Reference
QSR1834/342
Title
Information for a riot & assault upon constables in the execution of their duty.
Date free text
16 May 1834
Production date
From: 1834 To: 1834
Scope and Content
Joseph Cook of Toddington, dealer in straw plait, one of the constables of Toddington: "On the 26th April last about 1/2 past 10 o'clock at night I was called into the Bell Public House at Toddington to take away John Crawley. I went in and saw him stripped to fight. I took him out but he went in again and made more Disturbance. It was the Fair night at Toddington and there was a good deal of Disturbance - About 1/2 past 12 in the morning of the 26th there was a great Row and from one to two hundred people assembled in the centre of the Town where some men were fighting - William Singer was one of the men fighting - I asked him to go home Crawley said "He be damned dont mind him" I took hold of Singer to lead him away & I charged Crawley to assist me -He said he'd assist me & he struck me on the cheek and knocked me down. Thomas Fletcher the other constable was assisting in dispersing the crowd James Clarke was there - He took my staff away John Pateman also was there He said he was appointed watchman - I said to him you are the proper man to assist - He said he would assist and I saw him go directly to Fletcher and strike at him. I cannot say he hit him. James Harris was there He was 'Second' to a gypsy who was fighting at the same time - He was in the ring as I was attempting to stop the fight He shoved me out of it. They all knew I was constable I had my staff in my hand - Harris and Clarke forced me away when I was trying to get thro the crowd to Fletcher who I heard cry out "murder" I heard many in the Crowd say particularly Clarke and Harris "We dont want to hurt you its Fletcher we want - Give it him Damn him in him" When the Crowd were after Fletcher they were very violent - from their manner I thought they would murder him if they dare - Singer when I was trying to stop him fighting swung me away & it was through him as well as Clarke and Harris I was forced out of the Ring." Signed Joseph Cook.
Thomas Fletcher of Toddington, labourer, one of the constables of Toddington; "I was out with Cook on the 25th April - the night of the Fair at Toddington - About half past Twelve o'Clock in the evening of the 26th I was called out again by Cook to assist in quelling the mob who were making a real Disturbance in the streets. I saw a great number upwards of 100 assembled in the centre of the town & many fighting - I attempted to stop them I spoke them fair and tried to persuade them to disperse - John Pateman came up and said "I owe you an old Grudge and I'll serve you out" and immediately he knocked me down - Several more then came upon me I was knocked down again & kicked before I could get well up - I was afraid of being murdered by them. The mob were very violent there was a cry that it was me they wanted "Fletcher was wanted they said they didn't want to hurt Cook" My staff and Raule [?] were taken from me and thrown away" Signed Thomas Fletcher.
"Defence: John Crawley says I have nothing to say I think they were all tipsy together. William Singer I have nothing other to say they were all tipsy. John Pateman What Fletcher has said is very false - He struck me and I was under the Doctor's hands a fortnight.'
Level of description
item