Cornish Echo and Falmouth & Penryn Times – Saturday 11 October 1873
HUNTING THE POLICE AND RIOTING AT CAMBORNE
The police and the mining population of Camborne appear not to be able to saddle horses at all well. Some time ago, there was very personal and bitter controversy between the police and certain men who stated that they had been unnecessarily subjected to the law, and the feeling which was then engendered appears to have gradually intensified, and at last to have broken out in furious antagonism to the law. Tuesday last will be noted in the history of Camborne as the day of a desperate and disgraceful riot, calling to mind the bread riots which took place at Pool and Redruth about twenty-five years ago.
The immediate cause of the riot was the arrest and trial of two men named Bowden, the one for assaulting P.C. Harris, the other for rescuing him when taken into custody. The excitement among the mining population on the arrest of these men was considerable, and, some trouble being apprehended, Col. Gilbert, chief of the county constabulary, and thirty constables, came to the town on Tuesday morning. At the time of the trial on Tuesday morning, a crowd of about 3,000 persons had assembled around the police station and the Town Hall, adjoining the market house. The prisoners were brought down in the midst of about 20 of the police, and there was no attempt made to rescue them, the crowd being content to yell and throw stones at the policemen. But when P.C. Harris arrived in Clemo’s van to give evidence, a serious disturbance took place. The van was driven up to the side door (as P.C. Harris was still suffering from the effects of the assault), and the vehicle was protected by a body of policemen. As soon as the constable got out, a woman hit him over the head with an umbrella. This was a sufficient excitement to the mob, and several sticks were brought down on his head, which knocked him down. Had not Mr. W. Bickford-Smith, who was standing in the doorway, pleaded with the people, and in a heroic manner pulled out the constable from under their feet, it is thought more than likely that he would have received fatal injuries.
At the conclusion of the trial—at which the prisoners were sentenced to imprisonment in Bodmin jail—the crowd, which had been stoning the policemen as they dared to show themselves, watched eagerly for the prisoners to be brought out, but by a clever feint, they were got into a carriage at a side door and driven off nearly half an hour before the mob knew that they were gone. The mob then got in a greater rage and threw more stones. At last, one struck Inspector Pappin on the head, and it knocked him senseless to the ground. A general fight then ensued, the policemen using their staves freely, and the crowd resorting to stones, sticks, etc., but eventually the police forced their way out and had to run for their lives to the police station. Here the crowd soon made its way and took to smashing all the windows. They soon routed the police from the building, who had to fly in different directions to escape from their brutal pursuers.
In the meantime, the magistrates had ordered all the public houses to be closed, and application was made for military succour from Plymouth. A detachment of soldiers, consisting of 100 of all ranks, arrived in the course of the night and were billeted on the public houses. Since their arrival, no further disturbance has occurred.
We are glad to hear that no person is so seriously injured but that he is likely to recover. Inspector Pappin has his ear cut, but is progressing favourably, as are also Sergeant Currah, P.C. Burton, Manhire, and others. Nearly all the policemen are suffering from bruises and cuts, and doubtless there are also many rioters who have bruised and cut heads.
The glass in the Town Hall and Assembly rooms is almost all broken, some panes at Dr. Harris’s surgery, J. Quintrell’s (Railway Inn), and a large pane in the windows at Mr. Newman’s (Reynolds Arms). The mob believed that some policemen were in Newman’s house and forced an entrance. The soldiers still remain in the town, and hopes are entertained of the arrest and punishment of the ringleaders.
Analysis and Context: Life in Cornwall in 1873
The article vividly depicts the tension between the police force and the mining community in Camborne during the late 19th century. Key points for understanding life in Cornwall at the time include:
- Industrial and Mining Conflicts:
- Camborne was at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, where miners often faced harsh working conditions and economic instability. This bred resentment towards authority figures, particularly the police, who were seen as enforcers of an unjust system.
- Community Dynamics:
- The scale of the riot—3,000 people—suggests a tightly-knit and highly reactive community. The miners’ solidarity is evident in their willingness to confront law enforcement to defend their own.
- Law Enforcement and Public Order:
- The strained relationship between the police and the population reveals the challenges of maintaining order in a volatile, industrial setting. The reliance on military intervention underscores the severity of the situation.
- Role of Public Figures:
- Individuals like Mr. Bickford-Smith played pivotal roles in mitigating violence, illustrating how influential community leaders were during times of unrest.
- Infrastructure and Damage:
- The widespread destruction of property—Town Hall, Assembly Rooms, and local businesses—reflects the intensity of the riot and its impact on public and private spaces.
- Response to Riots:
- The swift closure of public houses and the deployment of soldiers highlight the authorities’ strategies to quell disorder, showing the importance of alcohol regulation and military presence in maintaining peace.
This event offers valuable insights for researchers and genealogists into the socio-economic pressures, community dynamics, and policing challenges in Victorian Cornwall. It also illustrates the historical backdrop against which families lived, worked, and interacted in mining communities.
Understanding Life in Cornwall in 1873: Insights for Researchers and Genealogists
The article from the Cornish Echo and Falmouth & Penryn Times offers a snapshot of life in Cornwall during the late Victorian period, highlighting the interplay between industrial, social, and economic factors. Below is a detailed analysis based on the reported riot in Camborne and its broader implications for life in Cornwall during this time.
1. Industrial Landscape and Mining Communities
- Economic Dependency on Mining: Cornwall in 1873 was heavily reliant on mining, particularly for tin and copper. Camborne, a mining hub, had a workforce that lived and breathed the industry. However, this reliance made communities vulnerable to fluctuations in global metal prices, leading to economic hardship and social unrest.
- Workforce Characteristics: Miners were skilled laborers with a strong sense of camaraderie. Many were tied to multi-generational mining families, and their livelihoods were closely linked to the success of local mines. For genealogists, this highlights the likelihood of ancestors in Cornwall being part of mining or related industries.
2. Social Tensions and Conflict
- Police-Mining Relations: The antagonism between the police and miners, as seen in Camborne, underscores the strained relationship between law enforcement and working-class communities. Police were often viewed as enforcers of laws that disproportionately targeted miners, such as public order offenses or disputes over wages and working conditions.
- Riots and Community Solidarity: The riot in Camborne reflects a collective resistance against perceived injustice. The scale of the riot, involving over 3,000 individuals, indicates a close-knit community willing to confront authority figures to defend their own.
3. Role of Authority and Public Order
- Magistrates and Police: Law enforcement faced immense challenges in maintaining order in such industrial towns. Their presence was often insufficient to handle large-scale unrest, necessitating support from higher authorities, such as magistrates or military forces.
- Military Involvement: The swift call for troops from Plymouth illustrates the reliance on military intervention during periods of intense conflict. This reliance on external forces to restore order highlights the limited resources of local authorities.
- Public Houses and Social Control: The closure of public houses during the riot emphasizes the role of alcohol in fuelling unrest. It also illustrates how magistrates attempted to curb violence by targeting social gathering spaces.
4. Community Leaders and Their Influence
- Local Leadership: Figures like Mr. Bickford-Smith played critical roles in diffusing violence. Such individuals, often respected landowners or businesspeople, could sway public sentiment and mediate between opposing groups.
- Religious and Moral Frameworks: Methodism and other religious movements were influential in Cornwall during this period, promoting values like sobriety and discipline. However, during riots or economic hardships, these moral frameworks were often tested.
5. Infrastructure and Urban Development
- Town Halls and Public Buildings: The damage to the Town Hall and Assembly Rooms during the riot shows that these were focal points for civic life. Such buildings often housed magistrates’ courts, administrative offices, and community events.
- Housing and Living Conditions: Miners and their families typically lived in tightly packed housing near the mines. Poor living conditions, coupled with economic instability, likely exacerbated tensions, contributing to events like the Camborne riot.
6. Genealogical Insights
- Migration Patterns: By the 1870s, many Cornish miners were emigrating due to declining mining prospects at home. Known as “Cousin Jacks,” they moved to mining regions in Australia, South Africa, and the Americas. If ancestors disappear from local records in this era, they may have emigrated.
- Family and Occupational Records: Records of riots, police actions, or court proceedings might provide genealogists with unexpected insights into ancestors who were involved in such events. Occupations listed in census records can also help trace family ties to mining or other industries.
- Community Networks: The strong sense of solidarity among miners and their families means genealogical ties are often found within the same village or parish. Parish records, nonconformist chapel registers, and mining company records are invaluable for tracing such connections.
7. Cultural and Historical Context
- Pride and Identity: Cornish identity in the 19th century was rooted in its distinct language, traditions, and industrial pride. While the language was in decline by this time, cultural traditions like mining songs and communal gatherings remained vibrant.
- Victorian Social Changes: The late 19th century saw significant societal changes, including the expansion of education and new public health measures. However, these advancements were slow to reach industrial areas like Camborne, where economic challenges often overshadowed progress.
Conclusion: Life in Cornwall in 1873
Life in Cornwall in 1873 was deeply intertwined with the mining industry, creating a unique blend of resilience, community solidarity, and periodic unrest. For researchers and genealogists, understanding events like the Camborne riot offers a window into the lives of ancestors who lived through turbulent times. It sheds light on the challenges they faced, the communities they built, and the ways they resisted authority in pursuit of justice and dignity.
The Cornish Echo and Falmouth & Penryn Times
The Cornish Echo and Falmouth & Penryn Times was a prominent newspaper serving the communities of Falmouth, Penryn, and surrounding areas in Cornwall, England. Its publication history reflects the dynamic nature of local journalism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Publication Timeline:
- 1861–1894: The newspaper began as the Falmouth and Penryn Weekly Times, and General Advertiser, with its earliest known issue dated 8 June 1861.
- 1894–1896: It underwent a title change to the Falmouth and Penryn Times and Cornish Echo, reflecting an expansion in its coverage and perhaps a merger or rebranding effort.
- 1896–1918: The newspaper adopted the title The Cornish Echo and Falmouth & Penryn Times, under which it continued publication until at least 1918.
Content and Features:
Politically independent, the newspaper provided a comprehensive mix of local and international news stories, catering to the interests of its readership. It included a railway timetable for Cornwall, poetry, and various other features pertinent to the local community. The publication was managed by Frederick H. Earle from The Quay in Falmouth.
Riots in Camborne: Mining Community Clashes with Police in 1873 – A Tale of Tension and Resistance #CamborneRiots #CornishHistory #VictorianEra #MiningHeritage
