then left me. I got out of the hedge, could see them about 40 or 50 yards foreward round Mr. Murray, the same people, could see them distinctly beating him. I turned back & took a [every?]direction of the road & in 3 miles got to Middleton, called on a sister of mine. It was now about [6?]. I proceeded on towards Manchester & at Blakeley James Platt joined me. We went to Mr. Ollier the surgeon at Manchester about ½ past 7. He will describe the state I was in.
James Murray of Manchester Confectioner sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr. Norris and Mr. Trafford. Says that this morning soon after 3 O’clock he went in company with [space] [ ] of this Police Office. Here other persons to a place called the White Moss a mile & a half from Middleton. That after they had reached the place they approached near to a place where there were two solid [bodies?] of people [ ] each to 7 or 800 persons at the peak & to which they were directed by [ ] shouts which seemed to [ ] to wake persons & get them [ ]. They first came [ ] subsections of 20 or 25 which was marching in lines. One of them asked this deponent would he fall in? Deponent said perhaps he aught but began to retreat. On which one of them called there are spies & [radical] called out this Deponents name & [ ] some cried out from the [fincial?] body to the section ‘’ mind ‘em well’’ & others cried ‘’ murder them’’ on which the whole of that section & [social] others who joined them to the numbers of 70 or 80 in the whole pursued this deponent and began to throw clods of earth & [ ] to beat this deponent with heavy [ ] which they brought with them & one person in particular the [leg?] to a cart shaft. Seven or eight persons struck this deponent at one time on his body, left. & at [ ] in particular whilst several others went 3 or 4 yards from him & [ ] at him with great violence [ ] with their fists. Others at some time kicked him most violently. This was continued for a distance of [two] fields & for about 10 minutes till the deponent perceiving that their [wish?] was to murder him in reality, said, you mean to murder me which they said they would [ ] he received a most violent blow as he conceives from the Cart leg on the back of his neck & at that moment from his [sensation?] said to them, you have killed me now, and [ ] fell [ ] and verely believes he was recovered from the [this continued? ] blows which they gave [ ] when he came to himself again they were still beating him as hard as they could. Deponent still lying on the ground begged sincerely for his life. They continued a little longer to beat on as usual. Deponent continuing to pray for his life. He said this [ ] Gentleman does not look like Reform in Parliament it appears to me to be wilful murder. And one said, I think he has had enough & another said if we give him much more he will die. They [ ] several said to him, will you beg pardon & never be a [ ] again. & one said or mention the King’s name & go down on your knees & declare it, which Deponent conceived his life depended upon it said he would upon which about twenty got round him in a ring & stood [ ] with sticks whilst he declared that he would have no more to do with the King or Constabulary. They then allowed him to go away & whilst he was in the act of going away the [ ] whom this Examinant can fell again gave him two more violent blows upon the back. He then made his escape and saw no more of them. That this Examinant [ ] but is sure he could know 5 of them again if not more.
William Chippendale of Oldham, merchant sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr. Norris - says, that this morning at about 6 O’clock he as standing in the garden of Mr Edward Lees at [ ] lodges at Oldham for the purpose of looking at persons drilling at a place called White Moss [ ] That the distance between these places is better than 2 miles & that the Examinant could see the persons drilling [ ] and not see them sufficiently to form the estimate of their numbers. He in consequence used a telescope [ ] the body distinctly. [ ] he is certain above a thousand drilling & a large body of spectators. That there was a gentle breeze [ ] distinctly they heard these words of Command, Right, left, look up, march, halt, wheel, & so on. He heard [ ] many times.
Richard [B?adder] of Manchester sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr. Hulton says that he set out from Manchester between 12 & 1 O’clock this morning to go to White Moss where he understood persons were [drilling?]. Edward [McCarlan] accompanied the Examinant. When they got a little past St George’s Church in Manchester they heard the cheering of a multitude of people & the words given were repeatedly expressed. They proceeded onwards about half a mile & the [ ] to listen. They heard cheering again [& some] distance before them. Some persons passed before them about 20 in body. Then about 12 in body & then 3. Examinant & the carter pretended to be drunk fearing they might be molested. They proceed on to Blakeley & towards White Moss. They heard the cheering of bodies of men in all directions in the fields. They sat down in a field & had determined to return to Manchester but four men came up to them & Examinant asked if they knew where they could get [ ] any drink. They went together to a private house & there had some drink. & one of the men said none of you has drunk our friend Henry Hunt’s health. Mr. [Carlins?] then drunk his health & Examinant [ ] him & his followers. They then began to talk about the drilling & the then said they would take Examinant & his companion to White Moss which they did. On arrival there Examinant saw smaller parties of them [ ] on all sides towards the place of drilling and in the whole there appeared better than 3000 assembled & perhaps 300 drilling. This was about 5 O’clock. He then return home from the White Moss one man said. It must come to fulfilling at last for the revolutionary meetings were not only in England but [all over?] Europe. He said Ferdinand the 7th of Spain [ ] alway.
Edward [McCarlan?] also sworn before Mr. Hulton 15th August 1819 says he has heard the deposition of Richard Badder read over & the same is true, but Examinant did not hear anything about Ferdinand of Spain.
William Shaw of Ashton under Line Spinner sworn 15th August 1819 Mr. Hulton says that about one O’clock this morning he was on watch in the town of Ashton & he heard a horn blow and [immediately?] afterwards about 100 men appeared at the [---side] the [ ] & they marched in a direction towards Oldham. Small parties of 5 or 6 then in a body continued to go in the same direction till towards 2 O’clock. About two O’clock 50 men or thereabouts marched in a body in the same direction & they trailed poles behind them as soldiers trail their muskets. Examinant was in a field across the road at their line. Small straggling parties continued to go that way till daylight – soon after daylight. Examinant went down to Ashton Moss & saw about 40 lads [ ] then drilling without [ ].
George Henry sworn 15th August 1819 also before Mr. Hulton says he was in company all the time with Shaw. He has heard his deposition read over & the same is true.
Jonathan Andrew of Headham Hall sworn 15th August before Mr. Hulton, says, that early this morning about ½ past one o’clock he was awoke by very loud and repeated shouts, which caused him immediately to leave his house & proceed to the spot from whence it came & to his astonishment he saw from 30 to 40 people passing on marching in military procession. Shortly afterwards another detachment came of about the same number when the word ‘’halt’’ was distinctly given which was followed by 3 loud cheers. Numbers afterwards followed not in military procession but in small detachments of about 6 or 8 people making a great noise & singing [ ] & he is informed the greatest part of the road leading to their place of meeting called the White Moss in order to be drilled & [ ] then military movements experienced this general disturbance and on this road near to St. Georges Church a number of lamps were broken & for mischief done. Great numbers he has seen returning this forenoon about 11 o’clock & many in a complete state of intoxication & he feels himself much alarmed for the tranquillity of the town & neighbourhood tomorrow unless some measures are resorted to to put an immediate stop to their [tumultuous?] proceedings.
Robert Turner of Manchester sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr. Trafford says he was in bed near Royton when the rifle sounded for the millers to turn out. This informant got up & went to Todmorden Hill. When he got there it was about 6 O’clock. There were about 400 men at drill and many spectators. They were drilled by 2 men who had Artillery dresses on without the facings. Persons at drill said they were ready to come to Manchester tomorrow morning. They were not in ahead of what Army was there. They said they [could?] be armed at the big day.
Richard Rymer of Manchester Painter /aged 16/ sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr. Hulton says that he accompanied his father Thomas Rymer & Mr. Murray & Mr Shawcross to the White Moss this morning. Heard shouts till daybreak. By that time they arrived on the Moss. Examinant went amongst the people who were drilling & left the other three at some distance perhaps [quarter?] of a mile from the spot where the people were drilling. Some of the people said to Examinant, those pointing to his father, Murray & Shawcross are spies & they [ ] great [ ] and said they would thrash them right well if they came among them. Examinant went and told Murray. Murray said he would have a look at them. He then, Examinant’s father and Shawcross went towards the crowd and the crowd began to call out Gingerbread weaver, meaning Murray, & they also called out Old Rymer, spies. Two men /Thos. Hopewell & Wm. Eastwood/ who knew them had passed Examinant & the other 3 on the road & he supposes those two had told their names to the crowd. As they came from the crowd some of them called out, Murray you’ll do for a Sergeant Major & about 150 began to move towards them. Examinant and his father went into a field & left Murray and Shawcross. They crossed into the lane & saw the crowd sticking Murray with sticks. Examinant & his father came forward & about 40 or 50 came up to them & asked them why they [came?]. They said the crowd had ill used Murray & they that they would do so by them. One of them hit Examinant’s father on the eye one on the head and a third on the back. A boy about Examinant’s size hit him in the ribs. They then bade Examinat and his father to go about their business. They went away & about 20 then came there a hedge & Examinant & his father ran. Examinant outran his father & then waited at 2 fields distance for his father. A man came to Examinant and kicked him. His father came up and they both returned home. On the way they met a young man who said he came from Rochdale with 200. 100 of them had [learned?] the sword [ ] & had horses. Examinant does not know the young man . His father asked the young man if he had seen any pikes. He said that he had seen many & had had them in his hands & that they had also guns among them. He thinks from 1000 to 1500 were drilling on White Moss but they had no arms – but they had sticks out of the hedges and walking sticks.
Lt. Col.? Keymer sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr Marriott says that at half past three o’clock on Sunday morning August 15th 1819 he walked from home to see the muster of Reformers assembled on White Moss between Blakeley and Chadderton. He arrived on the Chadderton side of the moss at half past four o’clock & found a number exceeding 4000 men assembled. 2000 were training in divisions and squads with their appointed drill sergeants. On his appearance he was welcomed by many voices that had been under his command in the local militia. It was generally noticed on the drill ground he was arrived & in the course of an hour he was surrounded by persons he did not know but who he thought intended him no good. They attempted to push him into a bog but he luckily escaped the mischief. He then was accosted by some Irishmen who were sent he is sure to do him some violence & seeing some friends near he left the ground a little after six o’clock when the division were forming line which appeared to consist of 2.000. In the course of conversation with different men on the field he found the old, or what they called expert men did not fall in being ready when called on. It was reported on the ground that the muster on Pendle Hill four miles from four miles from White Moss exceeded 20,000 at that time. The 20,000 were to meet Hunt at 10 O’clock in St George’s field Manchester on Monday 16th August with colors & music & the different divisions from Chadderton to Blakeley, Failsworth & Newton & would also march to Manchester the same morning with their colors. Also Bury with very superb colors. It was reported on the ground that the Commandant at Stockport had flogged a private to death for drinking Hunt’s health & they seemed to think it would be of great service to their cause.
John Taylor of Middleton sworn 15th day of August 1815 [obviously this should read 1819] before Mr. Trafford, says, he was at Middleton last Sunday morning and saw the Reformers army march thro’. They marched four in breast and five deep on man on the left in the front at a [ ] gave the word, right shoulders forward. When they wheeled round he gave the word ’forward.’ They all marched by in that [ ]. Each squad had its own commander & the rear guard came up in double quick time. [The hauser ?] said to the man who commanded the rear guard ‘’Your division seems to be in good order.’’ The commander answered ‘’Aye, but I have 300 who attend me regularly every night, who are ready to receive ammunition any day. The [hauser?] said ‘success with it may be tomorrow’’.
