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
Tag: yeovil
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
Event: “I fear there will be blood spilt this evening”: The 1831 reform riots in Dorset
Date: Saturday 27 May, 2023
Talk by Dr Roger Ball and Prof Steve Poole In October 1831, the defeat of the Second Reform Bill in the House of Lords led to a wave of pro-reform public protests and disturbances across Britain. Concurrently in Dorset, a microcosm of the national struggle over electoral reform was being fought out in a county… Continue reading Event: “I fear there will be blood spilt this evening”: The 1831 reform riots in Dorset
‘Zummerset Refarmers’ – the Yeovil ‘reform riot’ of October 1831
In early October 1831, the defeat of the Second Reform Bill in the House of Lords led to a wave of pro-reform public protests and disturbances across Britain and Ireland. In Dorset, a microcosm of the national struggle over electoral reform was being fought out in a county by-election which posed Lord Ashley – an… Continue reading ‘Zummerset Refarmers’ – the Yeovil ‘reform riot’ of October 1831
Report: Research Workshops in Dorset and Somerset
An important part of the research into the lesser known reform related riots and disturbances of October-November 1831 involves engaging with local historians, family historians, museum curators and archivists in the areas where the incidents occurred. Local historical knowledge of people, places, events and even artefacts in the period of study is of great value… Continue reading Report: Research Workshops in Dorset and Somerset