Stotfold Riots - The Build Up to the Riot

Information taken from The Stotfold Riot by Bert Hyde. 

The Build up to the Riot

As already mentioned the riot at Stotfold took place on 1st and 2nd December 1830. The Times newspaper 6th of the same month said, "It was one of the most desperate riots to have occurred of late" and went on "For some days previous indications of the pending storm were discoverable in the conduct and declarations of the labouring classes. So much so, that one of the farmers caused it to be circulated that if they would continue quiet their demands should be satisfied. But despite this assurance on Wednesday evening 1st December the labourers began to assemble together and many of the more peaceable inhabitants were forcibly dragged from their beds and compelled to join the rabble. They then proceeded to the residences of the more respectable inhabitants demanding an increase of wages etc. They were told that if they had any reasonable complaint to make they should be dealt with at a vestry at 10 o'clock next morning. With this understanding they separated for the night"