John Heaton of Middleton Plumber sworn 16 August 1819 before ??Norris says that about 3 weeks ago about half past 10 o'clock at night on Chadderton ???? he saw 30 individuals in a field drilling - that one commanded them and that a number of them, about one half, exercised with long poles as large as a musquet and that they used them in all respects and through their exercise as with musquets - that examinant saw them so exercised for upwards of half an hour and left them at such exercise - Examinant hath lived in Middleton 30 years and from what he has seen and heard during the last six weeks he is convinced that two thirds of the male inhabitants of Middleton are ?????????Reformers - and that a considerable number of the young men are drilled in the military exercise - saith that in the township of Middleton only there are not fewer than ten or twelve squads or sections of from 20 to 80 each which Examinant has frequently seen in the act of drilling generally from 9 to 11 o'clock in the evening - Examinant knows that the peaceable and well disposed Inhabitants of Middleton are by these proceedings kept in a state of alarm & Terror - that there are many such/SLUSH houses in Middleton where Beer is furnished which has not paid the Duty and to which Reformers r?????- that on Thursday last two ex-cisement went to one of them to seize the Beer when which Buckley, who keeps the House ???????????? threatened to destroy them and taking up knives for the purpose and the Officers were obliged to go away - that the general feeling and opinion which persons in Middleton which Examinant has collected from general observation is that the Reformers mean to have a general equality and to pull down the higher orders - that great preparations are making in Middleton for the Meeting tomorrow at Manchester with a Cap of Liberty and Colours on which is inscribed Liberty or Death which has chiefly been subscribed for by the Women - that he does not learn that they mean to come with arms nor does he think they will - that a friend of his of the name of Morris on whom he has the utmost reliance, informed him this morning that Joseph Hall, ?Smithies? and James ?Hawfield/Stansfield? all violent and staunch Reformers and ????? of them told him (Morris) this morning on the way from, White Moss where they had been drilling that they meant to come to Manchester by eleven o'clock. The main body by itself and the rear guard and ?wings? afterwards and if they are at all interrupted or the military called out the rear guard and wings are to go in a continuous direction and seize the arms ??? the Barracks - That Stansfield rejoiced at this and said it would be a very grand thing and if they could accomplish it they ??? should not be ?????? afterwards -That this was agreed upon last Thursday at Chadderton - That this morning about seven o'clock a delegate came from the drilling party an Sabuble Hill to the party at White Moss with some papers which he delivered to the man in command and it was supposed that a Meeting of Delegates was to be called this evening at Chadderton which Morris is to attend - that he has observed since this principle of reform has seized the lower orders at Middleton that they have been much more off work and less inclined to work than they ever used to be - that James Stansfield told Morris that John Smithies had pawned his Coat in order to purchase a Pistol which he meant to carry to the Meeting for the defence of the Cap of Liberty which Smither's niece was to carry -
John Collier of Manchester sworn 15th August 1819 before the Rev.d W Hay says that he went to the White Moss near Blakely on Sunday morning the 15th August instant and he arrived their[sic] at half past 4 o'clock he saw a number of people drilling in different companies from 30 to 66 each he counted 19 companies and some were more than 66 and he thinks none less than 30 and he computes the whole to about four thousand - he left the ground at half past seven o'clock and left them drilling, every person appeared very anxious to learn his exercise and they were drilled very severely by their different commanders of each Company and not a word was heard in the ranks at the time - the general feeling amongst them is very ?sad/bad? and they are determined to meet tomorrow and if the Cap of Liberty be took or Hurt nothing shall stop them -
John Gregory sworn the 15th August 1819 before the Rev.d Hay says that he went to the White Moss on Sunday morning the 15th instant - was there about half past 3 o'clock and they were just beginning to go through their exercise - there were several squads the largest consisted of about 200 - others he ?counted? to 40 each these latter consisted chiefly of young lads of about 17 to 18 years of age - they expressed a disappointment that the Oldham and Royton people did not attend but they were exercising near Chadderton.
- he conceives there were about 700 exercising and about the same quantity looking on consisting of all sorts of Men Women (and Children of about 12 years of age)
William Needham of Harpurhey sworn the 15th of August 1819 before the Revd W Hay says that he went to the White Moss near Blakely on Sunday morning the 15th-instant and he there saw drilling in different bodies some larger and others smaller numbers - he stood by a person who counted those exercising and a nick was cut in a stick for each hundred men and they were ?computed? to be 900 in the whole - that Examinant fell into their ranks and went through his ????????? - the orders were given by ????? men separated from the rest and believes their names to be one Walker and the other Kershaw - at least they were called by these names - the words of command given were march, halt , right about face- wheeling? into Companies and falling into one line four deep he continued with them until about 8 o'clock and was drilling with them for about half an hour and the whole appeared to go their exercise with much spirit - the order for separating was given by the sound of a horn the first company on the right separated and marched off the Moss in regular order and the next dispersed themselves as they thought fit - during the time of exercising there was scarcely a word spoke and all appeared to take great notice of the orders given by their Commander - he entered into conversation with the person next to him, when standing at ease who appeared to be a delegate and he stated that if he would attend the Meeting he would at some other time tell him something that would be of service to himself and Family for ever - that he entered into conversation with several who had been drilling ?respecting? the Meeting at Manchester on Monday, they stated they they would be peaceable and make no disturbance and they understood the Military would be at the end of the streets to prevent them coming in which case they had another place offered them at ???????? (two fields belong to Johnson -
William ?Goodlad? of Bury Surgeon sworn the 13th of August1819 before W Fletcher, W Hulton and Watkins says that last night about half past nine o'clock as he was returning home from Heywood about three quarters of a mile from Bury at a place called ?Little Bridge? he saw a great number of men marching in regular order - they were in two divisions - As informant came up to one division he heard the Commander of it call out "ordinary time" "march" - and the Division obeyed - the other division were marching in columns of four deep and in quick march - the Commander kept repeating the words "right left" at intervals - one division appeared to consist of between one and two hundred men and the other division had above 200 men - in both divisions there appeared to be between four and five hundred men - Informant was on horseback and ??????????them in the lane he was obliged to ride on fast pace there were a number of persons watching that a boy in the hedge said "Damn him knock him off" and another person a man said "Damn them we’ll ?them" Informant thought this last expression alluded to the Soldiers who came to Bury yesterday –
The Revd Richard Hood of Bury sworn the same day before the same Magistrates saith that on Monday the 2nd of August last about half past 8 o'clock in the evening as Informant was returning home from Heywood to Bury at a place called Little Bridge about three quarters of a mile from Bury - Informant saw a great number of persons in the road marching in a military manner - the commander was evidently a military man and commanded as well as any Officer could do - there were in his opinion two or three hundred - they were four deep and from the mass of ??? Informant thinks they were near 300 - they ?wheeled? about and filled the whole road - Informant was obliged to stop on account of their filling the whole space for three or four minutes - The Commander called out frequently the word "left" he cried out "halt" and "face about" - ?and Informant who was on horseback then passed between them and the Commander who was in front - they said nothing to Informant -
James Taylor of Moston Constable sworn the 16th of August 1819 before ?? Fletcher says that he went with John ??? to the White Moss to see the people exercise on Sunday morning the 15th instant - saw there a great number of men drawn up in line two deep - which line he thought was nearly a quarter of a mile in length about seven o'clock in the morning - Informant saw a young man of the name of Charles Heywood from Harpurhey walking sharply from the line towards Informant and happening to stumble and fall a score or more of the Persons who had been training set at the ???
some with sticks and some with their hands and feet and abused him severely - Informant went as near to them as he could and observed the Hat of person who had been acting a Drill Sarjeant fall from his Head in the affray - John Heywood had his hat knocked off his head - and when the persons who had abused him ceased so to do gathered up a hat which not being the said John Heywood's own he called to know who had got his hat - as that which he had gathered up was not his own asking this Informant if he could tell him whose names it was that was written in the inside - On which Informant looked at the Hat and found it to be "David Kay Ash?????????? on which John Heywood shouted out " I have gotten a hat that is not my own which is marked David Kay" on which a person, the same person that had been training came forward and gave to Heywood his own Hat and Heywood gave to David Kay his - The Person so taking the Hat marked with David Hay's name upon it has sandy hair and whiskers and had on a blue Coat and dark coloured Pantaloons and appeared to be about five feet nine inches high - that the Person who claimed the Hat marked in the inside with the name of David Kay and who was the Drill Sargeant himself first attacked the said John Heywood both kicking and striking him but finding that Heywood would have gotten away from him, called out to his Division or squad "will you see me thus healed and not come and help me" on which twenty or more set upon Heywood as before mentioned and Informant saw one stick broken upon Heywood's head –
….. (May be a missing page here no 28?)
Lancashire to ??it - Frances Phillips and Joseph Birley both of Manchester merchants severally make oath and say and first the said Francis Phillips for himself saith that this morning at Ardwick Green at 11 o'clock he was proceeding towards Stockport from Manchester and met a Body which he computed to be 14 or 15 hundred persons of which about 50 were women about 30 were boys _ the remainder men - marching in military order with Leaders who gave words of command which were obeyed - the main body marched extremely well preserving the step - two flags were borne by each surmounted with red caps on one of which read the word "liberty" one flag was blue and he read the words "No Corn Laws" upon it - nearly half the men carried stout and tough sticks in their hands -
The said Joseph Birley says he has read the deposition of the said Francis Phillips and the same is true.
Sworn before me the 16th August 1819 Francis Phillips
W Hulton John Birley
Lancashire - James ?Duncaft? of Hollingwood Cotton Spinner maketh Oath and saith that he was coming to Manchester this morning and upon Newton heath he passed a body of men to the number of from 2 to 3 thousand - they were marching five a-breast in Military Order - preserving the step and the body had 3 Banners with them - one of which was surmounted with a red Cap and the word "Liberty" was written upon it - one flag so as black - and there was a man with a bugle there - one of the flags was red and had the words "Saddleworth Lees & ?Mossley? Union" upon it - another had the words "Royton Female Union" upon it and was carried by females -
Sworn before me this 16th August 1819 J D??????
