QSR1835/3/5/MR

Depositions and examinations - Charles Cartwright, Josiah Wheeler, Job Underwood and Edward Underwood charged with riot at Millbrook on 12 May

16 May 1835

From: 1835 To: 1835

James Osborn – he lives at Cranfield and is relieving officer of the Western District of the Union of Ampthill. Last Tuesday he went to Millbrook which is in his District to make inquiry into the state of the paupers and to try to make arrangements for work for them. He was proceeding according to the orders he had received from the Board of Guardians. The overseer Mr Fane was apprised of his intention. He got there about 5 o’clock having previously agreed with Mr Swaffield for some land to employ the men on. He met about 30 men together in the village and said he supposed they were looking for him. Several said “yes, we want relief”. He said he had no relief to give in money but he had taken some land of Mr Swaffield to employ them on. Some of them said he must buy them some spades. He said he would not. He said he would show them the field and if they had no other employment they should work on it at such a price as would enable them to live. Further conversation passed and a number of them said they would not go to work in such a kind of way. Several then said they’d have money before he left the town. He told them he did not have any and they must wait until Friday as usual. He was present when they were relieved last Friday. He tried to pass on but was prevented by a man [‘Charles Cartwright’ deleted] who took hold of his pony’s bridle and said he should not go on until he had some money. He does not know the man’s name. By this time the crowd had increased. He reasoned with the man and he let go of the pony. He turned the pony’s head to go to Mr Cardale’s but the men nearest to him stopped him. The foremost were Job Underwood and the man who had seized the bridle. He jumped off his pony, rushed through the crowd and ran to Mr Cardale’s. The mob ran after him crying “stop him” and hooting. After Mr Cardale had spoken to them he and two other gentleman went with him to look after his pony. The mob kept round them all the time pressing so close as to push him on Mr Cardale. Job Underwood in particular did this. There was a great deal of shouting. When they got to the end of the village without finding the pony it appeared he could not get away and they went back to Mr Cardale’s. The mob followed, shouting and saying he should not leave the town until he had relieved them. Three married men by Mr Cardale’s directions came to the door. Cardale talked to them and explained that there was labour found for them and wages at the end of the week. They went back to the mob apparently satisfied. Three single men then did the same and apparently went back satisfied. About 7 o’clock he tried to go to the Public House where he had heard his pony was. Mr George Cardale went with him. As soon as they got out of Mr Cardale’s gate the mob surrounded them saying he should not go until they were relieved. About 15 or 20 men rushed against him and threw him down. He got up and was thrown down 3 or 4 times. George Cardale was also thrown down several times. The constable was with them and tried to protect them but could not. Among those who pushed him down were Cartwright, Wheeler and Job and Edward Underwood. His coat was torn and his hat knocked off. They succeeded in getting him up to the overseer’s house. Mr Fane came out and he said to the constable to tell Mr Fane to give them a shilling a piece. He was kept by the mob, of which Job Underwood was the most conspicuous, until they went in one by one to receive a shilling. Some of them said they should not let him go until they had their shillings. He recommended the overseer to give the money as he was afraid for his life. One man in the mob who he cannot recognize said “you shall not come into the town again – we have an overseer of our own and we will not have any money of you”, and “if you come into the own again you may expect to be murdered”. The rest of the mob applauded him and said “Damn him no more of him. Stay at home and look after your own business”. When many of them had received their money he got away. During all this time he noticed Cartwright, Wheeler and the two Underwoods, with another or two whose names he cannot learn.He did not then know the men but he now sees the prisoner Cartwright and knows him well. Charles Cartwright - he has nothing to say.

item

Cartwright, Charles,
Wheeler, Josiah,
Underwood, Job,
Underwood, Edward,
Osborn, James,
Cardale, George,
Fane,
Swaffield

MILLBROOK, AMPTHILL, rioting, relieving officer, Poor Law Unions, POVERTY