QSR1855/1/5/14

Depositions of Joseph Allen, draper of Luton. In the case of Edward Pratt accused of disturbing the peace and causing terror and alarm.

22 November 1854

From: 1854 To: 1855

Joseph Allen: between 6pm and 7pm on 21 November, there was a mob of persons about Mr Drewett’s house in Park Street. They were making a great disturbance and endeavouring to force their way into Mr Drewett’s shop. After a little time, he got into the doorway and tried to keep them out of the shop. The prisoner was one of those who tried to get into the shop. He spoke to him 2 or 3 times and told him the consequences but he persisted until Mr Drewett closed the doors. Then the prisoner and others followed him down the road looting and throwing stones. 2 of the stone struck him. He did not know who had thrown them. There were 500 persons collected together and there was not only a tendency to violence but the mob tired to force themselves into the shop. The mob followed him down towards the Town Hall where he went to seek refuge. The prisoner was with them for some distance. He spoke to the prisoner by name more than once. 4 or 5 panes of glass in Mr Drewett’s window were broken whilst he was there. Statement of the accused: Mr Allen told him he would summon him and he asked what for. Allen said for struggling with him. He left and went away from Allen. He did not follow him a step up the street.

item

Pratt, Edward,
Allen, Joseph,
Drewett

LUTON, rioting, draper, Luton Park Street, vandalism