Robert Fielden
Lancashire to wit - ?Two? my sons having been at White-Moss yesterday and having seen a large Body of men going through Military Manoeuvres - and having heard much conversation of Caps of Liberty and Flags with sundry devices on them being prepared to bring into Manchester – today I am ready to make oath and do hereby make oath that bringing into this large and populated Town such insignia - are calculated to inflame the public mind - and to greatly endanger the peace of the town
Sworn before me
William Hulton Thomas Blackwall
Being directed by Mr Thomas? Harc….?, Mr James Silvester and Fred. Bury joined Mr Daniel Grant to go on the Oldham Road for the purpose of ascertaining the numbers and dispositions of the persons who might be ?resorting? to Manchester - at the New Cross we met a procession of men in marching order who were in general armed with strong sticks - the body extended as far as we could see along the road towards Oldham - and as far as we could judge the number was two thousand and upwards Fred Bury saw a Flag but could not read the inscription –
The several Deponents Daniel Grant, James Worrall Silvester and George Fred Bury were sworn before me at Manchester the 16th day of August 1819 - - Before me, William Hulton D Grant, JW Silvester, GT Bury
HO42 198 August material 31-42 transcribed by Lee Kendall
(31) To the Magistrates acting for the Counties of Lancaster and Chester assembled at the New Bailey Court House –
Gent[lemen]
In the present agitated state of this Town and neighbourhood – and a meeting being called to assemble this day before St Peter’s Church – from a bad and seditious spirit evinced and from I can learn that great numbers of Reformers are expected from the Country bearing with them Insignia such as the Cap of Liberty and banners with inflammatory devices which I solemnly declare and am willing to make oath and doth make oath that such meetings and proceedings especially meetings held this day if not checked will subvert the public peace – I therefore pray you as Magistrates to adopt such measures to present such meetings so as to insure the public peace –
I am Gentlemen our most honourable servant Richard Clogg Manchester 16th August 1819
(sworn before me William Hulton)
Lancashire to wit – The Examinations of Jeremiah Fielding taken on oath 16th August 1819
Jeremiah Fielding says that he was this morning on the road to Cheetham Hill and he saw a large body of people about 2000 marching in regular order. They had a Band of Music and two flags – he went to that spot for the purpose of making observations of the disaffected –
George Grundy says the above statement is true
Sworn before me Jeremiah Fielding
George Grundy
(32) Lancashire to wit – The Examination of Jonathan Andrew – Constable of Manchester taken on oath at Manchester this 16th August 1819 –
Who saith that he is attending at this time (12 o ‘ clock at noon) at the area near St Peter’s Church on his Duty as Constable – at the present time an immense concourse of people is assembled not less than eight thousand persons – there are many Flags of various colours and many caps of liberty – on one of the Flags are inscribed “No Boroughmongering” “Unite and be free! “Equal Representation or Death” and two hands joined together and the word “Love” under them – at present Hunt is not arrived –
Sworn before me Jonathan Andrew
William Hulton
James Esdaile of 8 Major Street and 12 Canal Street says that he has heard the Examination of Jonathan Andrew read over and the same is true – on the reverse side of the Flag mentioned by Andrew are the words “Taxation without Representation is unjust and Tyrannical”
Sworn before me 16th August 1819 James Esdaile
William Hulton
Lancashire – the Examination of Thomas Hulme taken on oath at Manchester this 16th August 1819 –
Who saith that he has just seen a body of men marching to join the mob at St Peter’s area – they marched in Military order he counted 900 of them (33) they had four flags on one of which was written “Roachdale Union” “No Corn Laws” “Election by Ballot” they were preceded by a band of music playing “Rule Britannia” he heard the words of command “halt march attention” – about two hundred of the men had large walking sticks – some carrying them to their shoulders and others downwards
Sworn before me Thomas Hulme
William Hulton
Lancashire – The Examination of Lawrence Fort of Manchester Merchant taken on oath at Manchester 16th August 1819 –
Who saith that he was this morning coming on horseback on the Bury Road to Manchester he passed about two or three hundred women and some of them used abusive language to him and said their masters (meaning their husbands) would have Examinant’s Horse tomorrow – some of them threw stones at him – he got out of the way as fast as he could –
Sworn before me Lawrence Fort
Robert Fielden
Lancashire – The Examination of Robert Young taken on oath at Manchester 16th August 1819 –
Who saith that this afternoon about 3 o’ clock soon after the mob was dispersed was St Peter’s area he went into the Grecian’s Head in Deansgate – there were 12 men in the room where he sat all talking about the affair of the day, one swore he would never again come in that way, that he would come prepared when he came again – Lawrence Singleton says the above account is true and he heard in the street this afternoon (34) some persons say they must come prepared another time and that those persons who were taken into custody must be released in a day or two before anything could be done
Sworn before me Robert Young
J Silvester Lawrence Singleton
Lancashire to wit – John Walker of Manchester in the County of Lancaster Gentleman Charles Ryder of the same place Gentleman John Bradshaw of the same place Gentleman James Brierley of Ardwick Gentleman Joseph Green of Manchester Merchant John Allen of Manchester Merchant John Greenwood of Manchester Merchant Edward Clayton of Manchester Merchant Thomas Scholes Withington of the same place Merchant Thomas Hulme of the same place Merchant Thomas Jackson of the same place Gentleman – severally make oath and say that from information received by these Deponents from different persons and from various quarters of meetings of large bodies of men having been held in the night time to practise military evolutions which these deponents believe to be for illegal purposes and that large Bodies of men intend to march into the Town of Manchester this day with the Cap of Liberty and other emblems of Rebellion and Revolution publicly displayed - these Deponents verily believe that if this information is confirmed by the appearance of such display of Revolutionary Emblems at the head of or with numerous bodies of men marching from different Townships and places to the place where the intended meeting of this day is advertised to be held it is calculated to create a breach of the peace – to produce tumult and confusion and endanger the peace of the Town and neighbourhood
John Walker Thomas Scholes Withington
John Bradshaw Thomas Hulme
Charles Ryder Joseph Green
Edward Clayton John Allen
John Greenwood
(35) and these deponents Thomas Close William Tate M Mason William Heap George Jones William Padmore William Wanklyn Thomas Ollier Junior William Lover John Dutton David Bellhouse Junior John Loyd G L Williams William [ ] John Thomlinson Francis Phillips Charles Fletcher John Redhead George Hudson James Cook Jeremiah Fielding John Pooley Junior William Sandford Thomas Hardman Thomas Watkins David Grant Thomas Sharpe Richard Warren John Sherratt John Birley John Wheeler John Harrop G Andrew Senior George Grundy Thomas Hill John Thorpe John Lyon Ebenezer Thompson H G Brandt Joseph Stretch James Molineux Joshua Wood Samuel Wainhouse John Kirkman Joseph Thorley and James Allen whose names are hereunto subscribed severally make oath and say that they have read the forgoing deposition and they verily believe the same to be true and they have no doubt of danger to the peace of the town at this time
Sworn before W R Hay
Thomas Close William Tate M Mason William Heap George Jones William Padmore William Wanklyn Thomas Ollier Jnr William Lover John Dutton David Bellhouse Jnr John Loyd
G L Williams William [ ] John Thomlinson Francis Phillips Charles Fletcher John Redhead George Hudson James Cook Jeremiah Fielding John Pooley Junior William Sandford Thomas Hardman Thomas Watkins David Grant Thomas Sharpe Richard Warren John Sherratt John Birley John Wheeler John Harrop
G Andrew Senior George Grundy Thomas Hill John Thorpe
John Lyon Ebenezer Thompson H G Brandt Joseph Stretch James Molineux Joshua Wood Samuel Wainhouse John Kirkman Joseph Thorley James Allen
(36) Lancashire to wit – The information of Richard Owen of Manchester pawnbroker taken on oath at Manchester this 16th August 1819
Who saith that at this time (a quarter past 1’o clock) a car has arrived among the mob in the area of St Peters Church in which are Henry Hunt Knight Johnson Moorhouse and a woman sits on the dickey but does not know her name – She carries a flag and waves a white handkerchief – Examinant now considers the town to be in danger and the peace to be broken – says that the said Hunt Knight Johnson and Moorhouse are moving thereto – the crowd shouting immensely.
Sworn before Robert Fielden Richard Owen
Lancashire to wit – The information and complaint of private John Longshaw of the 15th Hussars taken this sixteenth day of August 1819 Before his Majesty’s Justices of Peace for the said County – who saith that this day about two o’clock in the afternoon he this Informant when in the execution of his duty soon after the arrest of Henry Hunt and others and when in the act of dispersing the riotous assembly of this day near a certain meeting house not far from the area near St Peters in Manchester in the said county he heard the report of a pistol and saw a person who this Informant is certain fired it – Having seen the smoke after the discharge and also saw the person who had discharged it dropped the pistol to the ground – immediately near to the place where he had fired it – this Informant also saith that the person who had so dropped the pistol on being pursued by him this Informant saw into a house of which Michael Shaw another
(37) private of the said 15th Hussars struck the door and marked it with the point of his sabre – This Informant and the said Michael Shaw were prevented from apprehending the person who had so fired the pistol by a large mob throwing brickbats and stones at them – But he this Informant can know the person again whenever he can see him – He this Informant further saith that he and the said Michael Shaw then joined their troop in the area near St Peters Church – The person who fired the pistol appeared to this Informant to be about five foot eight inches high – and had on a long fustian coat and a buff waistcoat – has sandy coloured hair and is long visaged – the said Informant after the report of the pistol that was so fired saw one of the Manchester Yeomanry fall from his horse – and Informant left him on the ground – not being able to assist although he was asked by another of the said Manchester Yeomanry so to do.
Sworn before R A Fletcher
W R Hay John Longshaw
Lancashire to wit – The information of Michael Shaw the other private referred to on the before written examination on his oath saith that what John Longshaw hath so sworn to he this Informant himself witnessed and saith the same is true.
Sworn 16th day August 1819 before R a Fletcher
W R Hay Michael Shaw
(38) Lancashire to wit – Martha Stretch a female servant with Mr Holford of Cooker Street Manchester and Alice Fish Housekeeper with the same Gentleman
Severally make oath and say and first this deponent Martha Stretch for herself saith that about two o’clock this afternoon deponent was standing at the Back yard door of her Masters House – That a man and woman pushed passed deponent into the yard – The man passed by deponent first that one of the two or this deponent then shut the door (but this Deponent was so confused a the time she cannot say which) that at the same instant Deponent heard a noise at the door which appeared to deponent to proceed from the noise of a horse’s feet – this Deponent ran into the house to inform this other deponent Alice Fish what had happened, leaving the man and woman still in the yard –
This other deponent Alice Fish for herself saith that the other deponent Martha Stretch came to deponent very much alarmed and said Alice call thy Master that deponent went into the yard and saw a man there with who she entered into conversation – The man was rather low in stature and dressed as a poor labouring man – that the man informed Deponent he came from Bolton Moor and this Deponent believes she could know the man if she saw him again – The deponent further saith that the man said he knew of cllr Carlile of Bolton and also cllr Robert Derbyshire of the Fold and related to deponent who cllr Derbyshire had married – Deponent advised the man to go off home immediately and he accordingly went away – during this conversation the woman went away and apparently had no knowledge of the man –
(39) The deponent Martha Stretch further says that the man had on a Brown Coat with bright buttons having observed him from the window of her Master’s Cellar whilst he was in conversation with Alice Fish –
Mr George Holford states that he saw a man and woman in the yard of his House at the time alluded to and went to enquire into their business – the man had the appearance of being hurried and out of breath and entreated permission to stop a little saying he had been running he had on a kind of Brown or Fustian Coat and Deponent thinks he could know him again.
Sworn at Manchester aforesaid 16th August 1819 before me Mr Marriott
Martha Stretch
Alice Fish
George Holford
Lancashire to wit – Gilbert Winter of Manchester Merchant Thomas Hardman of same place Merchant and Thomas Scholes Withington of same place Merchant severally make oath and say and first the said Gilbert Winter saith that in passing along Deansgate this evening about 8 o’clock he has been violently stoned by parties of men assembled in the streets – this was continued from Quay Street through Deansgate near St John Street – Stones were constantly flying
Gilbert Winter
Thomas Scholes Withington says the account given by Gilbert Winter is true – says that some of the well disposed of the people exhorted deponent to go away and stated that the Constables had no chance with the mob
Thomas Scholes Withington
(40) Thomas Hardman says that in passing along Deansgate and through Lad Lane he saw a great assemblage of people and he was stoned by the mob – a party of the Infantry came up and drove back the mob who were pursuing Examinant
All sworn before me this 16th August 1819
Mr Hulton Thomas Hardman
Manchester 16th August 1819
George Brown 32 Brazennose Street maketh oath and saith that Mr Henry Hunt said if the enemy shew any symptoms against us, put them down – Quieten them and keep them down – He then menaced the Cavalry by huzzaring and shouting and immediately the mob shouted – Hunt then hurried round to them and said – Be firm
George Brown
Lancashire to wit – The Examination of Joseph Nadin Constable of Manchester taken on oath at Salford this 17th August 1819 –
Who saith that he yesterday was at the area near St Peters Church on duty as a Constable – While he was there he perceived a Warrant fro the apprehension of Hunt Knight Johnson and Moorhouse – says that he proceeded towards the hustings for the purpose of executing the Warrant and on the way from the house where the Magistrates were sitting and which commanded a view of the Hustings examinant saw a Brickbat thrown in a direction towards the Constables – It was impossible for the Civil officers to execute the warrant and he withdrew those immediately up to the Hustings in order to make way for the Military and without their assistance Examinant has no doubt that the Warrant could not (41) have been executed – says that he believes the Crowd assembled at the time exceeded sixty thousand persons
Sworn before me Mr Hulton Joseph Nadin
Lancashire to wit – The Examination of Thomas Close of Manchester Merchant and William James Wilson Surgeon taken on oath Salford the 17th day of August 1819
The said Thomas Close says that yesterday he was on duty as a Constable the whole day – that he was on the area near St Peters Church and in endeavouring to clear the Crowd away he was stoned prodigiously and many stones hit Examinant and his horse – he was close to Mr Hulme when he had fallen from his Horse, and he saw him lying on the ground and assisted to carry him to the infirmary Examinant went out in the Evening on his Duty to join the Borough[ ] and in riding up Oldham Street by the New Cross he was stoned to so great a degree that he was obliged to gallop from the spot and joined the Military and there he remained the whole evening till half past eleven – Stones were continually thrown at the Constables before the streets were cleared
Thomas Close
William James Wilson says he was passing up Oldham Street yesterdays in the afternoon in the course of his professional duties about five o’ clock – The mob were then throwing stones from the New Cross Shambles both at the Military and everybody that passed – Examinant endeavoured for nearly two hours to get up the street, or to (42) make his way from any of the side streets in order to pursue his lawful business but he was wholly prevented from the terror which the conduct of the mob exited – and he is confident if he had persisted in pursuing his course he would not have escaped with his life – and he was obliged to return and with some difficulty he got back from the streets amidst showers of stones –
William James Wilson
Sworn before me
Thomas William Tatton
[End].
