The Bath riot of October 1831

This case study analyses the reform related riot in Bath of 30-31 October 1831. The study commences with an assessment of the electoral history and governance of the city in the early nineteenth century. The following section considers Bath and its environs during the reform crisis of 1830-31 with an emphasis on public protest and… Continue reading The Bath riot of October 1831

The Worcester riots of November 1831

This case study covers the reform related riots in Worcester over the period 5-7 November 1831. The study commences with an assessment of the electoral history and governance of the city in the period along with the rise of the reform movement and the formation of the Worcester Political Union in 1830. The following section… Continue reading The Worcester riots of November 1831

Prelude to the riots in Dorset in October 1831

This essay considers a series of preludes in 1830 and 1831 to the riots in Dorset and south Somerset in October 1831. Although written from the perspective of Sherborne in north Dorset this paper provides useful context for case studies of riots in Blandford, Sherborne and Yeovil. It examines agricultural disturbances (known as the ‘Swing… Continue reading Prelude to the riots in Dorset in October 1831

The Blandford Forum riots of October 1831

This case study covers the reform related riots in Blandford Forum in Dorset over the period 15-19 October 1831. The study commences with an assessment of the governance and jurisdiction of the town with reference to the borough boundary and brief context concerning the Swing riots and the county by-election. A detailed day-by-day analysis of… Continue reading The Blandford Forum riots of October 1831

The Sherborne Riots of October 1831

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… Continue reading The Sherborne Riots of October 1831

The Yeovil Riots of October 1831

This case study covers the reform related riots in Yeovil, Somerset over the period 21-22 October 1831. The study commences with an assessment of the administration and government of the town with reference to the changes made by the 1830 Improvement Act. Social conditions and the effect of the collapse of the primary industry, glove… Continue reading The Yeovil Riots of October 1831

Bristol Riots Case Study: The Attack on the Bishop’s Palace, Sunday 30 October 1831

This case study analyses the targeting, sacking and raising of the Bishop’s Palace by rioters in Bristol on 29 October 1831. It begins by considering the public disapproval of the Anglican Bishops for their role in the defeat of the Second Reform Bill in the House of Lords and their perceived accumulation of wealth. The… Continue reading Bristol Riots Case Study: The Attack on the Bishop’s Palace, Sunday 30 October 1831

Event: Unmasking the 1831 Bristol Riots

The burning of the Bishops' Palace (1831, W. J. Müller, Bristol Culture)

Date: Friday 23 June, 2023

A free talk and exhibition at Bristol Museums, M Shed. At this talk the Team will try to answer the following questions about the 1831 Bristol Riots: Link to details: https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/unmasking-the-1831-bristol-riot/

Event: 1831 reform riots display in Bath

1831 riots exhibition in Worcester

In early October 1831, the defeat of the Second Reform Bill in the House of Lords led to a huge wave of pro-reform protests and disturbances across Britain and Ireland. Major disorders in the east Midlands, Dorset and Somerset were followed in Bristol by the most serious riot in nineteenth century England. Bath, Keynsham and… Continue reading Event: 1831 reform riots display in Bath

Event: 1831 reform riots in Bristol, Bath and Worcester – travelling display launched

Date: Saturday 1 April, 2023

In early October 1831, the defeat of the Second Reform Bill in the House of Lords led to a huge wave of pro-reform protests and disturbances across Britain and Ireland. Major disorders in the east Midlands, Dorset and Somerset were followed in Bristol by the most serious riot in nineteenth century England. In early November,… Continue reading Event: 1831 reform riots in Bristol, Bath and Worcester – travelling display launched