Newspaper Extracts
Alarming Disturbance
October, 1838Between 11 and 12 o'clock on the forenoon of Wednesday last, the peaceable inhabitants of Rotherham were suddenly alarmed by the report that a serious disturbance had taken place between two parties of men who were working on the North Midland Railway, and that a large party were assembled on Masborough Common, preparing for a desperate attack upon the town.
In the course of a few minutes every shop was closed. The following, as far as we can learn, are the facts of the case:
On the line of the railway in the neighbourhood from Darfield to Swinton a number of Irishmen were employed, against whom a jealousy had arisen on the part of the Englishmen, on account of the former working for a less rate of wages. On Wednesday morning a dispute having arisen between one of each party, the Englishmen made common cause with their countrymen, and suddenly commenced an attack in a body at Darfield, by driving every Irishman away whom they found at work on the line. This they did from that place to Swinton, at the same time pulling down and destroying the mud hovels which the poor fellows had erected for the temporary residence of themselves and families.
This course was proceeded in until they came near Rotherham, when the Irish beginning to gather courage as their forces increased, made their way over a number of fields, and broke down all the fences, with the materials of which they armed themselves in the best way they could, several of them being already possessed of spades and other weapons. They then made a show of resistance, and stood their ground, determined not to be driven away any further.
Fortunately, at this time, Mr. Stephenson, the contractor, with some of the directors, who had happened that morning to be engaged in making a survey of some parts of the line, came between the parties. Mr. Stephenson placed himself before the Irishmen, and promised to protect them if they put themselves under his care, and otherwise there is little doubt but a great number of lives would have been lost. The poor fellows at once agreed to follow him, and Mr. Stephenson then led them peaceably into Rotherham, where he placed them in the yard of the Rotherham and Sheffield Railway station in West-gate. Here the men, to the number of nearly 300, remained apparently peaceably disposed.
They were visited by Henry walker, Esq., of Clifton, and also by Thomas Walker, Esq., of Ravenfield. These two gentlemen, both Magistrates of the West Riding, addressed them, and begged them to be quiet, telling them that, in case of riot, they would assuredly find the law too strong for them. The magistrates then proceeded on horseback to speak to the other party, whom they found assembled in groups on different parts of the line, to the number of about 600. They evinced a worse feeling than did the Irishmen, to whom they openly manifested a very bad spirit. In the meantime, the Rotherham troop of Yeomanry Cavalry had assembled on horseback in front of the Court House, where they remained in readiness until the return of the Magistrates, when they were dismissed. A detachment of about 40 of the Artillery arrived from Sheffield, with a field-piece, about 4 o'clock, but returned without entering the town. A number of special constables were sworn in during the day.
The Irishmen remained at their quarters at the railway station, and were properly provided for through the kindness of Mr. Stephenson. No further disturbance, however, at any moment, took place; and the town, after a scene of great commotion during the day, assumed its customary appearance, with the exception of being disturbed by the drunken brawls of some staggering parties of the railwaymen.
Further Particulars:
Thursday, half past 3 o'clock - The disturbance has again broken out more fearfully. The Englishmen appear determined
not to allow the Irish to work. A large number of the former congregated this afternoon in front of the residence of Mr.
Stephenson, and manifested a determination to pull down the house. In consequence of this display of feeling, and for the
purpose of maintaining the public tranquillity, a detachment of artillery has arrived from Sheffield; and with the
assistance of the special constables, has succeeded in apprehending a number of ringleaders. The Riot Act was then read by
Mr. Henry Walker, of Clifton. The shops are all closed, and there is a total suspension of business. The troops are now
parading the streets in all directions; and every exertion has been made to preserve the peace during the night.
Six o'clock - Through the exertions which have been used by the authorities, assisted by the military, peace has been hitherto preserved. The Sheffield troops of Yeomanry Cavalry have left for Doncaster.
Source: Doncaster Gazette