Transcribed by Claire Robinson
Manchester
19 Nov 1819
2 o'c[lock] am
My Lord
Herewith I have the honor to transmit to your Lordship copies of the examination taken before magistrates previous to & upon the 16th Augt and I believe they are all of this description except such as were taken before Mr Watkins and Mr Ethelstone – if there be any other they are in your Lordships Possession. They are arranged according to their dates & circumstances the latter commencing by acts of training, inflammatory & seditious expressions & the occurrences of the 16th Aug. – Copies of such depositions as have been taken subsequent to the 16th Augt although relative to the transactions previous to & that day will be forwarded to your Lordship by tomorrows Post & I exceedingly regret that it has not been in my power to send them at this time.
I have the honor to be
My Lord
Your Lordships faithful
& hble servt.
J. Norris
To
Lord Visct. Sidmouth
Evidence taken before & upon the 16th of August 1819
Lancashire to wit the Information of Thomas Hutchinson, Ellis Cunliffe, Richard Hodgson and Richard Walker all of Bury, who all upon their oaths say
That in various parts of the neighbourhood of Bury there are nightly assemblies of great numbers of men who meet together to learn and practice military Training. which these Informants verily believe to be intended to qualify them for hostile purposes against the Government of the Country and against the Peace of our lord the King his Crown and dignity and to the disturbance of them these Informants who verily assert their fear for their own present safety. And therefore they these Informants pray that these men so training in large bodies to the terror of His Majesty’s subjects may be apprehended and compelled to find securities for the Peace. Signed
Thomas Hutchinson
Ellis Cunliffe
Richard Hodgson
Richard Walker
Sworn 7th August before Ra Fletcher Esq.
[Corrected to middle p.3 of pdf]
Lancashire to wit the information of Samuel Fletcher of Little Lever in the county of Lancaster, Collier
Who saith that on Saturday last Informant was on
Cockey Moor about 7 o Clock in the evening and Informant
observed many persons on the moor, there might be about
two hundred. They were drilling in a military way in
different squads and obeying the words of command
given by different drill masters. That informant
saw them drilling for about two hours. That about
one or two o Clock in the morning George Greenhalgh one
of the persons now in Custody was in the Room [Harling]
with several other persons also in custody. There
were many persons in the Room and in the course of
conversation George Greenhalgh said that the meaning
of these drillings was that they might come to that perfection
so that they might join their friends and neighbours in Bury
and the neighbourhood and form themselves into a body at Bury
and march in order with music to the Manchester meeting.
He also said that the meeting would have been on Monday
next /their day/ but it was considered to be illegal and of
course it was postponed to the Monday following and now
a requisition to the Boroughreeve and Constables of Manchester
was signed by more than 2000 Inhabitants. Informant
asked him ‘’what the meaning of such a meeting would be’’
George Greenhalgh the meaning of such a meeting was that
The Country should be properly represented – informant said
He thought the country was represented and George Greenhalgh
replied ‘’no there was Manchester Bolton Bury and many
other towns that were not represented at all and
it was meant that they should be.
Signed Saml Fletcher
Sworn 9th August 1819 before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esqrs
9th August 1819 Robert Lever of Great Bolton was at
Mr. Whiteheads near Cockey Moor on Saturday and saw
About 200 persons drilling for about two hours and a half.
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit the information of James Haslam of great
Bolton in the said county bookkeeper
Who saith that on Saturday evening last about half past 7
o clock Informant together with Mr William Webster now
in the valley between Mr Whithead’s and Cockey Moor and
informant saw many persons drilling on the moor in
a military manner. This might be 150 or 200 persons.
Informant watched them from about a quarter of an hour
To half an hour. That amongst the persons drilling was
John Hargreaves one of the persons now in custody. Hargreaves
was one who gave the word of command and they were in open
Column when Informant first saw them and then wheeled
into line. Hargreaves was in the front and appeared to
give the word of command to one division. That
about midnight or a little afterwards Informant and
several others apprehended Hargreaves. Informant
challenged him with having been drilling persons on Cockey
Moor. Hargreaves at first denied it but on Informant
telling him that he/Hargreaves had wheeled them into line
Hargreaves acknowledged that he had done so, and he then said
if they would but be merciful to him he would do so no more.
Signed Jas. Haslam
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit the information of Arthur Taylor of Great
Bolton in the said County warper
Who saith that he went by directions from the magistrates
to Cockey Moor on Saturday evening last to observe the persons
that were expected to be drilling or training and exercising there.
That it was about a quarter past 8 o clock in the evening
when informant got to the moor. There were about 100
persons drilling, the prisoner George Greenhalgh was giving
the word of command to about 36 men they were in
open column. Told off in three or four divisions; when
Informant got to them they had been marching in files,
When informant first saw them George Greenhalgh
ordered them to form a line. They then advanced in line
and they did many other manoeuvres. George Greenhalgh giving
The word of command. Informant was close to them there
were two other divisions on the moor exercising under the
command of other persons. These other two divisions had
each about the same number of men as that under George
Greenhalgh. That informant with several others
apprehended George Greenhalgh that night. That informant
on Greenhalgh being apprehended asked him if he had been
in the army he said ‘’yes a little he had been in the Army
Volunteers.’’ Informant asked him what they
were drilling for and he replied only to go to the meeting
at Manchester on Monday so that they might march to
the band.
Signed Arthur Taylor
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit The Examination of Charles Hill of Woolfold
In Tottington in the said county weaver
Who saith I was on Cockey Moor on Monday night last
with other persons they wanted me to drill them. I had been
in the 2nd Regiment of Lancashire Militia and was discharged
at the first peace with Bonaparte. I did drill the persons
on the moor for a short time on Monday night last.
I was coaxed to do it. I cannot tell how many persons there
were on the moor that night there might be 100. They were
in different squads. The squad I drilled might consist
of 20 or 30. George Greenhalgh, John Hargreaves and
John Holt, were drilling other squads that evening.
I was not there on Thursday or Saturday. Adam Ridings
a neighbour of mine and who has been a soldier went
with me to the moor. I don’t know who it was that
coaxed me to drill them there were several who directed
me to step out it was near [], and I don’t know there
names. I did hear that we were to go to Bury this
morning and join others and proceed to Manchester to the
meeting for Parliamentary Reform. I heard there was
a requisition for chusing a Representative or something
in that manner we were all to have gone this morning
to Manchester. We were ordered to go and many would
have gone but on Friday I heard that the meeting was
done away with. I did not go to any drillings after I saw
the paper from the magistrates forbidding the meeting
at Manchester.
Signed Charles Hill
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit The Examination of George Greenhalgh of
Walshaw Lane in Tottington in the said county weaver
Who saith that I was drilling men on Cockey Moor
on Saturday evening last, there was no body. There was
nobody that I know of besides myself drilling them. There
were two squads in the lane. I did not see Edward
Rothwell drilling in particular, but I believe he was
there and might be drilling there were about 25 in
the squad I was drilling. I have heard they have
drilled at Woolfold. Charles Hill I believe was not
on the moor on Saturday but he was with me there on
Monday evening last. It was wished that all the
Parish of Bury who had imbibed the spirit of Reform
should muster to go all together to the Manchester meeting
The reason that set me upon drilling was the [census?]
of the country and from reading the observer paper. I exhorted my
Neighbours to Cockey Moor to a peaceable conduct and hoped
none of them were for Revolution and [plunder?] if they were
I hoped they would be mistaken.
Signed George Greenhalgh
The first night we met was on Monday last there were
upwards of 100. It was accidental how many men
there were in a section. On Monday night Charles
Hill and John Holt were the drill masters. I was in
the ranks we have met three times on Monday Thursday
and Saturday last.
Signed George Greenhalgh
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit The examination of John Holt of Elton in
the said county weaver.
Who saith I was with other persons drilling on Cockey Moor
on Monday night last there were different squads on the
Moor and I joined them I was desired to get into the front
and give them the step. I have been in the militia.
I cannot tell who I saw there. I did not see Edward
Rothwell there might be about three hundred in the
Whole from two to three hundred lads. And about 300.
I gave no word of command. The [flagalman?] gives no
word, I only gave the step. There were than
twenty or thirty there might be forty in the squad to
which I gave the step. I did not give the word, but I gave
them the time. I was not there on Thursday nor on
Saturday. I think I saw George Greenhalgh on the
Monday evening on the moor drilling. Charles Hill was
there. The man that drilled them I know by sight but do
not recollect his name, he lives in Tottington at Woolfold
on that side of the Country.
Signed the X mark of
John Holt
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit The Examination of John Hargreaves of
Tottington in the said county weaver.
Who saith that he was not on Cockey moor on Saturday
Evening last nor was ever at any meeting but one and
that was on Monday last and then I gave the word of
command to a small party. I was in the military
service thirty six years ago I was at the siege of Gibraltar.
On Monday last when I took the command of
a small party there were other parties on the moor
but I do not know any one that commanded []
me. They were in divisions and the divisions were at
some distance from each other. I have heard that the
parties that were drilling were to meet at Bury this
day to go to the meeting at Manchester.
Signed The X mark of
John Hargreaves
Sworn 9th August before Ra Fletcher and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit The Information of the [Revd?] Richard Hood
Of Bury in the said county clerk
Who saith that on Monday the second day of August
last about half past 8 o clock in the evening as Informant
was returning home from Heywood to Bury at a place
called Little Bridge about three quarters of a mile from
Bury Informant saw a great number of persons
in the road marching in a military manner the
Commander was evidently a military man and
Commanded as well as any officer could do: there was
In the opinion of Informant between two and three hundred
they were four deep and from the [mass?] of men informant
thinks they were near three hundred. They wheeled about
and filled the whole road. Informant was obliged
to stop on account of their filling the whole space for
three or four minutes. The Commander called out
frequently the word ‘’left’’ he cried out ‘’halt’’ and face
about’ and Informant who was on horseback thus
passed between them and the commander who was
in front. They said nothing to Informant.
Signed Richard Hood
Sworn 13th August before Ra Fletcher, William Hulton and James Watkins Esq
Lancashire to wit the information of William Goodlad of
Bury in the said County Surgeon
Who saith that last night about half past 9 o clock
as Informant was returning home from Heywood about
three quarters of a mile from Bury at a place called Little
Bridge. Informant saw a great number of men
marching in regular order they were in two divisions, as
Informant came up to one division he heard the
Commander of it call out ordinary time. march and
the division obeyed. The other division was marching
in column of four deep and in quick march. The
commander [] repeating the words ‘’right’’ ‘’left’’ at
intervals. One division appeared to Informant to consist
of between one and two hundred men. And the other
division had above two hundred men. In both divisions
there appeared to Informant to be between four or five
hundred men. Informant was on horseback and
passed them in the lane. Informant was obliged
to ride at foot pace. There were a number of persons
watching. That a boy in the hedge said ’’Damn him knock
him off, & another person said Damn them’’ We’ll Paddy them
in Manchester though this last [expuition?] aluded to the soldiers who came yesterday.
