[List-Cumbria] Carlisle Journal, 03 Sep 1814 - Riot at Workington

[Petra Mitchinson]

Saturday 03 Sep 1814   (p. 3, col. 2)

 

RIOT AT WORKINGTON. 

 

On Saturday a quarrel took place between some English and Irish in a public-house; and very severe wounds were received in the
conflict by both parties: the chief magistrate used his utmost endeavours the next morning to restore order; not withstanding which,
symptoms of rioting were manifest the same evening, from crowds assembling and threatening an attack. The riot act was read, but the
mob could not be prevailed on to disperse. 

 

On Monday, a meeting was called to consider what steps might be taken to restore tranquility: it was agreed, by all present, that
the civil power should act to maintain the public peace. Between 30 and 40 special constables were sworn in, warrants issued, and
two men taken into custody, in consequence of their riotous proceedings the preceding evening, but the populace forcibly rescued
them. Encouraged by getting the mastery, the mob raged without controul; and whom they deemed what they called thrashers, they beat
unmercifully. The Irish were now seen fleeing from the town in all directions; their houses afforded them no protection, for the mob
entered their apartments by force, and those they suspected of the thrashing tribe were beaten with clubs, without restraint. 

 

On Thursday evening the most alarming circumstance took place. Between 7 and 8 o'clock a report was spread that the Irish, to the
amount of 400, were collected, and intended to attack the town: the inhabitants, of all descriptions, sallied forth with such
weapons as they could procure; the drum beat; and men of even the age of 60 were armed for the conflict: and many traversed the
streets all this night, as they had done the one preceding; since which time the crowds have gradually decreased. The military were
hourly expected, and then it is to be dreaded, some will pay dearly for their thoughtless conduct.

 

 

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