This case study covers the reform related riots in Sherborne in Dorset over the period 19-21 October 1831. It commences with an assessment of the demographics, economics and industry, and land ownership in the town and its environs. It considers the living conditions of artisan and labouring families by studying housing and public health and suggests the ‘dark village’ concept as being applicable. The contextual analysis is completed with a study of governance, media and politics in Sherborne in the 1820s and 30s. A detailed day-by-day analysis of the actions of the rioters and the local authorities and their interactions is then undertaken. The latter sections include studies of the targets of the crowd, of the rioters and their respective social networks.
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