Signed Wm. Goodlad
Page 11
Sworn 11th August 1819 before Jas. Blackburne
[ ] Hornby
Pollard?
Thos. Lyon
Ra Fletcher
Wm Hulton
Jas. Watkins Esq
County Palatine of Lancaster to wit} The information of Henry Latham of Pennington in the said County, a [reduced?] quarter master of the second regiment of Life Guards [ ] who saith that on or about the tenth day of July last a person whose name this Informant believes to be Peter Fryer said to this Informant that he this Informant was a ‘damned old pauper’ and he the said Peter Fryer would deprive this informant (who is well known to be a Pensioner) of this living, and if and if he did not take care, of his life to; and that it was time that paupers should be removed from the Earth. That the said Peter Fryer also said he would get rid of the Prince Regent and all the Georges and the whole of them. They had been in their places too long and he, the said Peter Fryer, had had enough of them. That Thomas Cook of Pennington aforesaid, Miller, hath at times in the Informant’s presence declared that all pensioners and placemen should be done away with and the said Thomas Cook about six weeks ago who said we will have nothing to do with the present Government we’ll have a government of our own. We will have no men of high office and no [sihecure] placemen. That on Saturday evening in July last at the George and Dragon in Pennington in the said county, one Peter Fryer abused this Informant respecting his pension and used very seditious language and Thomas Allworth of Westleigh, labourer, used language to the same effect and the said Thomas Allworth particularly used words to the following affect. That they would get rid of the Prince Regent and all the Georges. That they had had enough of them and of the Parliament ----
Henry Latham
Sworn the 11th August 1819, before Wm Hulton Esq County Palatine of Lancaster to wit
The information of William Holt a private Soldier in the 6th Regiment of Dragoon Guards who saith that Informant being ordered by his officer to disperse the persons surrounding the House where the Magistrates were assembled the Red Bull in Leigh the prisoner who calls himself Henry Hilton [ ] damned Informant and the other soldiers and said they had no business there he [and?] other violent language but this was all that informant can recollect. There was at the time several more of the people about. There were two other soldiers behind Informant at the time but they were at a little distance.
William Holt
Page 12
John Wrigley of Lees sworn 11th August 1819 Mr. Holmes says that on Monday night last about 10 o’clock he intended leaving his dwelling house in Lees [afrd] in company of Mrs. Wrigley that at his door he was met by a large body of Reformers who waved a flag over his head upon which was written in large letters on one side ‘’No Boroughmongering’’ or ‘’the Borough [ ] ‘’ [ ] which without representation is equally unjust and [ ]. On the [reverse?] to the best of Examinants recollection ‘’Unite and be free’’ with ‘’Equal Representation or Death’’ – that such flag was carried by a person of the name of Issac Seville of or near Lees
[afrd] [cotton weaver/collier?] and noted reformer who Examinant believes is the person who took care of the horses belonging to Baguley [and Drummond?] at the time of their apprehension. That on the same evening he saw the Cap of Liberty hoisted on a pole & also what the Reformers [demonstrate?] the red or bloody flag upon another pole. That during the time the Reformers were about his house they were singing an [infamous?] & disloyal song called ‘’Green upon the [cape? ] ‘’ which was much made [ ] of not [ ] of the Irish Rebellion – that he considered the life of himself and family in great danger had he made the least resistance at the time the flag was waved over his head. That the whole assembly was [riotous?] & disorderly in the greatest degree & he conceived the village after the complete state of insurrection.
Benjamin Worswick of Failsworth sworn 12 August 1819 before Mr Norris says that on Thursday evening last the 6th inst he saw about 80 men drilling and learning to march and [countermarch?]. He heard the words, march, halt & other military expressions. The men were commanded by a person of the name of Daniel Whitehead which the said Worswick said he knew by his voice.
John Law of Manchester sworn 14th August 1819 before Mr Norris says that on Sunday Morning the 18th day of August he went as an inside passenger by the [space here] Coach to Rochdale – that when the said coach arrived at a place called the slattocks & which is about two miles beyond Middleton & about three from Rochdale it stopped. The said John Law [ ] upon a band close to the road about 30 men and several women. That he heard much conversation about the people in that neighbourhood having drilled in large bodies and now particularly on the Sunday morning it struck this deponent John Law that the said men might have been [so?] employed that morning. [The now?] it was particularly as it was then only a little past seven o’clock and that he communicated his suspicions to the Gentleman who sat opposite to this Deponent who this deponent John Law afterwards understood to be a Mr. Royds of Rochdale afrsd a magistrate and & who stated to this deponent that it was very probable that they had been so employed. That very [ ] this deponent hear the word, march, [assuredly?]. Afterwards several companies of [ ] & accompanying in the whole from two to four hundred marched along the along the Turnpike Road on which this coach was then was towards Middleton, & this in the deponents impression then was, and now is, that the [ ] to marching and came some way on the said Turnpike Road and had been drilling & that the men standing on the [ ] were collected from the [ ] in expectation or knowledge that the said then would march that way --- that this deponent thinks the said men who so marched were divided into six companies or divisions. That each [ ] marched 4 abreast except at the head of companies where there was a fifth person with a small stick or cane in his hand, who appeared to be the leader or Captain & gave orders. That the men marched with fresh [precision?] and appeared to this deponent who was some years a member of a volunteer corps to have been regularly drilled and acquired a good state of discipline. That the men in one company having got out of step in a [ ] degree one of the leaders of it fell out of the rank and cried out; left, right, & restored the company immediately into a good state of marching. That whilst the men were so marching past the coach one of the leaders look in into the coach from which they were not [ ] more than two yards and apparently addressing the passengers in the coach used the expression ‘’We Will damn’d soon make the Boroughmongering [tyrants] tremble.’’ That this expression was used when about half the men had marched past the coach & when this deponent had recovered from the surprize into which the march of the men past the coach had [ ] this deponent & which surprise at the [outset?] had [prevented?] this deponent from counting the numbers of the men who so marched. That the last company came past the coach in double quick time and were ordered by their leader to march time in consequence of the [ ] of their march getting them to [ ] the company before them. That shortly before the said last company to come past the coach in double quick time this deponent heard a bugle not far off & which he has no doubt relayed to the party tho’ this deponent did not see it. That in the case of the same foreman this deponent continued by the mail which stopped at the at the said place called the slattocks & this deponent enquired from the persons about who the people [were? ] he had seen in the [morning?]. That the said people from whom he enquired were unwilling to say anything, but at length reluctantly said they supposed they were a part of the men who had been drilling near the Pendle hill & that they were the [Oldham?] division.
Robert Turner of Shaw Chapel sworn 14th August 1819 before Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Trafford, says that he had been at Bury since Monday last. That he has seen persons drilling in marching and [pacing?] but not with arms every night since Monday last till last night. That one of the party whom this Examinant had seen drilling had told this Examinant that they were about 500 persons on the books whodrilled and more had joined but whose names were not yet put down. The said persons drilled in the High Road at Heap Bridge. He heard some persons who had been drilling say, they were ready for a fight on Monday next if the soldiers were to stop them, that the soldiers that were there, means at [ ] there would not be a breakfast for them. That a drill master of the name of Johnson was fetched from near Oldham. That somewhere about [ ] o’clock yesterday the examinant was in the King’s Head public house & two soldiers of the 51th Regiment were there. That many more were in the house. Some of whom asked the soldiers to drink & particularly the men whom this Examinant should know again asked the soldiers [to drink] who had got up to leave the house but the soldiers refused saying they should be late at parade. That the said men then shut the door after the soldiers who had gone out and said, damn them, I’d as soon give them a drop of their blood as that [ ] a Gill of Ale which he held in his hands. This Examinant heard some of the persons who had drilled talking of the four men who were taken at Cockey Moor & say that none of their men should be taken by soldiers [then?] for they would keep a [picket not?] every night. That the [ ] beasts with the [ ] class in the public houses are the cap of liberty & may the wings of liberty never lose a feather.
John Shawcross of Salford Bookkeeper sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr Hornby says that about [ ] past 12 last night he with Mr. Murray s Special Constable, Mr. Rymer and his son set off on the Road towards Middleton. That when they got to Harpurhey about two miles from Manchester they saw from 20 to 50 men in a groupe. That these seemed to observe them and remarked that they looked like constables. However said they ‘’damn them [ ] mind then what they are.’’ He & his party walked on. The others overtook and passed them & as they passed & as they passed made a lot of whooping noise as if to call others to join them. One of them said ‘’Don’t make such a noise’’ another replied ‘’I will never cease to [ ] roused the sweet cry of liberty.’’ They passed on & as they went before we could hear their hallooing & shouting. They sang several songs to different tunes. One to the tune of ‘’The Woodpecker.’’ We thought they turned to the right towards White Moss. We continued our journey [ ] we came as we thought to the edge of this Moss about 4 miles from Manchester. Stopped near a farm house & listened & thought we could distinctly hear people talking. We crossed a field [ ] to come nearer to where we fancied they were. Waited there some time & listened to them. Heard them distinctly say ‘’Eyes left’’ & ‘’right.’’ We got over a hedge in order to come still nearer to them. It appeared however that they were not at the Moss but were moving towards it. Every now & then they got up a great huzza. We cod hear that answered from different places the nearer hallooing to a second distant [ ]. We followed the [track across?] to the voices & got to the Moss. It was now coming daybreak when we got there & we could hear a great number of voices together but could not see the persons . Numbers crossed the Moss in threes & fours joining the main body. We then got a sight of the whole assembled. Appeared most of them to be [ ] in a sort of irregular line in different groupes as if ready to fall into line. He should judge there were from four to five hundred of them there. There were also detached bodies from these learning to march under a leader. Several groupes fell out from the main body into several small companies under a leader [ ] some marching as it were in line, others marching on fell one into the rear of another. It was now perfectly daylight & we were then 50 yards from the whole of them. At this time Mr. Murray was [despized?] by them and called ‘’Gingerbread Jack’’. I suggested to Murray that we should get out of the way as we had seen all we could. We passed them but could find we were observed by them. They hallooed after us. Great numbers called out ‘’Damn there eyes follow them.’’ Great numbers came towards us, others called out to them ‘’Come Back’’ ‘’Come Back.’’ We walked on and somebody called out ‘’[ ] damn them at[ ] ‘’ Great numbers began to follow us. Rymer and his son got over a hedge to the left. Murray passed into a lane before me, about 20 or 30 yards before me. They came up to me. Said ‘’damn your eyes what do you want here?’’ Murray turned back. They said he to tell you the truth was only my curiosity that led me here.’’ They then set upon him with sticks & stones & kicked him also. Another party directly attacked me. Some person knocked me down with a large stick onto a hedge backing. There were now 30 or 40 upon me with sticks & they kicked me with their feet. Called out when I was down ‘’Damn him murder him.’’ I received now a violent kick in the stomach which made me senseless for a moment or two. When I came to myself I called out ‘’murder.’’ They called out ‘’Damn him, finish him, kill him.’’ All the time they were laying on me with their sticks & feet. They then left me. I got out of the hedge, could see them about 40 or 50 yards foreward round Mr. Murray, the same people, could see them distinctly beating him. I turned back & took a [every?]direction of the road & in 3 miles got to Middleton, called on a sister of mine. It was now about [6?]. I proceeded on towards Manchester & at Blakeley James Platt joined me. We went to Mr. Ollier the surgeon at Manchester about ½ past 7. He will describe the state I was in.
