ABSTRACT
The 31th of March, 1811, is a notable day in the history of Nottinghamshire. On that day commenced a series of riots which, extending over a period of five years, are perhaps unequalled for the skill and secrecy with which they were managed, and the amount of wanton mischief they inflicted. Trade had been for some time in a very unsatisfactory condition, and as a natural result wages had been considerably reduced. As it was evident to the authorities that mischief was brewing, it was decided to employ a large number of the distressed workpeople in sweeping the streets. But this did not prevent the catastrophe, for on the 11th of March they struck work, and flocking to the market-plaoe, were there joined by a large number from the adjoining country, and being harangued by several fiery orators, they suddenly resolved to revenge themselves on the masters who had reduced their wages. The local authorities, who had been imeasy at the aspect of affairs for some time, summoned the military to their aid at once, and the turbulent population was overawed and prevented from rioting in the town; when darkness set in, however, the mob proceeded to the i.eighbouring village of Arnold, and destroyed upwards of sixty frames. During the succeeding three weeks above two hundred more stocking frames were broken up by bands who seemed to divide and attack many different points at the same time. These 31bands it was afterwaids discovered were united in a society and were bound by an oath not to divulge anything connected with its secret operations. The names they assumed were “Ludds,” “Ludders,” and “Luddites,” and they are said to have derived them from a youth named Ludlam, a reckless character, who, when his father, a frame-work knitter, told him one day to “square his needles,” squared them effectually by taking up his hammer and beating them into a heap. Whether this youth actually direoted the operations of the desperate bands that prowled nightly is not positively known, as the secrets of the society were wonderfully well kept, but it is not at all improbable, as the proceedings were evidently planned beforehand, and it is also plain that the various bodies aoted in concert. They were all disguised when engaged in the work of destruction, and were armea, some in a primitive fashion, with clubs, sticks, &c., and others with swords, guns, and pistols. A number also wielded huge hatchets and blacksmith’s hammers for the purpose of making a way into the places where the frames were kept and breaking them quickly to pieces, while their armed companions kept watch at the doors. On the work of the night being successfully accomplished, the party divided and again reunited at a distance, when the leader called over his men, who answered, not co names but numbers, and everyone then removed his disguise and went home. The success which at the outset almost invariably attended the movements of the Luddites caused them to be much talked about. They seemed almost ubiquitous, and as the authorities could gain little or no information respecting them, many of the more daring of the working men ventured to join them, and for a long time they carried on their destructive attacks with impunity. The frames, however, as we have already stated, were not the sole cause of the disturbances; in most cases discontent being heightened or caused by the dearness of provisions, especially flour. In consequence of the 32resistance afterwards made to the outrages of the rioters, in the course of which one of them was killed, they became still more exasperated and violent, till the magistrates thought it necessary to require the assistance of a considerable armed force, which was promptly assembled, consisting at first of local militia and volunteer yeomanry chieiiy, to whom were afterwards added about four hundred special constables. The rioters were then dispersed and the disturbances for a time suppressed .
