When was it published?

February 9, 1739 in The Virginia Gazette

Foreign News February 9, 1739

The Virginia Gazette

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Mr. Colthurst, Duke Of Newcastle

Q: What keywords are associated?

Weavers Riot, Clothiers, Penny A Yard, Trowbridge, Melksham, House Destruction

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

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What is this article about?

Weavers in Trowbridge and nearby parishes rioted, demanding a penny per yard advance on weaving pay. They destroyed Mr. Colthurst's house and goods after his refusal; other clothiers signed agreements to comply. About 2000 strong, they threaten further destruction. Clothiers complained to the Duke of Newcastle.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

London, Dec. 4. By a Letter from Trowbridge, dated Nov. 29, we have Advice, that the Weavers in the several neighbouring Parishes have met in a riotous and tumultuous Manner, and committed several unheard-of Outrages; at Melksham in particular, they insisted on the Clothiers advancing a Penny a Yard on Weaving, and upon Mr. Colthurst's refusing to advance the Penny, they entered his House, and destroy'd all his Household Goods, Cloth, Wool-yarn, and every Thing else belonging to him; afterwards pulled the House down, almost to the Ground.

The other Clothiers, to avoid the like Calamity, have given it under their Hands and Seals, by Articles drawn up by an Attorney, and regularly executed, to give the Penny a Yard. They are now 2000 strong, and if not timely prevented, threaten Destruction to all the Clothiers round the Country that will not sign the Articles.

On Friday Night a great many Clothiers and Blackwellhall Factors, went up to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle's Office, to lay their Complaints before him.

What sub-type of article is it?

Rebellion Or Revolt Economic

What keywords are associated?

Weavers Riot Clothiers Penny A Yard Trowbridge Melksham House Destruction

What entities or persons were involved?

Mr. Colthurst Duke Of Newcastle

Where did it happen?

Trowbridge

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Trowbridge

Event Date

Nov. 29

Key Persons

Mr. Colthurst Duke Of Newcastle

Outcome

mr. colthurst's house and goods destroyed; other clothiers signed articles to advance a penny a yard; weavers number 2000 and threaten further destruction

Event Details

Weavers met riotously and committed outrages, insisting on penny a yard advance; entered and destroyed Colthurst's house after refusal; other clothiers complied via signed articles; clothiers and factors complained to Duke of Newcastle on Friday night