James Murray of Manchester Confectioner sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr. Norris and Mr. Trafford. Says that this morning soon after 3 O’clock he went in company with [space] [ ] of this Police Office. Here other persons to a place called the White Moss a mile & a half from Middleton. That after they had reached the place they approached near to a place where there were two solid [bodies?] of people [ ] each to 7 or 800 persons at the peak & to which they were directed by [ ] shouts which seemed to [ ] to wake persons & get them [ ]. They first came [ ] subsections of 20 or 25 which was marching in lines. One of them asked this deponent would he fall in? Deponent said perhaps he aught but began to retreat. On which one of them called there are spies & [radical] called out this Deponents name & [ ] some cried out from the [fincial?] body to the section ‘’ mind ‘em well’’ & others cried ‘’ murder them’’ on which the whole of that section & [social] others who joined them to the numbers of 70 or 80 in the whole pursued this deponent and began to throw clods of earth & [ ] to beat this deponent with heavy [ ] which they brought with them & one person in particular the [leg?] to a cart shaft. Seven or eight persons struck this deponent at one time on his body, left. & at [ ] in particular whilst several others went 3 or 4 yards from him & [ ] at him with great violence [ ] with their fists. Others at some time kicked him most violently. This was continued for a distance of [two] fields & for about 10 minutes till the deponent perceiving that their [wish?] was to murder him in reality, said, you mean to murder me which they said they would [ ] he received a most violent blow as he conceives from the Cart leg on the back of his neck & at that moment from his [sensation?] said to them, you have killed me now, and [ ] fell [ ] and verely believes he was recovered from the [this continued? ] blows which they gave [ ] when he came to himself again they were still beating him as hard as they could. Deponent still lying on the ground begged sincerely for his life. They continued a little longer to beat on as usual. Deponent continuing to pray for his life. He said this [ ] Gentleman does not look like Reform in Parliament it appears to me to be wilful murder. And one said, I think he has had enough & another said if we give him much more he will die. They [ ] several said to him, will you beg pardon & never be a [ ] again. & one said or mention the King’s name & go down on your knees & declare it, which Deponent conceived his life depended upon it said he would upon which about twenty got round him in a ring & stood [ ] with sticks whilst he declared that he would have no more to do with the King or Constabulary. They then allowed him to go away & whilst he was in the act of going away the [ ] whom this Examinant can fell again gave him two more violent blows upon the back. He then made his escape and saw no more of them. That this Examinant [ ] but is sure he could know 5 of them again if not more.
William Chippendale of Oldham, merchant sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr. Norris - says, that this morning at about 6 O’clock he as standing in the garden of Mr Edward Lees at [ ] lodges at Oldham for the purpose of looking at persons drilling at a place called White Moss [ ] That the distance between these places is better than 2 miles & that the Examinant could see the persons drilling [ ] and not see them sufficiently to form the estimate of their numbers. He in consequence used a telescope [ ] the body distinctly. [ ] he is certain above a thousand drilling & a large body of spectators. That there was a gentle breeze [ ] distinctly they heard these words of Command, Right, left, look up, march, halt, wheel, & so on. He heard [ ] many times.
Richard [B?adder] of Manchester sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr. Hulton says that he set out from Manchester between 12 & 1 O’clock this morning to go to White Moss where he understood persons were [drilling?]. Edward [McCarlan] accompanied the Examinant. When they got a little past St George’s Church in Manchester they heard the cheering of a multitude of people & the words given were repeatedly expressed. They proceeded onwards about half a mile & the [ ] to listen. They heard cheering again [& some] distance before them. Some persons passed before them about 20 in body. Then about 12 in body & then 3. Examinant & the carter pretended to be drunk fearing they might be molested. They proceed on to Blakeley & towards White Moss. They heard the cheering of bodies of men in all directions in the fields. They sat down in a field & had determined to return to Manchester but four men came up to them & Examinant asked if they knew where they could get [ ] any drink. They went together to a private house & there had some drink. & one of the men said none of you has drunk our friend Henry Hunt’s health. Mr. [Carlins?] then drunk his health & Examinant [ ] him & his followers. They then began to talk about the drilling & the then said they would take Examinant & his companion to White Moss which they did. On arrival there Examinant saw smaller parties of them [ ] on all sides towards the place of drilling and in the whole there appeared better than 3000 assembled & perhaps 300 drilling. This was about 5 O’clock. He then return home from the White Moss one man said. It must come to fulfilling at last for the revolutionary meetings were not only in England but [all over?] Europe. He said Ferdinand the 7th of Spain [ ] alway.
Edward [McCarlan?] also sworn before Mr. Hulton 15th August 1819 says he has heard the deposition of Richard Badder read over & the same is true, but Examinant did not hear anything about Ferdinand of Spain.
William Shaw of Ashton under Line Spinner sworn 15th August 1819 Mr. Hulton says that about one O’clock this morning he was on watch in the town of Ashton & he heard a horn blow and [immediately?] afterwards about 100 men appeared at the [---side] the [ ] & they marched in a direction towards Oldham. Small parties of 5 or 6 then in a body continued to go in the same direction till towards 2 O’clock. About two O’clock 50 men or thereabouts marched in a body in the same direction & they trailed poles behind them as soldiers trail their muskets. Examinant was in a field across the road at their line. Small straggling parties continued to go that way till daylight – soon after daylight. Examinant went down to Ashton Moss & saw about 40 lads [ ] then drilling without [ ].
George Henry sworn 15th August 1819 also before Mr. Hulton says he was in company all the time with Shaw. He has heard his deposition read over & the same is true.
Jonathan Andrew of Headham Hall sworn 15th August before Mr. Hulton, says, that early this morning about ½ past one o’clock he was awoke by very loud and repeated shouts, which caused him immediately to leave his house & proceed to the spot from whence it came & to his astonishment he saw from 30 to 40 people passing on marching in military procession. Shortly afterwards another detachment came of about the same number when the word ‘’halt’’ was distinctly given which was followed by 3 loud cheers. Numbers afterwards followed not in military procession but in small detachments of about 6 or 8 people making a great noise & singing [ ] & he is informed the greatest part of the road leading to their place of meeting called the White Moss in order to be drilled & [ ] then military movements experienced this general disturbance and on this road near to St. Georges Church a number of lamps were broken & for mischief done. Great numbers he has seen returning this forenoon about 11 o’clock & many in a complete state of intoxication & he feels himself much alarmed for the tranquillity of the town & neighbourhood tomorrow unless some measures are resorted to to put an immediate stop to their [tumultuous?] proceedings.
Robert Turner of Manchester sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr. Trafford says he was in bed near Royton when the rifle sounded for the millers to turn out. This informant got up & went to Todmorden Hill. When he got there it was about 6 O’clock. There were about 400 men at drill and many spectators. They were drilled by 2 men who had Artillery dresses on without the facings. Persons at drill said they were ready to come to Manchester tomorrow morning. They were not in ahead of what Army was there. They said they [could?] be armed at the big day.
Richard Rymer of Manchester Painter /aged 16/ sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr. Hulton says that he accompanied his father Thomas Rymer & Mr. Murray & Mr Shawcross to the White Moss this morning. Heard shouts till daybreak. By that time they arrived on the Moss. Examinant went amongst the people who were drilling & left the other three at some distance perhaps [quarter?] of a mile from the spot where the people were drilling. Some of the people said to Examinant, those pointing to his father, Murray & Shawcross are spies & they [ ] great [ ] and said they would thrash them right well if they came among them. Examinant went and told Murray. Murray said he would have a look at them. He then, Examinant’s father and Shawcross went towards the crowd and the crowd began to call out Gingerbread weaver, meaning Murray, & they also called out Old Rymer, spies. Two men /Thos. Hopewell & Wm. Eastwood/ who knew them had passed Examinant & the other 3 on the road & he supposes those two had told their names to the crowd. As they came from the crowd some of them called out, Murray you’ll do for a Sergeant Major & about 150 began to move towards them. Examinant and his father went into a field & left Murray and Shawcross. They crossed into the lane & saw the crowd sticking Murray with sticks. Examinant & his father came forward & about 40 or 50 came up to them & asked them why they [came?]. They said the crowd had ill used Murray & they that they would do so by them. One of them hit Examinant’s father on the eye one on the head and a third on the back. A boy about Examinant’s size hit him in the ribs. They then bade Examinat and his father to go about their business. They went away & about 20 then came there a hedge & Examinant & his father ran. Examinant outran his father & then waited at 2 fields distance for his father. A man came to Examinant and kicked him. His father came up and they both returned home. On the way they met a young man who said he came from Rochdale with 200. 100 of them had [learned?] the sword [ ] & had horses. Examinant does not know the young man . His father asked the young man if he had seen any pikes. He said that he had seen many & had had them in his hands & that they had also guns among them. He thinks from 1000 to 1500 were drilling on White Moss but they had no arms – but they had sticks out of the hedges and walking sticks.
Lt. Col.? Keymer sworn 15th August 1819 before Mr Marriott says that at half past three o’clock on Sunday morning August 15th 1819 he walked from home to see the muster of Reformers assembled on White Moss between Blakeley and Chadderton. He arrived on the Chadderton side of the moss at half past four o’clock & found a number exceeding 4000 men assembled. 2000 were training in divisions and squads with their appointed drill sergeants. On his appearance he was welcomed by many voices that had been under his command in the local militia. It was generally noticed on the drill ground he was arrived & in the course of an hour he was surrounded by persons he did not know but who he thought intended him no good. They attempted to push him into a bog but he luckily escaped the mischief. He then was accosted by some Irishmen who were sent he is sure to do him some violence & seeing some friends near he left the ground a little after six o’clock when the division were forming line which appeared to consist of 2.000. In the course of conversation with different men on the field he found the old, or what they called expert men did not fall in being ready when called on. It was reported on the ground that the muster on Pendle Hill four miles from four miles from White Moss exceeded 20,000 at that time. The 20,000 were to meet Hunt at 10 O’clock in St George’s field Manchester on Monday 16th August with colors & music & the different divisions from Chadderton to Blakeley, Failsworth & Newton & would also march to Manchester the same morning with their colors. Also Bury with very superb colors. It was reported on the ground that the Commandant at Stockport had flogged a private to death for drinking Hunt’s health & they seemed to think it would be of great service to their cause.
John Taylor of Middleton sworn 15th day of August 1815 [obviously this should read 1819] before Mr. Trafford, says, he was at Middleton last Sunday morning and saw the Reformers army march thro’. They marched four in breast and five deep on man on the left in the front at a [ ] gave the word, right shoulders forward. When they wheeled round he gave the word ’forward.’ They all marched by in that [ ]. Each squad had its own commander & the rear guard came up in double quick time. [The hauser ?] said to the man who commanded the rear guard ‘’Your division seems to be in good order.’’ The commander answered ‘’Aye, but I have 300 who attend me regularly every night, who are ready to receive ammunition any day. The [hauser?] said ‘success with it may be tomorrow’’.
