Monday 8 August 2016

8th August 1816: Sir R H Bromley informs the Home Secretary that Luddites had planned to assassinate the trial Judge at Nottingham Assizes

Private

Stoke Augt. 8. 1816

My Lord

I think it right to communicate to your Lordship some circumstances attending the Tryal of the Frame breakers at Nottgm. on the 3rd altho there is no immediate result [arriving] from them at present.

The persons serving as Javelin men report (since the Assizes terminated) it was rumoured in the public houses that about fifty men were in the county hall armed with pistols & a considerable number of ferment men about the door & near the court dressed in womens clothes ready to attempt the rescue the prisoners had they been convicted it is very probable from the violent language and by the mob about midnight (which was entirely composed of manufacturers & very numerous) that the attempt would have been made & successfully if the verdict against [the] prisoners had been given. The Jury seemed well inclined to do their duty but certainly must have felt considerable uneasiness as to what might happen. As it is possible the same circumstances may occur again in the event of any other Frame breakers being brought to Tryal a knowledge of their conduct & reported intentions may be useful. The behaviour of the people within the court was very turbulent & not to be repressed Mr Baron Graham whose admirable address to the prisoners on Monday seemed to produce considerable impression on the people will no doubt mention the circumstances attending the Tryal to your Lordship

I am your Lordships
most obedt Humble Servt

R H Bromley

it is reported a considerable number of the Nottgm. manufacturers will attend the Trial of the Loughboro’ frame breakers at Leicester.

[To: Lord Sidmouth]

This letter can be found at HO 42/152.

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