Chris Tracy mentioned the riots of 1837 during the recent “Silk, shawls and other stuff” session recently. These riots appear to relate to the “Swing” riots of the 1830s which were country wide, led by the mysterious Captain Swing. The riots followed the poor harvest of 1830 which resulted in lower wages for agricultural workers. The objective was to stop the spread of new threshing machines and rich farmers and clergymen were targeted. The penalties were severe countrywide, with nine being hanged and 450 deported to Australia. To find out more, please select the following link:
