Llanidloes - The Chartist Outbreak
5
The cavalry rides into town
From Tuesday 30th April to Saturday 4th May 1839, Llanidloes remained quiet and orderly due to Chartist patrols. On the Saturday the troop reinforcements requested by the authorities arrived, including Infantrymen from Brecon and a combined force of Yeoman Cavalry - some 200 strong riding into town with sabres drawn.
The military encountered no resistance at all and doubtless soon judged that the response was excessive.
Part of a
reward notice
for the capture
of the Chartists
(right)
Montgomery jail
(far right)
Photograph by
kind permission of
Powysland Museum
The town was later sealed off and over thirty Chartists, including
three women, were arrested and sent to Montgomery jail. A military
garrison was maintained in the town until the summer of 1840.
Following the trial in July of those involved in the troubles,
three Llanidloes men, Abraham Owen, Lewis Humphreys, and James
Morris, a nineteen year old weaver, were transported from Woolwich
in October 1839. Others involved were imprisoned at Montgomery
for up to one year.
Five of the six demands of the "People's Charter" of
1838 (the exception being annually elected Parliaments) later
became part of the British constitution.
There are 5 pages on the Chartists. Use the box links below to view the other pages.