John Heaton of Middleton Plumber sworn 16 August 1819 before ??Norris says that about 3 weeks ago about half past 10 o'clock at night on Chadderton ???? he saw 30 individuals in a field drilling - that one commanded them and that a number of them, about one half, exercised with long poles as large as a musquet and that they used them in all respects and through their exercise as with musquets - that examinant saw them so exercised for upwards of half an hour and left them at such exercise - Examinant hath lived in Middleton 30 years and from what he has seen and heard during the last six weeks he is convinced that two thirds of the male inhabitants of Middleton are ?????????Reformers - and that a considerable number of the young men are drilled in the military exercise - saith that in the township of Middleton only there are not fewer than ten or twelve squads or sections of from 20 to 80 each which Examinant has frequently seen in the act of drilling generally from 9 to 11 o'clock in the evening - Examinant knows that the peaceable and well disposed Inhabitants of Middleton are by these proceedings kept in a state of alarm & Terror - that there are many such/SLUSH houses in Middleton where Beer is furnished which has not paid the Duty and to which Reformers r?????- that on Thursday last two ex-cisement went to one of them to seize the Beer when which Buckley, who keeps the House ???????????? threatened to destroy them and taking up knives for the purpose and the Officers were obliged to go away - that the general feeling and opinion which persons in Middleton which Examinant has collected from general observation is that the Reformers mean to have a general equality and to pull down the higher orders - that great preparations are making in Middleton for the Meeting tomorrow at Manchester with a Cap of Liberty and Colours on which is inscribed Liberty or Death which has chiefly been subscribed for by the Women - that he does not learn that they mean to come with arms nor does he think they will - that a friend of his of the name of Morris on whom he has the utmost reliance, informed him this morning that Joseph Hall, ?Smithies? and James ?Hawfield/Stansfield? all violent and staunch Reformers and ????? of them told him (Morris) this morning on the way from, White Moss where they had been drilling that they meant to come to Manchester by eleven o'clock. The main body by itself and the rear guard and ?wings? afterwards and if they are at all interrupted or the military called out the rear guard and wings are to go in a continuous direction and seize the arms ??? the Barracks - That Stansfield rejoiced at this and said it would be a very grand thing and if they could accomplish it they ??? should not be ?????? afterwards -That this was agreed upon last Thursday at Chadderton - That this morning about seven o'clock a delegate came from the drilling party an Sabuble Hill to the party at White Moss with some papers which he delivered to the man in command and it was supposed that a Meeting of Delegates was to be called this evening at Chadderton which Morris is to attend - that he has observed since this principle of reform has seized the lower orders at Middleton that they have been much more off work and less inclined to work than they ever used to be - that James Stansfield told Morris that John Smithies had pawned his Coat in order to purchase a Pistol which he meant to carry to the Meeting for the defence of the Cap of Liberty which Smither's niece was to carry -
John Collier of Manchester sworn 15th August 1819 before the Rev.d W Hay says that he went to the White Moss near Blakely on Sunday morning the 15th August instant and he arrived their[sic] at half past 4 o'clock he saw a number of people drilling in different companies from 30 to 66 each he counted 19 companies and some were more than 66 and he thinks none less than 30 and he computes the whole to about four thousand - he left the ground at half past seven o'clock and left them drilling, every person appeared very anxious to learn his exercise and they were drilled very severely by their different commanders of each Company and not a word was heard in the ranks at the time - the general feeling amongst them is very ?sad/bad? and they are determined to meet tomorrow and if the Cap of Liberty be took or Hurt nothing shall stop them -
John Gregory sworn the 15th August 1819 before the Rev.d Hay says that he went to the White Moss on Sunday morning the 15th instant - was there about half past 3 o'clock and they were just beginning to go through their exercise - there were several squads the largest consisted of about 200 - others he ?counted? to 40 each these latter consisted chiefly of young lads of about 17 to 18 years of age - they expressed a disappointment that the Oldham and Royton people did not attend but they were exercising near Chadderton.
- he conceives there were about 700 exercising and about the same quantity looking on consisting of all sorts of Men Women (and Children of about 12 years of age)
William Needham of Harpurhey sworn the 15th of August 1819 before the Revd W Hay says that he went to the White Moss near Blakely on Sunday morning the 15th-instant and he there saw drilling in different bodies some larger and others smaller numbers - he stood by a person who counted those exercising and a nick was cut in a stick for each hundred men and they were ?computed? to be 900 in the whole - that Examinant fell into their ranks and went through his ????????? - the orders were given by ????? men separated from the rest and believes their names to be one Walker and the other Kershaw - at least they were called by these names - the words of command given were march, halt , right about face- wheeling? into Companies and falling into one line four deep he continued with them until about 8 o'clock and was drilling with them for about half an hour and the whole appeared to go their exercise with much spirit - the order for separating was given by the sound of a horn the first company on the right separated and marched off the Moss in regular order and the next dispersed themselves as they thought fit - during the time of exercising there was scarcely a word spoke and all appeared to take great notice of the orders given by their Commander - he entered into conversation with the person next to him, when standing at ease who appeared to be a delegate and he stated that if he would attend the Meeting he would at some other time tell him something that would be of service to himself and Family for ever - that he entered into conversation with several who had been drilling ?respecting? the Meeting at Manchester on Monday, they stated they they would be peaceable and make no disturbance and they understood the Military would be at the end of the streets to prevent them coming in which case they had another place offered them at ???????? (two fields belong to Johnson -
William ?Goodlad? of Bury Surgeon sworn the 13th of August1819 before W Fletcher, W Hulton and Watkins says that last night about half past nine o'clock as he was returning home from Heywood about three quarters of a mile from Bury at a place called ?Little Bridge? he saw a great number of men marching in regular order - they were in two divisions - As informant came up to one division he heard the Commander of it call out "ordinary time" "march" - and the Division obeyed - the other division were marching in columns of four deep and in quick march - the Commander kept repeating the words "right left" at intervals - one division appeared to consist of between one and two hundred men and the other division had above 200 men - in both divisions there appeared to be between four and five hundred men - Informant was on horseback and ??????????them in the lane he was obliged to ride on fast pace there were a number of persons watching that a boy in the hedge said "Damn him knock him off" and another person a man said "Damn them we’ll ?them" Informant thought this last expression alluded to the Soldiers who came to Bury yesterday –
The Revd Richard Hood of Bury sworn the same day before the same Magistrates saith that on Monday the 2nd of August last about half past 8 o'clock in the evening as Informant was returning home from Heywood to Bury at a place called Little Bridge about three quarters of a mile from Bury - Informant saw a great number of persons in the road marching in a military manner - the commander was evidently a military man and commanded as well as any Officer could do - there were in his opinion two or three hundred - they were four deep and from the mass of ??? Informant thinks they were near 300 - they ?wheeled? about and filled the whole road - Informant was obliged to stop on account of their filling the whole space for three or four minutes - The Commander called out frequently the word "left" he cried out "halt" and "face about" - ?and Informant who was on horseback then passed between them and the Commander who was in front - they said nothing to Informant -
James Taylor of Moston Constable sworn the 16th of August 1819 before ?? Fletcher says that he went with John ??? to the White Moss to see the people exercise on Sunday morning the 15th instant - saw there a great number of men drawn up in line two deep - which line he thought was nearly a quarter of a mile in length about seven o'clock in the morning - Informant saw a young man of the name of Charles Heywood from Harpurhey walking sharply from the line towards Informant and happening to stumble and fall a score or more of the Persons who had been training set at the ???
some with sticks and some with their hands and feet and abused him severely - Informant went as near to them as he could and observed the Hat of person who had been acting a Drill Sarjeant fall from his Head in the affray - John Heywood had his hat knocked off his head - and when the persons who had abused him ceased so to do gathered up a hat which not being the said John Heywood's own he called to know who had got his hat - as that which he had gathered up was not his own asking this Informant if he could tell him whose names it was that was written in the inside - On which Informant looked at the Hat and found it to be "David Kay Ash?????????? on which John Heywood shouted out " I have gotten a hat that is not my own which is marked David Kay" on which a person, the same person that had been training came forward and gave to Heywood his own Hat and Heywood gave to David Kay his - The Person so taking the Hat marked with David Hay's name upon it has sandy hair and whiskers and had on a blue Coat and dark coloured Pantaloons and appeared to be about five feet nine inches high - that the Person who claimed the Hat marked in the inside with the name of David Kay and who was the Drill Sargeant himself first attacked the said John Heywood both kicking and striking him but finding that Heywood would have gotten away from him, called out to his Division or squad "will you see me thus healed and not come and help me" on which twenty or more set upon Heywood as before mentioned and Informant saw one stick broken upon Heywood's head –
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Lancashire to ??it - Frances Phillips and Joseph Birley both of Manchester merchants severally make oath and say and first the said Francis Phillips for himself saith that this morning at Ardwick Green at 11 o'clock he was proceeding towards Stockport from Manchester and met a Body which he computed to be 14 or 15 hundred persons of which about 50 were women about 30 were boys _ the remainder men - marching in military order with Leaders who gave words of command which were obeyed - the main body marched extremely well preserving the step - two flags were borne by each surmounted with red caps on one of which read the word "liberty" one flag was blue and he read the words "No Corn Laws" upon it - nearly half the men carried stout and tough sticks in their hands -
The said Joseph Birley says he has read the deposition of the said Francis Phillips and the same is true.
Sworn before me the 16th August 1819 Francis Phillips
W Hulton John Birley
Lancashire - James ?Duncaft? of Hollingwood Cotton Spinner maketh Oath and saith that he was coming to Manchester this morning and upon Newton heath he passed a body of men to the number of from 2 to 3 thousand - they were marching five a-breast in Military Order - preserving the step and the body had 3 Banners with them - one of which was surmounted with a red Cap and the word "Liberty" was written upon it - one flag so as black - and there was a man with a bugle there - one of the flags was red and had the words "Saddleworth Lees & ?Mossley? Union" upon it - another had the words "Royton Female Union" upon it and was carried by females -
Sworn before me this 16th August 1819 J D??????
Robert Fielden
Lancashire to wit - ?Two? my sons having been at White-Moss yesterday and having seen a large Body of men going through Military Manoeuvres - and having heard much conversation of Caps of Liberty and Flags with sundry devices on them being prepared to bring into Manchester – today I am ready to make oath and do hereby make oath that bringing into this large and populated Town such insignia - are calculated to inflame the public mind - and to greatly endanger the peace of the town
Sworn before me
William Hulton Thomas Blackwall
Being directed by Mr Thomas? Harc….?, Mr James Silvester and Fred. Bury joined Mr Daniel Grant to go on the Oldham Road for the purpose of ascertaining the numbers and dispositions of the persons who might be ?resorting? to Manchester - at the New Cross we met a procession of men in marching order who were in general armed with strong sticks - the body extended as far as we could see along the road towards Oldham - and as far as we could judge the number was two thousand and upwards Fred Bury saw a Flag but could not read the inscription –
The several Deponents Daniel Grant, James Worrall Silvester and George Fred Bury were sworn before me at Manchester the 16th day of August 1819 - - Before me, William Hulton D Grant, JW Silvester, GT Bury
HO42 198 August material 31-42 transcribed by Lee Kendall
(31) To the Magistrates acting for the Counties of Lancaster and Chester assembled at the New Bailey Court House –
Gent[lemen]
In the present agitated state of this Town and neighbourhood – and a meeting being called to assemble this day before St Peter’s Church – from a bad and seditious spirit evinced and from I can learn that great numbers of Reformers are expected from the Country bearing with them Insignia such as the Cap of Liberty and banners with inflammatory devices which I solemnly declare and am willing to make oath and doth make oath that such meetings and proceedings especially meetings held this day if not checked will subvert the public peace – I therefore pray you as Magistrates to adopt such measures to present such meetings so as to insure the public peace –
I am Gentlemen our most honourable servant Richard Clogg Manchester 16th August 1819
(sworn before me William Hulton)
Lancashire to wit – The Examinations of Jeremiah Fielding taken on oath 16th August 1819
Jeremiah Fielding says that he was this morning on the road to Cheetham Hill and he saw a large body of people about 2000 marching in regular order. They had a Band of Music and two flags – he went to that spot for the purpose of making observations of the disaffected –
George Grundy says the above statement is true
Sworn before me Jeremiah Fielding
George Grundy
(32) Lancashire to wit – The Examination of Jonathan Andrew – Constable of Manchester taken on oath at Manchester this 16th August 1819 –
Who saith that he is attending at this time (12 o ‘ clock at noon) at the area near St Peter’s Church on his Duty as Constable – at the present time an immense concourse of people is assembled not less than eight thousand persons – there are many Flags of various colours and many caps of liberty – on one of the Flags are inscribed “No Boroughmongering” “Unite and be free! “Equal Representation or Death” and two hands joined together and the word “Love” under them – at present Hunt is not arrived –
Sworn before me Jonathan Andrew
William Hulton
James Esdaile of 8 Major Street and 12 Canal Street says that he has heard the Examination of Jonathan Andrew read over and the same is true – on the reverse side of the Flag mentioned by Andrew are the words “Taxation without Representation is unjust and Tyrannical”
Sworn before me 16th August 1819 James Esdaile
William Hulton
Lancashire – the Examination of Thomas Hulme taken on oath at Manchester this 16th August 1819 –
Who saith that he has just seen a body of men marching to join the mob at St Peter’s area – they marched in Military order he counted 900 of them (33) they had four flags on one of which was written “Roachdale Union” “No Corn Laws” “Election by Ballot” they were preceded by a band of music playing “Rule Britannia” he heard the words of command “halt march attention” – about two hundred of the men had large walking sticks – some carrying them to their shoulders and others downwards
Sworn before me Thomas Hulme
William Hulton
Lancashire – The Examination of Lawrence Fort of Manchester Merchant taken on oath at Manchester 16th August 1819 –
Who saith that he was this morning coming on horseback on the Bury Road to Manchester he passed about two or three hundred women and some of them used abusive language to him and said their masters (meaning their husbands) would have Examinant’s Horse tomorrow – some of them threw stones at him – he got out of the way as fast as he could –
Sworn before me Lawrence Fort
Robert Fielden
Lancashire – The Examination of Robert Young taken on oath at Manchester 16th August 1819 –
Who saith that this afternoon about 3 o’ clock soon after the mob was dispersed was St Peter’s area he went into the Grecian’s Head in Deansgate – there were 12 men in the room where he sat all talking about the affair of the day, one swore he would never again come in that way, that he would come prepared when he came again – Lawrence Singleton says the above account is true and he heard in the street this afternoon (34) some persons say they must come prepared another time and that those persons who were taken into custody must be released in a day or two before anything could be done
Sworn before me Robert Young
J Silvester Lawrence Singleton
Lancashire to wit – John Walker of Manchester in the County of Lancaster Gentleman Charles Ryder of the same place Gentleman John Bradshaw of the same place Gentleman James Brierley of Ardwick Gentleman Joseph Green of Manchester Merchant John Allen of Manchester Merchant John Greenwood of Manchester Merchant Edward Clayton of Manchester Merchant Thomas Scholes Withington of the same place Merchant Thomas Hulme of the same place Merchant Thomas Jackson of the same place Gentleman – severally make oath and say that from information received by these Deponents from different persons and from various quarters of meetings of large bodies of men having been held in the night time to practise military evolutions which these deponents believe to be for illegal purposes and that large Bodies of men intend to march into the Town of Manchester this day with the Cap of Liberty and other emblems of Rebellion and Revolution publicly displayed - these Deponents verily believe that if this information is confirmed by the appearance of such display of Revolutionary Emblems at the head of or with numerous bodies of men marching from different Townships and places to the place where the intended meeting of this day is advertised to be held it is calculated to create a breach of the peace – to produce tumult and confusion and endanger the peace of the Town and neighbourhood
John Walker Thomas Scholes Withington
John Bradshaw Thomas Hulme
Charles Ryder Joseph Green
Edward Clayton John Allen
John Greenwood
(35) and these deponents Thomas Close William Tate M Mason William Heap George Jones William Padmore William Wanklyn Thomas Ollier Junior William Lover John Dutton David Bellhouse Junior John Loyd G L Williams William [ ] John Thomlinson Francis Phillips Charles Fletcher John Redhead George Hudson James Cook Jeremiah Fielding John Pooley Junior William Sandford Thomas Hardman Thomas Watkins David Grant Thomas Sharpe Richard Warren John Sherratt John Birley John Wheeler John Harrop G Andrew Senior George Grundy Thomas Hill John Thorpe John Lyon Ebenezer Thompson H G Brandt Joseph Stretch James Molineux Joshua Wood Samuel Wainhouse John Kirkman Joseph Thorley and James Allen whose names are hereunto subscribed severally make oath and say that they have read the forgoing deposition and they verily believe the same to be true and they have no doubt of danger to the peace of the town at this time
Sworn before W R Hay
Thomas Close William Tate M Mason William Heap George Jones William Padmore William Wanklyn Thomas Ollier Jnr William Lover John Dutton David Bellhouse Jnr John Loyd
G L Williams William [ ] John Thomlinson Francis Phillips Charles Fletcher John Redhead George Hudson James Cook Jeremiah Fielding John Pooley Junior William Sandford Thomas Hardman Thomas Watkins David Grant Thomas Sharpe Richard Warren John Sherratt John Birley John Wheeler John Harrop
G Andrew Senior George Grundy Thomas Hill John Thorpe
John Lyon Ebenezer Thompson H G Brandt Joseph Stretch James Molineux Joshua Wood Samuel Wainhouse John Kirkman Joseph Thorley James Allen
(36) Lancashire to wit – The information of Richard Owen of Manchester pawnbroker taken on oath at Manchester this 16th August 1819
Who saith that at this time (a quarter past 1’o clock) a car has arrived among the mob in the area of St Peters Church in which are Henry Hunt Knight Johnson Moorhouse and a woman sits on the dickey but does not know her name – She carries a flag and waves a white handkerchief – Examinant now considers the town to be in danger and the peace to be broken – says that the said Hunt Knight Johnson and Moorhouse are moving thereto – the crowd shouting immensely.
Sworn before Robert Fielden Richard Owen
Lancashire to wit – The information and complaint of private John Longshaw of the 15th Hussars taken this sixteenth day of August 1819 Before his Majesty’s Justices of Peace for the said County – who saith that this day about two o’clock in the afternoon he this Informant when in the execution of his duty soon after the arrest of Henry Hunt and others and when in the act of dispersing the riotous assembly of this day near a certain meeting house not far from the area near St Peters in Manchester in the said county he heard the report of a pistol and saw a person who this Informant is certain fired it – Having seen the smoke after the discharge and also saw the person who had discharged it dropped the pistol to the ground – immediately near to the place where he had fired it – this Informant also saith that the person who had so dropped the pistol on being pursued by him this Informant saw into a house of which Michael Shaw another
(37) private of the said 15th Hussars struck the door and marked it with the point of his sabre – This Informant and the said Michael Shaw were prevented from apprehending the person who had so fired the pistol by a large mob throwing brickbats and stones at them – But he this Informant can know the person again whenever he can see him – He this Informant further saith that he and the said Michael Shaw then joined their troop in the area near St Peters Church – The person who fired the pistol appeared to this Informant to be about five foot eight inches high – and had on a long fustian coat and a buff waistcoat – has sandy coloured hair and is long visaged – the said Informant after the report of the pistol that was so fired saw one of the Manchester Yeomanry fall from his horse – and Informant left him on the ground – not being able to assist although he was asked by another of the said Manchester Yeomanry so to do.
Sworn before R A Fletcher
W R Hay John Longshaw
Lancashire to wit – The information of Michael Shaw the other private referred to on the before written examination on his oath saith that what John Longshaw hath so sworn to he this Informant himself witnessed and saith the same is true.
Sworn 16th day August 1819 before R a Fletcher
W R Hay Michael Shaw
(38) Lancashire to wit – Martha Stretch a female servant with Mr Holford of Cooker Street Manchester and Alice Fish Housekeeper with the same Gentleman
Severally make oath and say and first this deponent Martha Stretch for herself saith that about two o’clock this afternoon deponent was standing at the Back yard door of her Masters House – That a man and woman pushed passed deponent into the yard – The man passed by deponent first that one of the two or this deponent then shut the door (but this Deponent was so confused a the time she cannot say which) that at the same instant Deponent heard a noise at the door which appeared to deponent to proceed from the noise of a horse’s feet – this Deponent ran into the house to inform this other deponent Alice Fish what had happened, leaving the man and woman still in the yard –
This other deponent Alice Fish for herself saith that the other deponent Martha Stretch came to deponent very much alarmed and said Alice call thy Master that deponent went into the yard and saw a man there with who she entered into conversation – The man was rather low in stature and dressed as a poor labouring man – that the man informed Deponent he came from Bolton Moor and this Deponent believes she could know the man if she saw him again – The deponent further saith that the man said he knew of cllr Carlile of Bolton and also cllr Robert Derbyshire of the Fold and related to deponent who cllr Derbyshire had married – Deponent advised the man to go off home immediately and he accordingly went away – during this conversation the woman went away and apparently had no knowledge of the man –
(39) The deponent Martha Stretch further says that the man had on a Brown Coat with bright buttons having observed him from the window of her Master’s Cellar whilst he was in conversation with Alice Fish –
Mr George Holford states that he saw a man and woman in the yard of his House at the time alluded to and went to enquire into their business – the man had the appearance of being hurried and out of breath and entreated permission to stop a little saying he had been running he had on a kind of Brown or Fustian Coat and Deponent thinks he could know him again.
Sworn at Manchester aforesaid 16th August 1819 before me Mr Marriott
Martha Stretch
Alice Fish
George Holford
Lancashire to wit – Gilbert Winter of Manchester Merchant Thomas Hardman of same place Merchant and Thomas Scholes Withington of same place Merchant severally make oath and say and first the said Gilbert Winter saith that in passing along Deansgate this evening about 8 o’clock he has been violently stoned by parties of men assembled in the streets – this was continued from Quay Street through Deansgate near St John Street – Stones were constantly flying
Gilbert Winter
Thomas Scholes Withington says the account given by Gilbert Winter is true – says that some of the well disposed of the people exhorted deponent to go away and stated that the Constables had no chance with the mob
Thomas Scholes Withington
(40) Thomas Hardman says that in passing along Deansgate and through Lad Lane he saw a great assemblage of people and he was stoned by the mob – a party of the Infantry came up and drove back the mob who were pursuing Examinant
All sworn before me this 16th August 1819
Mr Hulton Thomas Hardman
Manchester 16th August 1819
George Brown 32 Brazennose Street maketh oath and saith that Mr Henry Hunt said if the enemy shew any symptoms against us, put them down – Quieten them and keep them down – He then menaced the Cavalry by huzzaring and shouting and immediately the mob shouted – Hunt then hurried round to them and said – Be firm
George Brown
Lancashire to wit – The Examination of Joseph Nadin Constable of Manchester taken on oath at Salford this 17th August 1819 –
Who saith that he yesterday was at the area near St Peters Church on duty as a Constable – While he was there he perceived a Warrant fro the apprehension of Hunt Knight Johnson and Moorhouse – says that he proceeded towards the hustings for the purpose of executing the Warrant and on the way from the house where the Magistrates were sitting and which commanded a view of the Hustings examinant saw a Brickbat thrown in a direction towards the Constables – It was impossible for the Civil officers to execute the warrant and he withdrew those immediately up to the Hustings in order to make way for the Military and without their assistance Examinant has no doubt that the Warrant could not (41) have been executed – says that he believes the Crowd assembled at the time exceeded sixty thousand persons
Sworn before me Mr Hulton Joseph Nadin
Lancashire to wit – The Examination of Thomas Close of Manchester Merchant and William James Wilson Surgeon taken on oath Salford the 17th day of August 1819
The said Thomas Close says that yesterday he was on duty as a Constable the whole day – that he was on the area near St Peters Church and in endeavouring to clear the Crowd away he was stoned prodigiously and many stones hit Examinant and his horse – he was close to Mr Hulme when he had fallen from his Horse, and he saw him lying on the ground and assisted to carry him to the infirmary Examinant went out in the Evening on his Duty to join the Borough[ ] and in riding up Oldham Street by the New Cross he was stoned to so great a degree that he was obliged to gallop from the spot and joined the Military and there he remained the whole evening till half past eleven – Stones were continually thrown at the Constables before the streets were cleared
Thomas Close
William James Wilson says he was passing up Oldham Street yesterdays in the afternoon in the course of his professional duties about five o’ clock – The mob were then throwing stones from the New Cross Shambles both at the Military and everybody that passed – Examinant endeavoured for nearly two hours to get up the street, or to (42) make his way from any of the side streets in order to pursue his lawful business but he was wholly prevented from the terror which the conduct of the mob exited – and he is confident if he had persisted in pursuing his course he would not have escaped with his life – and he was obliged to return and with some difficulty he got back from the streets amidst showers of stones –
William James Wilson
Sworn before me
Thomas William Tatton
[End].
